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Carlos Bravo
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Iris Mechanism Generator (Variant 2)
Carlos Bravo
in
Modeling
6
0
Intermediate
This model is part of a series of Iris Mechanisms I began designing during the pandemic, and it now receives an update after several years. The original model uploaded a few years ago is available here: š https://grabcad.com/library/iris-generator-model-2-1 Unfortunately, due to GrabCADās community policies, it has been flagged as ātainted due to a violation of community guidelinesā and is no longer publicly visible unless accessed directly. š ļø About this Variant This version features flexible leaves that overlap each other and are inspired by this YouTube post: š https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkaN07fCG3w Unlike other iris designs with rigid pivots or sliding slots, this variant proposes a softer, layered motion between blades. The number of leaves is calculated automatically depending on the dimensions of the mechanism, particularly the inner and outer radius. This model includes three different configurations, each with a distinct leaf width (r_ext_blade). The shape of each leaf is defined by a sketch that can be easily modified to suit your application. Each leaf requires two pivot points: - One at the base, to enable revolute rotation - Another at the tip, to connect with a sliding mechanism (a slotted guide or equivalent linkage) š Important: Due to how SolidWorks handles the blade instances in the assembly, they donāt appear in their final stacked order. Make sure to assemble them physically following the correct sequence for proper motion. āļø Notes Be sure to open the assembly file, as the parts are dimensionally linked to the assembly (parametric relationships are defined there). Feel free to use or modify this model however you'd like. (Letās hope GrabCAD doesnāt flag this one again š )
SOLIDWORKS
equiation
parametric
mechanism
Iris Mechanism Generator (Variant 1)
Carlos Bravo
in
Modeling
6
1
Intermediate
This is another variant from my Iris Mechanism Series, which I originally started designing back during the pandemicāand now, after several years, it receives a much-needed update. The original model I uploaded a few years ago was: š https://grabcad.com/library/iris-generator-model-1-1 However, it was unfortunately marked as "tainted due to a violation of community guidelines" by GrabCAD. This variant uses flexible overlapping blades, inspired in part by this post: š https://www.instructables.com/Mechanical-Iris-Card-Improved/ In this design: - The number of blades is calculated automatically based on the thickness of the base plate. - There are a few geometric constraints: the inner radius must be smaller than the outer radius, and the maximum supported configuration is when the outer radius is exactly twice the inner radius. The blade shape provided is just a draft, so feel free to customize it to your needs. Use the sketch as a starting point, and modify it to suit your aesthetic or functional goals. ā Note: Be sure to open the full assembly, as all blade dimensions and positions are driven by equations and references from the assembly itself. Feel free to use or adapt this model however you like! (And hopefully, GrabCAD wonāt flag this one again š )
SOLIDWORKS
mechanism
equation
parametric
Iris Mechanism Generator (Variant 6)
Carlos Bravo
in
Modeling
9
1
Intermediate
This model is part of a series of Iris Mechanisms I began designing during the pandemic, and it now receives an update after several years. The original model uploaded a few years ago is available here: š https://grabcad.com/library/iris-generator-model-5-1 Unfortunately, due to GrabCADās community policies, it has been flagged as ātainted due to a violation of community guidelinesā and is no longer publicly visible unless accessed directly. š ļø About this Variant This version features somewhat triangular leaves that slide against each other. The mechanism operates through two plates: A base plate with straight linear guides, which define the opening/closing position of each leaf A driving plate with curved slots, which actuate the iris motion through controlled displacement This model is a schematic representation, so any manufacturing considerationsāsuch as tolerances between pins and slotsāare left to the discretion of the designer using this as a starting point. āļø Notes Be sure to open the assembly file, as the parts are dimensionally linked to the assembly (parametric relationships are defined there). Feel free to use or modify this model however you'd like. (Letās hope GrabCAD doesnāt flag this one again š )
SOLIDWORKS
parametric
mechanism
equations
Iris Mechanism Generator (Variant 5)
Carlos Bravo
in
Modeling
7
0
Intermediate
This model is part of a series of Iris Mechanisms I began designing during the pandemic, and it now receives an update after several years. The original model uploaded a few years ago is available here: š https://grabcad.com/library/iris-generator-model-3-1 Unfortunately, due to GrabCADās community guidelines, it has been flagged as ātainted due to a violation of community guidelinesā and is no longer publicly visible unless accessed via direct link. š ļø About this Variant In this version, the actuation is achieved by rotating the driving plate. This plate interacts with slots (guides) on each leaf, which in turn execute the opening or closing of the iris. The mechanism has been successfully tested with 4 to 7 leaves, though I do not recommend using only 4, as the slot approaches too close to the edge of the plate. Suggested maximum opening angles (r_max) are: 4 leaves ā up to 45Ā° 5ā6 leaves ā around 40Ā° to 35Ā° 7 leaves ā up to 30Ā° Please review the model carefully and test parameters cautiously before applying them in a final design. āļø Notes Open the full assembly file, as part dimensions and parameters are linked directly to it via parametric references. Feel free to use or modify this model as you see fit. (And fingers crossed GrabCAD doesnāt report it again š )
SOLIDWORKS
mechanism
parametric
equations
Iris Mechanism Generator (Variant 4)
Carlos Bravo
in
Modeling
0
0
Intermediate
This model is part of a series of Iris Mechanisms I began designing during the pandemic, and it now receives an update after several years. The original model uploaded a few years ago can be found here: š https://grabcad.com/library/iris-generator-model-3-1 However, due to GrabCAD's community policies, it has been flagged as "tainted due to a violation of community guidelines" and is no longer publicly searchable. š ļø About this Variant This version is an Iris Generator where the leaves pivot from one of their ends, and must rotate to open or close the mechanism. Iāve tested this configuration with 4 to 7 leaves, using the following recommended maximum opening angles (r_max): 4 leaves ā up to 45Ā° 5ā6 leaves ā around 40Ā° to 35Ā° 7 leaves ā up to 30Ā° The leaves must move reciprocally, meaning they should all rotate the same amount in opposite directions to maintain symmetry. This motion is not included in the modelāyou, as the designer, can implement the drive mechanism using gears, pulleys, linkages, or any transmission system of your choice. āļø Notes Make sure to open the full assembly file, as the parts are dimensionally linked to the main assembly (parametric constraints are defined at the assembly level). This model was designed with parametric intent and can be customized for different leaf counts or outer diameters.
SOLIDWORKS
equations
mechanism
parametric
