Blair Plum
Powered Taxidermy Stand
Nayland College, Nelson
Year 12 L2 Technology, Two terms
Teacher: Damian Roughan
Blair was challenged to develop a technology solution controlled by pneumatics, mechanics or hydraulics (or some combination of these) that would perform a dirty, difficult, dangerous or dull task. His stakeholder was a taxidermist who required an adjustable mount for holding animal heads so that work could be done on them comfortably and from a number of levels. The stakeholder required the stand be safe, portable, washable, and ergonomic.
Blair chose to create a hydraulic system to raise and lower the mount, using tap water pressure as the power source. He built the hydraulic rams using PVC ram cylinders and PVC pistons sealed with 'O' rings. The control device, a PVC spool valve, was housed in acrylic plastic. Garden irrigation fittings (4mm) were used for the plumbing.
Teacher comment
"The calculations of pressure equalling force over area in determining ram cylinder diameter and the operation of the control through the development of spool valves designed for specific functionality is all interesting and extending stuff both for the students and for me. This and the engineering language and practice involved is all good experience."
