Iris Mechanism

The youtube algorithim blessed me with a video that explored how birefringence in materials combined with polarizers created a super unique effect. I wanted to design a small "lens" with a polarizer + plastic sheet behind a acrylic circle to create a looking glass for this effect. I added a protective diaphgram to help keep the front and back elements from getting fingerprints or scratches when its bounced around in my backpack. This iris mechanism features a dual sided open and close mechanism controlled by a dial, 8 blades to balance the geometric effect of the triangular blades with the actual circular apeture, and knurls to increase grip.

I added global variables (N) and (Slot Length) to parametrically update the number (N) of blades in the design as well as the Slot Length to control how far the blades open up or close