In this project, I was given an LED light base and had to create a lampshade with a lattice structure using generative design. The lampshade needed to be able to fit into the light base. I used the software OpenSCAD to complete this project.
The Design
The building block for my design is a twist with three strands. Each of the strands are created with small cylindrical disks that are stacked vertically, following a path defined by sine and cosine functions. The radius of each disk is also a function of its vertical position so that the strand is thicker at the bottom and thinner at the top. Using the hull() function connects each of the disks to create the continuous strand. Each strand is offset by a certain amount which creates the interlacing effect.
The design sits on top of a circular base which is attached to a thin rectangular piece that goes into the slot of the LED light. The size of the circular base can be changed as well to accommodate the positions of the twists. For larger circular bases, I create a washer instead of a dish so that more light can come out of the base. This design creates a stable base for the lamp.
Unlimited Variations
Unlimited designs can be created from this building block by changing a number of parameters. These include:
Starting position
The degree to rotate each twist (set of 3 strands) about the z-axis
The number of twists
Below are some variations based on different combinations of parameters.
12 twists, positioned equally around a circle of radius 3, rotation is 30 degrees.
Side View
Top View
12 twists, positioned equally around a circle of radius 3, rotation is -30 degrees.
Side View
Top View
6 twists, positioned at origin, rotation is 60 degrees.
Side View
Top View