The origin of the idea comes from the previous press fit kits made with the laser cutter. The fact of avoiding the use of nails or glue to create structures made me follow this way…

antecedents

In order to create an object, I had to analyse all the products in the market, either by internet or visiting schools in Barcelona. Fortunately, I found a school for kids between 3 and 5 years old. The only toys related to transportation were the ones shown in the right: a plastic truck, and a plastic cart. They had fun but most of the time with the cart since they were able to carry each other, to push and pull, etc.

After talking with the principal I found out that the object has to be resistant to crashes, well structured since it has to tolerate the strength and weight of one or more kids, it should have colors, it should have many functions besides transportation (to keep objects), it should help to socialize or work together, and last but not least, some electronics being part of it might be good for interaction, and for learning very basic principles of electronics.

development of concept

After having a clear concept of the object, the next step is ergonomics. This is a very important fact because of the size and anatomy of the kids. The range I opted to work with is kids between 3 and 5 years old. As a reference I measured the smallest of 3 years old (Victor, 97cm), the middle 4 years old, (Orion, 1.08m), and the tallest of 5 years old (Tairo, 1.13m). The crutial one here is Tairo as he need more space to fit in the cart. Width of waist, length of arm, back, leg, hand and foot is necessary too.

With the measure taken, the next step was to draw a mannequin, and the object. The goal is that the kid can use it either sitting or standing up, everything structured by pressure. In order to push or pull it, it has circular hangs, so Nighty Lighty can be taken from any other position. The modeling has been done with Rhinoceros. Next, the use of the Shopbot for machining the plywood (material chosen for Nighty), laser cutter (for the 2mm acrylic), and the MDX-20 (for copper boards)

The following step is the electronics test. I decided to use 3 colors of LEDs, and they would light according to the level of light. If there is too much light, they would be red; if it is dark, the green ones are on, and the middle level is yellow. This idea comes from the previous assignment of ‘Inputs and outputs’. The source is 9V, but goes to a voltage regulator, so the output is 5V. The input is a light sensor. The component used is Attiny45, using PB3, PB4, and PB1 as outputs for the LEDS. Each output controls 12 LEDS, either red, green, or yellow.

Board that connects light sensor PCBs, switch, and batteries

Board for the eyes. Quantity of LEDs: 5 red, 5 yellow, 5 green (each eye)

Board for the neck. Quantity of LEDs per board: 1 red, 1 yellow, 1 green.

Board for light sensor, ATtiny45, connectors..

assemblingNighty Lighty

1

1 a b c d

First, follow the order of pieces: a, b , and c together. You will realize that c fits into b because of the circular hole where the switch is. After that, put d inside a, b, and c (they have the same hole), so that d will go inside as a transverse piece. It is important to notice that these pieces have to be in the middle of d.

1.1 1.2 1.3

2e f g h

2.1 2.2

Second, put e inside the structure assembled in 1. In this case, the user has the option to choose between f, g, and h. The function of this part is to help the kid grab the cart.

2.3 2.4

3i j

k

l

m n

3.1 3.2 3

Third, insert the axes l inside j and k (one wheel is bigger than the other one, be sure to put them the way shown above). After that, put the wheels on i. Then, put m and n. There are tow groups of these pieces. Repeat the process for both. Once all the group is gathered, join it as in 3.2, and be sure that the n piece faces the middle of the cart.

bigger smaller

4o p

4.1 4.2

To avoid pieces get separate, we use o and p. Both are used as transverse pieces. As you can see in 4.1, p goes to the front (short part) and o to the back (tall part)

o

p

5q

5.1

Next, use q as a seat. Make it fit on the car. It won’t fall or move thanks to its puzzle shape. Kids will be able to put things inside, such as toys, books, clothes, etc.

6r s

6.1

Finally, Nighty Lighty has the option to insert pieces r and s in the structure. In case Nighty is too tall, and feet don’t reach the ground, you might use r and s. If what you would like is that the kid uses his/her feet don’t use these pieces.

turn it on

To have Nighty Lighty working you will need 2 batteries of 9V each. The first step is to use a screwdriver in order to take the acrylic. After that, you will be able to connect or replace the batteries. In order to turn Nighty Lighty on, pull the seat and press the switch.

7

7.1 7.2 7.3

color proposal

distribution

-Games-Cartoons

Instructions, how to assemble, list of components

How do they do it? Origin of concept…

Creation of community to share files, give opinion/ideas, modify/improve, send from to anywhere, fabricate

schedule

Sensors, actuators and displays

budgeting

MADERAS ESTADELLA (http://www.maderasestadella.com/)

-Plywood 15mm (14.6mm) 40 -Plywood 18mm (18.4mm) 60

SERVEI ESTACIO (http://www.serveiestacio.com/)

-2mm acrylic (500x500mm) 13

BALIUS (http://www.balius.es/)

-Steel tube (10mm diameter, 500mm length) 4used 4 of 30mm

-Screws 28mm length, 3mm diameter27mm length, 3mm diameter

FARNELL (http://es.farnell.com/dialight/597-3401-407f/led-p1206-amarillo/dp/1519495)

-100 Dialight - 597-3401-407F - LED, P1206, yellow 17.60

-2 9V batteries 2.95 139.55