Revolve was a course final project where the goal was to used, CAD CAM and CNC machining skills to design something that took in rotational motion in one degree of freedom (a single motor) and create a more complex, visually appealing motion. We made Marcy, the Manta Ray, who moves through the ocean, while  flapping her wings. 

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​The base is approximately 12" in diameter and resembles the ocean waves through which the manta ray is swimming. Four legs support the base and make room for the motor to hang underneath. A complex gear system starts with the motor, allows the manta ray to revolve about the axis of the base, rotates a shaft that passes through the large tapered post and spins two cams shafts in the body of the manta ray. 

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The wings were divided into four segments that rise and fall sequentially to create a fluid wave-like motion of the wing. This is done with the help of egg shaped cams running on parallel cam-shafts, rotating in opposite directions. The two-piece cam-followers are brass and have a smooth sliding fit as they are sandwiched between the cam halves. This mechanism is supported by an aluminum structure designed to resemble a skeleton. 

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The wing mechanism was topped with carbon fiber wing shards and a body shell to highlight the motion and give it a manta ray shape. 

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