Design and fabrication of simple geometric patterns

• Main Author: Lua, Ying Han.
• Other Authors: Lee Yong Tsui
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Mechanical engineering
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/53425
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

Most of the pattern designs found in latticework consist of motifs that are arranged in a rhythmic manner. This project aims to design simple motifs and create patterns designs using created motifs. These patterns can be applied to structures like windows and doors. This is achieved by using a Computer Aided Design (CAD) software equipped with an Application Program Interface (API) program. Firstly, this project will look into the various principles of pattern design. Next, these principles will be applied to design an API program to automate pattern designs. API is an environment within the CAD software that uses a Visual Basic programming language that allows the programmer to design an API program that tap into the features of the CAD software. With the use of this API program, pattern designs can be automated and studied effectively. This API program is capable of designing motifs and arranging them into a pattern. Arrangement of motifs can be done using simple transformation and symmetry to achieve different pattern designs. Subsequently, the pattern can be edited for it to fit into frames of different size and shape. The effectiveness of the API program was evaluated by using it to create various pattern designs. It was found that the API program was able to automate pattern designs within certain design conditions. These design conditions are:  Square bordered motifs  Rotation of selected motifs about X, Y or Z axis to achieve transformations and symmetries  Square/ Round top frame As the development of this API program is still in its early stage, some of its existing functions are created to highlight the possibilities of using an API program to design patterns. Future undertakings can expand on the capabilities of this API program that create motifs of different shapes that fits into frames of different shapes. These expanded capabilities can further enhance study of pattern designs.