Figure 1: The Final Product
The VuePod needed 4 steel frames to support the 12-55” 3D TV’s. One of the main purposes of the VuePod was to
build a low-cost immersive visualization system. Keeping this purpose in mind it was decided
to hire a student that would be able to weld and build the frames. 4 frames were required, with 3 TV’s mounted
to each frame.
Each frame required:
- 75’ of 1” square steel tubing 1/16” thick
- 10’ of perforated steel angle
- 4’ of perforated steel
- 12 - 2 ½” x 9/16” Steel Bolts
- 18 - 1 ½” x 9/16” Steel Bolts
- 8 - 1” x 7/16” Steel Bolts
- 2 - 25 lb Concrete blocks
- 3 - Rocketfish - Low-Profile Tilting Wall Mount for Most 32" to 70" Flat-Panel TV's - Black
The first step was to cut the steel using a gravity fed band
saw. Certain pieces required holes to
connect to the perforated steel angle and other steel pieces. A drill press was used to drill the holes. After cutting all of the pieces and drilling
the holes, a MIG welder was used to build the frames. Figure 2
shows a typical weld. Figure
3
shows the completed welded frame.
After welding, the different pieces were assembled to
accommodate the desired height and angle for the TV’s as shown in Figure
4.
It was important that the TV’s matched
and lined up properly.
Figure 4: Arm Component
Lastly, the 3 mounts were bolted to the frames using the 1”
x 7/16” steel bolts.
Figure 5
shows the how the center TV was mounted to the frame.
Figure 5: Center TV Attachment
Then the TV’s were placed on the mounts. Figure
6
shows the lined up TV’s, and although not perfect, when the TV’s are on and
lights are off it is difficult to notice the lack of perfection.
Figure 6: Individual Frame with Mounted TV's
The concrete blocks were poured and given time cure before
they were placed on the mounts. The
concrete blocks were used as counter weights to keep the TV’s from falling
forward. Figure
7
shows a concrete block. The frames were
designed as such to be able to support themselves, but the blocks add extra
safety and security.
Figure 7: Concrete Block
Figure 1 shows the final frames and their layout. Figure 8 shows a hand drawn sketch that was
used to build the frames. Safety
precautions were taken throughout the process and proper PPE was worn.
Figure 8: Hand Drawn Sketch of a Frame
For questions, please comment with contact information.
