Fringe-i Video

Fabric System Final Prototype Diagram

Fabric System Final Prototype Video

Fabric System Final Prototype Description

Fabric Storage System

The fabric storage system by Manfred Au and Janice Leung is an interactive system designed for the fabric retail stores in Hong Kong, where heavy rolls of fabric are usually piled on the shelves or lined up in rows against the wall. The system does not only turn the originally inconvenient and painstaking process of handling fabric into a fun and interactive experience, but also creates aesthetic value to the shop environment.

Inside the store, units of fabric storage systems are mounted on the walls, forming an array of fabric rolls that creates a variety of color and texture in the interior of the shop. When the systems move, they become moving texture walls that interact with users.

The motion of the system depends on the user’s proximity and hand gestures. As the user draws near, the system slows down to give a better view of the fabric. With simple hand gestures, the user can control the system to stop, turn in different directions, or rolling the fabric in / out.

Fabric System Final Prototype Photos

Pulling out

Prototype 4 Photos

Prototype 4 Video

Prototype 3 Video

Prototype 3 Photos

Prototype 2 Video

Prototype 2

Original design of the conveyor belt system
- 2 pulleys (1 on the top, 1 at the bottom)
- 2 gears (both in the middle)
- Belt with small units attached (for holding the rods)

Problem encountered
- The belt cannot turn efficiently with the gears in the middle
- The glue is not strong enough to hold the small units on the belt firmly


Solution
- The gears should be placed at the top & the bottom in the next protoype
- Replace the belt with a chain that includes teeth

Will replace the screws with something else in the next model

Prototype 2 Pictures

Mechanical parts - Turning the fabric roll

Turning the fabric roll
- This set of mechanical parts for turning the fabric roll is driven by 2 motors
>one for moving towards the fabric roll, and another for turning the roll.
- It is more convenient to view or cut the fabric after it has been rolled out.

Mechanical parts - Hanging the fabric roll

Hanging the fabric roll
- The fabric roll is hung onto the rod.
- It hangs securely onto the system but can be taken out easily for changing the fabric.

Mechanical parts - Conveyor belt

Conveyor belt
The conveyor belt system is driven by the gears and motor.
The motion is controlled by sensors.

Overall Fabric System

Overall System

The Fabric Storage System enables:
clear view of all fabric rolls
easy access efficient storage

-The pair of units move together in
synchronization
- Users can control the movement with sensors

Single Unit

Single Unit
When a fabric roll reaches a specific position, the user can control the system to turn the roll and let the fabric out (and also to withdraw it)

Fabric System Protype 1

Fabric System Movies 1

Fabric Shops Photos

Ex 3

Ex 2

Fabric Storage System

The fabric storage system is aimed for fabric retail shops in Hong Kong, where it is always an inconvenient and painstaking process to retrieve and return heavy rolls fabric that are often piled on the shelves or lined up in rows against the wall. In the system, rolls of fabric are attached onto a conveyor belt system that is on the wall. Users can let the rolls run until they choose one they want to see and retrieve it by automation.