1. Planning

1.1 Engineering Design (Deep Dive Videos)





View the entire “Deep Dive” episode by using the following links. 


http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=M66ZU2PCIcM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=pVZ8pmkg1do
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=nyugyrCQTuw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=nyugyrCQTuw

Please answer the following questions based on the videos and your understanding of the Engineering Design Process (EDP).


1 . What was the problem the engineers at IDEO were asked to solve ?

The problem was to redesign the conventional shopping cart into something better within 5 days.

2. Name two constraints that they had to deal with.

1) A limit of 5 days was given to complete the task
2) Limited manpower

3. What were two of the major concerns/ issues the teams discovered from their research?

Firstly was the safety of the users as shopping carts can cause injuries due to improper handling. The other concern was how easy and often shopping carts are lost, stolen or misplaced by users.

4. IDEO uses several methods , processes and ideas to generate alternative solutions. What two principles or approaches appealed to you the most?

Analysing the first hand problems of the initial conventional idea. This allows the team of designers and engineers to emphatize with the users and thus is a more effective way to come up with solutions.

Secondly, is the skill of being able to restrain themselves from criticizing the ideas of others. Even though the ideas given by members of a team might not be the best, they can still be taken into consideration and can be improved on. Having more people in a team allow more ideas to be develop and more room for innovation and improvement. Thus, improving the overall quality of the final product.

5. How were the possible solutions prototyped and tested?

Each prototype made was based on a certain main idea that was agreed upon by the whole team. After that, each team will pitch their ideas in front of the entire company before the voting for the best prototype takes place. For application purposes, the prototyped carts were also tested in supermarkets to ensure it is working well.

6. Was there a redesign step in the IDEO project? What was the final outcome?

Yes. The redesign step in the IDEO project was basically them taking the best features of the shopping cart from each team and combining them into a final product that is all rounded. By doing that, the team is able to come up with a better shopping cart and at the same time, manage the cost of the production of the carts.
The final outcome of the shopping cart was an answer to multiple problems. It was user friendly and easy to use by the users. Plus, it has also received praises by supermarket workers.

1.2 Assignment of roles

Project Manager (IC of the report and presentation) - Rachel Mark
 
- Responsible for all documentation and “care” of the mousetrap.
- Insures that all tasks are completed and documented on time.
- Has final say on any issue that cannot be settled by consensus


Drivetrain Engineer (IC of the Analysis) - Roger Ong


- Responsible for developing system to transfer energy from the “engine” to the wheels.
- Insures proper testing and documentation of all drivetrain components.

Wheel Engineer (IC of the Construction and Testing) - Puteri Nur Huda


- responsible for wheel choice and design
- sources materials for wheels
- works with Drivetrain Engineer to determine wheel-to-axle ratio and attachment


Chassis Engineer (taken by the 3rd member if it is a 3-member team) - Nicholas Wong

- responsible for the look and function of the body (chassis) of the car
- sources all materials for the chassis
- works with Drivetrain and Wheel Engineers to insure function and look of wheels and drivetrain components


1.3 Brainstorming





Engineering Goals
Develop a MouseTrap Car with the following specifications:



  1. (a)  Uses only the MouseTrap provided as the only energy source

  2. (b)  Has a maximum length of 30 cm, with of 10 cm, and a height of 10 cm

  3. (c)  Can travel a minimum distance of 5 meters carrying an egg (the egg will be

    provided by the teacher)

  4. (d)  All time-lines have to be adhered
LIST ANY KEY TERMS OR ISSUES THAT CAME UP DURING BRAINSTORMING. This does not have to be neat or even organized. It gives you a way to keep track of any idea you may have had. Include separate notes, google sketches, etc. if you have them. (Attach separate sheets if needed)

1st Idea
Back wheels larger than front wheel

2nd Idea
The mouse trap acting as the body support of the car

3rd Idea
Styrofoam is used as the body material and four wheels
 


5.7 Bibliography (At least 5 sources)

1. Instructables.com. (2011). Rat trap car. [online] Retrieved from: http://www.instructables.com/id/Rat-Trap-Car/?lang=pt [Accessed: 22 Feb 2014

2. Tommcmahon.net [n.d]. Ton mcmahon: mouse trap car kit. [online] Retrieved from: http://www.tommcmahon.net/2005/10/mouse_trap_car_.html [Accessed: 23 Feb 2014]


4. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0ixVwMeLf8
 
1.4 Decision making Matrix


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1.5 Design Rationale and Notes


Notes should be kept for every key component of the car and there should be a clear justification/discussion of all design issues and decisions in terms of the physics involved. You may use this form or feel free to design a different format that works for your group. It does not have to perfectly laid out since it is a working document, but it should be easy to follow and reference. You may use sketches to illustrate design issues and characteristics.
Key components should include the following as a minimum. Your group may have more.

Wheels: We will have one smaller front wheel and two large back wheels ,this gives the car an aerodynamic shape .

Lever Arm: Old clothes hanger so that more force will be produced so the car can travel further

Chassis Material: We will use wood as it a light and stable ,this is good as using a mousetrap creates a lot of reaction force , thus we need a sturdy material . The car being light helps with the car being able to travel further . By Force = mass x acceleration , with less mass ,the car can travel compared to a heavier car , further.

Chassis shape: The Chassis shape will smaller in front and larger in the back ,this creates an aerodynamic shape, which reduces air resistance, allowing the car to travel further with less opposing force acting on it.

Location of Mousetrap: In the middle, as the body of the car.

Axles: We are using wooden chopsticks because it is a easily found item in our houses and works well for the same reason we are using wood for the chassis.

String type and attachment: Any strong enough to withstand being pulled by the mouse trap

1.6 Materials Used


1.7 Preliminary Sketch (Sketch + Google Sketchup)








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