Element D: DESIGN CONCEPT GENERATION, ANALYSIS, AND SELECTION
Brainstorming and Design Concepts
These sketches are some of the concepts that were created during the brainstorming phase of the design process. These, plus a couple other concepts, were considered and evaluated in a decision matrix.
Decision Matrix
*For the decision matrix environmentally friendly design, implementation possibilities, and impact of the product were weighted twice as much as other factors.
Justification
After completing the decision matrix it was concluded that the best solution would be some variation of a floating device that captures plastic. It would skim the surface layers of a body of water to remove plastics and debris and collect it in a chamber on the inside of the design. This product would be a large hollow box made of strong materials like natural low chemical rubbers and aluminum. The product would be effective in gathering lightweight debris in an environmentally friendly manner and could be utilized in any body of water, targeting any specific water bodies or waterways that are heavily polluted. The final design of the product will utilize both solar power and power from the water’s currents to make it both efficient and environmentally friendly. The scores on the decision matrix are all in the mid to high range, the lowest number being a 3, proving that this design is a strong and solid concept in comparison, especially when weighting certain criteria heavier based on importance.
Final Design Concept Sketches
(Figure, left) Sketch of exterior turbine/propeller with 4 propeller wings and base rod to secure to the body of the device. Made of aluminum.
(Figure, right) Sketch of interior propellers with 4 propeller wings and base rod to secure to the body of the device. Made of rubber.
(Figure, left) Sketch of 10-watt solar panel and wires to connect to battery to provide energy. *Photovoltaic cells/solar panel will be bought instead of constructed
(Figure, right) Sketch of body of device, including outer panels to channel in debris. Made of rubber.
CAD Model
(Figure, left) Exploded view of back turbine to control device
(Figure, right) Exploded view of inner propeller(s) to collect pollution
(Figure, left) Exploded view of collective device
(Figure, right) Regular isometric view of entire device
(Figure) Sheet of CAD model, entire view of device
