Fișa disciplinei:

FI-D SFA-133 Sisteme tehnice in design.pdf

Department:

Study of Form and Ambience

Course Leader:

lect. Mihaela Lăcraru

Learning outcomes:

The course provides students with an in-depth understanding of mechanical principles and how they can be integrated into product and furniture design. The emphasis is placed on the relationship between form and function, the analysis of motion, and the transformation of technical concepts into creative, sustainable, and adaptable design solutions. The course aims to develop technical thinking aligned with contemporary design practices and emerging trends such as circularity, modularity, biodesign, and smart furniture.

Content:

Course 1 – Introduction and the Application of Mechanisms in Transformable Furniture Design
Introduction to the principles of technical systems and analysis of how mechanisms can be integrated into transformable furniture to enhance functionality and adaptability.

Course 2 – Simple Mechanisms I: The Lever and Pivoting Motion
Study of the lever as a fundamental mechanism for balance and force transmission, applied to everyday objects and furniture.

Course 3 – Simple Mechanisms II: The Pivot and Axial Motion
Analysis of rotational motion around a fixed axis and the application of pivoting principles in joints and adjustable structures.

Course 4 – Simple Mechanisms III: The Pulley and Its Applications
Exploration of pulley types and the principles of vertical motion transmission, with examples from lightweight systems and suspended structures.

Course 5 – The Pendulum and Oscillatory Motion
Examination of periodic motion and oscillation phenomena as applied to balanced furniture and kinetic structures.

Course 6 – Joints and Degrees of Motion
Identification of types of joints and degrees of freedom in relation to the complex movements of furniture components.

Course 7 – The Spring and Damped Motion
Analysis of the elastic behavior of materials and the role of springs in shock absorption and enhancing comfort in design objects.

Course 8 – Gears and Transmitted Rotational Motion
Study of the operating principles of gears and motion transmission through gear systems used in extendable and adjustable furniture mechanisms.

Course 9 – Linear Mechanisms and Guiding Systems
Understanding controlled linear movements through rods, rails, and sliders, commonly used in drawers and movable panels.

Course 10 – Sliding Motion
Observation of sliding mechanisms in real applications and analysis of constructive solutions for precision, ergonomics, and durability.

Course 11–12 – Bionics and Nature-Inspired Motion
Exploration of biomimetic principles and movements inspired by living organisms, translated into concepts of adaptive furniture and functional design.

Course 13 – Automation and Intelligent Control Systems
Presentation of automation principles and the integration of sensors, actuators, and digital control in contemporary furniture design.

Course 14 – Circular Design
Analysis of circular design principles and ways in which a product’s life cycle can be optimized through sustainable and regenerative technical solutions.

Teaching Method:

Courses - online lectures on the ZOOM platform, computer examples, study on three-dimensional representations

Assessment:

Assessments during seminars – 60% of the final grade
Final project – 40% of the final grade
Development of a functional concept model incorporating at least two mechanisms, demonstrating applied usability. Materials are chosen freely by the student. The project must be presented on the exam day.

The overall average of all assessments must be at least 5 (five) in order to pass the course.
Further information regarding the exam organization can be obtained at: mihaela.lacraru@uauim.ro

Bibliography:

• Sorin Vlase, Mecanică cinematică, Editura Infomarket, 2010
• Sorin Vlase, Mecanică statică, Editura Infomarket, 2008
• Neil Sclater, Nicholas Chironis, Mechanisms and mechanical devices sourcebook Publisher McGraw-Hill, 2007
• Traian Demian, Mecanisme de mecanică fină, Editura Didactică și Pedagogică București,1982
• Anna Yudina, Furnitecture, Furniture That Transforms Space, Publisher Thames & Hudson Ltd, 2024
• Elisabeth Darby, Re-issue, Re-imagine, Re-make. Appropriation in Contemporary Furniture Design, Publisher Lund Humphries Publishers Ltd, 2020
• Paul Jackson, Folding Techniques for Designers, Publisher Quercus Publishing, 2022
• Joel Beath, Elizabeth Price, Never Too Small: Reimagining small space living, Publisher Thames & Hudson, 2021
• Julius Panero, Martin Zelnik, Human Dimension & Interior Space: A Source Book of Design Reference Standards, Publisher Watson-Guptill, 1979
• Sandra Persiani, Biomimetics of Motion: Nature-Inspired Parameters and Schemes for Kinetic Design, Publisher Springer, 2019