18' Mechanical Iris

After much research on the functions of different Iris mechanisms, I created the initial linkage designs in Fusion 360. The technical design consists of two rings, one suspended within the other. Each of the twelve leaves were connected to a perpendicular slider on the outer most ring, and a pivot point on the inner ring, so as the inner ring rotates the leaves change angle and close the iris.

5' prototype of the mechanical iris, made out of laminated CNC cut plywood and Masonite leaves.

The plywood was cut, and we laminated the two layers together of the inner and outer rings, assembled the steel frame, and rigged the structure to hang.

We worked on installing the leaves all the way around the Iris, testing as we go.

Once we had the Iris running consistently smooth, I painted it with my HVLP, by dusting the paint onto the leaves to try to prevent them from warping.