[Creative Treasure Box EP7] Creative Cable Decoration: Using Sloth-Themed Accessories

Hello everyone, I'm Teacher Sloth! In this series, Teacher Sloth will share some block creations, some may be complex mechanical designs, while others may be simple model creations, so that every time you click on an article, it's like opening a "Creative Treasure Box," always full of unexpected surprises!

Electrical appliances are an essential part of our daily lives. However, as we accumulate more devices, their cables often become tangled and disorganized, even after attempts to tidy them. Additionally, the fixed locations of power sockets and the limited length of cables make it challenging to arrange them neatly and efficiently.

If you face similar issues, don't worry—you’re not alone! Today, join Teacher Sloth in using Gigo building blocks to create a fun and creative sloth-themed wire decoration!

★ Preparation

Main Structure

This creation is unique! We'll use several C-BENDED RODS to form circular shapes, with the exact number depending on the cable length. To be safe, it's best to prepare at least five!

Connectivity Structure

To connect the circles, we can use various rods, such as C-3 HOLE DUAL ROD, C-5 HOLE DUAL ROD, or C-15 HOLE DUAL ROD. The choice of rod depends on the cable length and the specific design needs.

Circle Connection

Since most cables aren't perfectly straight, we'll use the C-HINGE to connect the circle to the rods. The C-HINGE allows for rotation at various angles, making it adjustable to different cable positions.

★ Assembly Steps

1. Start by opening the circle, wrapping it around the cable, and then assembling it securely.

2. After securing the first circle, connect the second circle to the rods. Repeat this process until all the cables are covered.

3. Once the main structure is complete, it's time to add paper decorations! You can draw your own or print a branch-shaped paper card of the appropriate length and attach it to the main frame.

4. Now it's time to create the sloth model! Once you've made it, you can place it anywhere on the branch. As a viewer of Teacher Sloth, I’m sure you’ll make each sloth absolutely adorable!

★ Completed Model
Below is a time-lapse video showcasing the transformation, along with before-and-after comparison pictures for your reference!

★ Scientific Principles
The scientific principles involved here are "tension" and "elasticity."
To accommodate varying degrees of cable bending, we use the C-HINGE that can rotate to any angle, connecting the circle to the rods. These C-HINGE mimic human joint movements, functioning by linking two rigid parts (the DUAL ROD and the C-BENDED ROD) through a movable connection that allows them to bend or rotate.

Once connected, the tension between the two parts enables them to extend forward to the desired position, much like how human muscles function. To prevent damage from excessive pressure during bending or rotating, the C-HINGE must have a certain level of elasticity. This elasticity absorbs the force and protects the components, similar to the protective function of human joints.

★ Postscript

This creation draws inspiration from the many pipeline beautification products available on the market, most of which use hemp rope for decoration. However, while visually appealing, the hemp rope can make these designs bulky and difficult to modify. This challenge sparked Teacher Sloth’s idea: why not achieve a similar effect more easily using building blocks?

Now, imagine the possibilities—what other themes could you explore beyond the sloth design? Perhaps a long train winding along the pipeline? A flowing river? Or even a vibrant garden? With a little creativity, the options are endless!

References:
Beautification of air conditioning pipes examples: Link

NGSS Curriculum:

K-2-ETS1-2       Develop a simple model based on evidence to represent a proposed object or tool.

K-PS2-1    Plan and conduct an investigation to compare the effects of different strengths or different directions of pushes and pulls on the motion of an object.

K-LS1-1    Use observations to describe patterns of what plants and animals (including humans) need to survive.

K-2-ETS1-3       Analyze data from tests of two objects designed to solve the same problem to compare the strengths and weaknesses of how each performs.

K-LS1-1    Make observations of plants and animals to compare the diversity of life in different habitats.