Date: Sat, 20 Sep 2008 07:00:41 -0500
To: puptcrit-AT-puptcrit.org
From: Joe Dunfee <joe-AT-dunfee.com>
Subject: Re: [Puptcrit] Mini animatronic hands help?


There are a few issues to address. The first being the lever 
arm.  This is how far away from the center of the joint is the from 
the place the monofilament pulls. The next is the resistance to 
bending that the fingers have.  Then, finally the amount of friction 
being caused by the pulling the monofilament through what ever tube 
you are using to guide it (though I see to recall that it is just a 
straight pull from the hand to the elbow)

You can increase the lever arm by moving the monofilament attachment 
point further inward.  Or, perhaps more easily by attaching a bump or 
bead underneath the monofilament right where it attaches. If the palm 
must be visible and the mechanism not show, then you might disguise 
it by thickening the palm.  As an alternative, If the back of the 
hand is hidden , then perhaps modify it by cutting into into the back 
of the hand and severing the existing connection. Then create a new 
pivot point by gluing a strip of cloth over the back of the hand 
while the hand is held in its most closed position.  This may also 
provide a softer joint that is easier to bend.

Of course, you can make two sets of hands, and only use the one 
necessary for the particular footage being shot.

The Thunderbirds (the British science fiction show) had their own 
solution... actual human hands being used for close ups.  Perhaps a 
composite image made possible by modern imaging techniques could be 
another alternative along the same lines.

Joe Dunfee  joe-AT-dunfee.com
Gordonville, Pennsylvania, U.S.A. 

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