ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
*****************************************************************************

Joe & Eric are right on with the idea of making sure you don't provide too much handle (= lever arm). We are always juggling these various parameters and looking for that sweet spot. Especially when designing for one of the harshest environments on Earth.

Sent from my iPhone

On Mar 9, 2013, at 8:59 AM, Eric Siegel <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
> *****************************************************************************
> 
> On that note, we built a haptic internet based arm wrestling activity in 2003 or so with the estimable Lath Carlson.  We used parts built for robotic manufacturing of cars.  the kids shredded it in like two weeks.  I don't remember how we finally resolved it, but if you design for big physical interaction, the visitors will give it to you in large multiples.  So part of the question is, is there a way to build it so that it doesn't invite this kind of rough treatment.  Big red buttons are to be whammed, big cranks give lots of leverage and the opportunity for a few kids to "cooperate."  
> 
> From my point of view, it is our design, not the kids "bad" impulses that cause these kinds of problems.  We should design for the response we are looking for.  Hell, give an adult tools to cause havoc, they will be on it in a NY minute...like guns and cars.
> 
> Eric
> 
> On Mar 9, 2013, at 9:49 AM, Jason Jay Stevens <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> 
>> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
>> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
>> *****************************************************************************
>> 
>> 
>> A "torque limiter" can help.
>> Plus, we always recommend customizing off-the-shelf cranks. They're usually designed for big burly men. And as we all know, big burly men can't hold a candle to a classroom full of third graders.
>> BTW-- I recall seeing a pretty solid bicycle powered generator at an alternative energy fair several years ago. Like it had been designed for the application. I kick myself for not noting the manufacturer, but the fellow standing near it said he'd ordered it online. So they're out there (or were a few years ago). Of course, again, a gaggle of youth represents so much more havoc than any grown-up looking for ways to get off-grid. Probably still

***********************************************************************
For information about the Association of Science-Technology Centers and the Informal Science Education Network please visit www.astc.org.

Check out the latest case studies and reviews on ExhibitFiles at www.exhibitfiles.org.

The ISEN-ASTC-L email list is powered by LISTSERVR software from L-Soft. To learn more, visit
http://www.lsoft.com/LISTSERV-powered.html.

To remove your e-mail address from the ISEN-ASTC-L list, send the
message  SIGNOFF ISEN-ASTC-L in the BODY of a message to
[log in to unmask]