A PNEUMATIC SYSTEM DESIGN TOOLKIT FOR LEARNING AND CREATIVE APPLICATIONS

Pneumatic systems are increasingly utilized in various fields. Applications of such systems include interactive installations, architectural skins, bionic designs, wearables, soft robotics, and more. This trend has heightened the need for professionals in design and art to integrate pneumatic systems into their work. However, most pneumatic simulation software emphasizes the expertise of devices; operating logic in different fields can become obstacles for designers. In this paper, we introduced a lightweight toolkit for interactive planning of pneumatic systems in design, built on the parametric modelling software Rhino Grasshopper. Our toolkit focuses on the comprehensive consideration of space, equipment, human sensory experience, and interactive scenarios. Users can map real equipment functions onto a virtual model within the 3D software, and these elements are organized in virtual space and linked in the visual programming interface to form the pneumatic system's initial framework. Three pneumatic design cases are used to test the toolkit, including one displayed at an art and technology exhibition. An integrated workflow is shown to produce preliminary pneumatic system diagrams and interactive scenario simulations. This proposed approach provides opportunities for integration and creative applications in the pneumatic and design fields based on modelling software familiar to designers.