Cube Box (2006 - 2010)
Progress November 2006 - May 2008
May 2008
More Research
Back in New York I do more research on small hydraulic cylinders but to no avail. But the vision stays.
April 2008
Switzerland
During my stay in Switzerland I resume the conversation with Albert about the Cube Box and its lifting mechanism in particular. He suggests a meeting with a Swiss firm specialized in hydraulics with whom he had worked on several projects in the past that required custom made parts. A meeting with a representative of Oelhydraulik Hagenbuch AG takes place and we learn that a precisely synchronized operation of four points of load was basically impossible to achieve with either a hydraulic or a pneumatic technology. Additionally the parts would be quite bulky and rather expensive. Nevertheless two weeks later we receive a proposal with an estimate from the Swiss firm. After a phone conversation with Albert we decide to go our own way.
January 2008
Cube Box
After the presentation of the Cube on January 26th to a potential client, it was time to focus on the Cube Box, a device that would enable the Cube to travel securely and to be staged quickly and with ease.
December 2007
The Cube Is Finished!
As it was the goal the Cube is finished by the very end of December. The blasting of the aluminum parts with glass beads that gives the material the desired matt finish with the feels of a satin touch, is finally done.
June/July 2007
Switzerland
While visiting Switzerland I spend some time together with Albert in the mountains. We continue our discussions about a possible box for the Cube, the Cube Box, and its mechanism to lift itself. The lofty air ensures a lot of fun but few results.
April 2007
Albert in New York
During Albert’s visit in New York City we briefly touch the subject Cube Box again while we do some modifications on the newly acquired lathe for what I also get some lessons from Albert in how to operate it. No particular results regarding the mechanism.
November 2006
Albert in New York
I talk with my brother during his stay with me in New York City about a possible mechanism lifting the Cube Box with the Cube in it while he helps me perform some improvements and repairs on some of my machinery. He also advises me on the acquisition of a small lathe.
It is fun brainstorming over a concept that is based on an achievement by NASA funded by millions of dollars. But the first sketches of a simple lifting mechanism with either hydraulic or pneumatic components reveal the challenge we are facing. We need small but powerful fixtures that we cannot find ready-made in catalogues or on the internet. Something like that most likely would have to be custom-made if it was possible all together. It would not hurt to have some tiny slice of a NASA-like budget ... But the fascination with it stays!
Earliest sketch on the Cube Box. Some notes have been added later.
In this early sketch we were looking for a structurally sound platform with minimal hight. The Cube should be able to roll onto the platform that would be part of the Cube Box with ease.
