postcard toys

These plans and videos are scaled for 6×4″ postcards and 2mm split pins. The parts are laser cut from 500gsm card. They accompany a poster presented at the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, 2024.

A simple demonstration of vertical axis joints allowing near-straight-line horizontal, sliding translation.
WattsStraighlinePostcardDownload
Watts_4barDownload
A demonstration that multiple vertical-axis joints enables sliding across the horizontal plane, including straight-line motion.
ToadPostcardDownload
Toad_toCutDownload
Creation and operation of a serratus/scapula model showing how sequential 4-bar linkages can support a straight-line sliding motion.
SerratusPostcardDownload
Serratus_LegsDownload
Serratus_musclesDownload
Operation of a mammal hindlimb model that engages a series of 6-bar linkages enabling near-straight-line, horizontal, sliding weight support.
Pelvis_6_barPostcardDownload
6barLinksToCutDownload
2x6_bars_with_backingDownload
A model of the series of linkages engaged in and smoothing the step-to-step transition of human walking.
HumanWalkPostcardDownload
HumanWalk_mostlyLegsDownload
HumanWalk_bodiesDownload
Related talk at the annual meeting of the Society for Integrative and Comparative Biology, 2024
scaling of gait & posture
legs as linkages
galloping
human legs & feet
quadruped walking
wings & tails
toys & demonstrators
postcards
tripawds