ESQUISSE TWO - LOCKING SYSTEMS

In this project we were asked to explore the idea of locking systems by creating three separate examples of how two materials can be locked together without using fixings or glues. Following on from esquisse one the materials we are working with are Bolsa wood and 1mm wire.



EXAMPLE ONE

I touched on the idea of locking systems in esquisse one with the pin and brace idea. The brace or folded wire element fits around two separate pieces of Bolsa with a pin threading through both pieces to hold the brace in place. My first example explores this idea further by placing extra pressure on the Bolsa to create a slight curve.








EXAMPLE TWO

In the second example I started to think about forming the locking systems into pieces that relate to the structure of stools or chairs. I threaded two pieces of Bolsa wood together to create an X shape. A third piece of Bolsa sits between the X shape creating the seat. A single piece of wire is then pierced through the seat and fins of the X shape on one side, threaded across the bottom and then back up the other side and through the seat panel in the same way. When pressure is placed on the seat panel it increases the strength and stability of the stool as gravity creates force placing tension on the wire and locking the stool into place.









EXAMPLE THREE

I was very happy with the simplicity and effectiveness of this example and believe it has great potential for the final project. The locking system employed is extremely simple, just a set of pins and gravity to hold the pieces together. Slots cut into the vertical pieces of Bolsa allow for horizontal pieces to fit through these slots and be locked into place by a simple pin.



After using a single horizontal panel as shown above, the shape of panels was changed and a second horizontal panel was inserted to provide another locking point. This prevented movement in the lower part of the stool and allowed the pin to be firmly secured at two points. The panels are all the same size, two have slots cut into them and two have corners cut off and a small hole made so they may be inserted and pinned into place. See below for the kit of parts.



From this simple kit of parts the final model was made.








I would like to expand on this idea for the final project. I would like to refine the proportions and styling of the piece and consider additions to the kit of parts so that the product may be used in a more flexible manner. Ideas include changing the size of the panels to alter the size and shape of the seats for different applications and also combining or fashioning the pins into small side tables, shelves or plant holders.