Design Matrix

Through patent research, the suction team has identified several potential solutions. Because it is not realistic to incorporate every concept, a decision matrix will be useful in narrowing down concepts to one possible design. Design specifications will be used as criterion, which will be weighed based on how significant each is in the success of the suction cups. 

Through the scoring of our decision matrix, it was decided that using a vacuum pump in conjunction with a solenoid would be the best basis for our design for many reasons. For example, using an electromagnetic solenoid would allow for the suction cups to activate and deactivate automatically. This would allow the brain of the kwadropus to send electrical signals to the solenoid to activate and deactivate the suction cups. Additionally, using a vacuum pump would provide adequate strength of suction for our solution, which does not need to be a large amount, considering the kwadropus is working under microgravity conditions.

Through the use of the decision matrix, a solenoid in conjunction with a mini vacuum has been determined to be the best solution. As shown above, the prototype will use the solenoid valve as a means of controlling the vacuum, which will activate and deactivate the suction cup based on the state of the solenoid. Additionally, all components of the system will need to fit 6mm pneumatic tubing, therefore adapters and hoses will need to be investigate in further development.