The inspiration for this project came from a model I designed and attempted to fabricate for an Industrial Design project many years ago. The aim of the original project was to create a vessel, consisting of identical interlocking / joining members. The material was limited to a 2' x 2' sheet of 1/4" hardboard, like Masonite. One concept I came up with was to create a quarter arc ring shape with fingers that would connect into square holes. The original 3D model produced an interesting geometric half spherical shape. The physical model did not prove to be as successful, because it required the joints to be very tight, just to keep the vessel together. As seen in the mockup photos, I was only able to keep the vessel together using tape. I ended up going with another design for the project, but I have never quite been able to let the original design go. After many years I finally decided to revisit that original design, in an attempt to create a more rigid and complete vessel. The new version of the vessel kept the basic design, but is held together with pins and special decorate joints.
Original 3D model and prototype of the Joinery Vessel.
New Joinery Vessel, fully assembled.
The new vessel is much more stable with its 5 points of surface contact.
Assembly of the bowl sections, before they are secured with top / bottom caps and pins.
Bottom Cap
Top Cap
Bowl sections secured with the bottom cap and pins.
Bowl sections completely joined with top / bottom caps and pins.
Alignment of the lateral ring sections. The top and bottom ring sections are joined to each other via a larger pin, shown in black.
Ring section joint
Assembled ring section using the ring joint, secured with small pins.
