The solar system has always inspired furniture design, and YouTuber “The 5439 Workshop” has taken this to another level by creating a unique coffee table featuring a miniature, mechanically exploding star system under its glass top. While not a highly practical table, it is definitely a fascinating piece of art. The DIY creator designed a special mechanism to drive inclined orbits in the orrery, making the planets move in tilted paths, which is quite eye-catching.
The table is crafted from cherry wood and aluminum, featuring a round glass top that reveals the intricate orrery underneath. This mechanical orrery represents a star system with planets moving in tilted orbits, and it also includes a unique exploding star effect. The whole mechanism works like clockwork, driven by precise gears and components.
The mechanism that drives the tilted orbits in the orrery uses a clever but straightforward design. The gear rings that hold the planets are angled, not flat, and these rings are turned by vertical shafts connected through gears mounted on knuckle joints that are flexible pivot points similar to mechanical elbows. This setup allows the gears to move smoothly even though they are positioned on tilted planes.
Each planet orbits with its own unique tilt, and the sun features a mechanical “explosion” effect. Most parts of the sun are produced using selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printing. The design mimics clockwork, with panels that expand and retract to simulate an explosion.
Also Read: DIYer Builds an Interactive Multimedia Coffee Table for Less Than $700
The maker skillfully combines woodworking, metalworking, 3D printing, and coding to create this mechanical orrery coffee table. It serves both as functional furniture and a captivating conversation piece, especially for those who love astronomy. A standout feature is the exploding sun, which acts like a programmable wheel using a double ratcheting mechanism, adding a mesmerizing dynamic to the star system model.
Check out the video below:
Via: Hackaday
