Grouping: Pairs
Take-home: Hydraulic mechanism
Key ideas: Fluid pressure, leverage, mechanical advantage, range vs force tradeoff.
Start with: Use the same syringe system at two pivot locations and compare motion/force.
Success check: Lift a standard load to a target height or close claw on a standard object.
Try changing: Pivot location; syringe size; arm length; claw jaw shape.
Preparation: Pre-cut tubing and structural pieces; prep filled demo systems.
CNC preparation: CNC arms, pivot holes, base plates.
3D-print preparation: Print syringe clamps and axle bushings.
Lesson flow: Day 1: cylinders/linkages
Day 2: assemble
Day 3: test/refine
Video:
How to Build a Hydraulic Claw
Safety and cleanup: Needle-free syringes only; water spills contained in trays.
https://www.instructables.com/Easy-Hydraulic-Machines/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7Td9MfyxH8