Table of Contents - Done Following the Rubric:
Page 64 - Designs 1-3 + Commentary
Page 65 - Things to Think about + Design 4 + Open Ideas + Commentary
Starting from our initial design, our group was able to branch off into different designs in order to get closer to a design we can 3D CAD Model on Fusion 360.
Along with our fourth design, there was also time for some open ideas brainstorm and discussion on the possibilities on using cranks for our prototypes.
In the above drawing, the body of the device is seen clearly and how the lever will be used in order to move the blender over the small step to pour.
For our first CAD Modeling Prototype, we realized we had to add more security to the blender as to not allow it to accidentally tip over too much but still use the lever idea in order for the user to just pull it down and allow the blender to tip on its own.
There is a rubber piece holding the blender which we would like to be like a Springform Pan in order for the size of the blender to vary and still be used without an issue.
For our first prototype, we used Vex parts in order to create a mechanism that will be able to move and tip the blender. Although not aesthetically pleasing, it was a functional prototype that we were able to display for our Regional Competition for Skills USA.
The lever to the right picks the blender up from its base and the lever to the left is able to tip it over. There are bars on either side of the blender to ensure it is stable in its place.
Using what we had, we used a Velcro red ribbon and rubber bands in order to hold the blender its place instead of using the rubber strip we planned on previously for this specific prototype.
Craftsmanship/Quality
Essential Questions: Is the mock-up constructed in a high quality manner showing precision skill at cutting, gluing,folding, scoring, etc. Is the mechanical precise and accurate? Does the prototype work? Does it look like a completed and finished product? Is this mock-up ‘store-ready’?
Due to the fact that our initial mockup was made out of Vex parts and not cardboard, we did not use any skills listed such as gluing, folding, or scoring. However, we were able to create a sturdy base in order to hold the blender and use C Channels, plates, and standoff screws to put everything in its place and make it work. It is more durable and secure than it was at Regionals, but we still need to develop a better system in order to strap in the blender to connect to the mechanism. Before, we had only the red velcro strap circling around the blender in order to hold it in its place and be attached to the mechanisms in which are able to tip the blender. After discussing with Mr. Hicks, we decided that we needed to change it to be more durable so we used a combination of rubber bands and the velcro in order for the rubber bands to secure around the blender and the velcro to attach said rubber bands to the mechanism. Nevertheless, we understand that for our working prototype we will need to use and will investigate ways of using a type of rubber strip or a kind of “Cake Tins With Locking Mechanism” in order to secure the blender properly into its place. As of now, we were using what we had to work with in class. In addition, we need to make our prototype look more aesthetically pleasing. Because we used Vex parts, the mockup itself does not look neat or refined, which we understand will need to be changed - at least in the overall appeal of the mechanism. I believe that although our product does not look like the “final product’ as the rubric states, as a group, we can use the upcoming weeks to get clarification on what we need and improve the mockup we have now to help us create our working prototype due soon.
Growth Progress/Application of Knowledge
Essential Questions; How has the student demonstrated what he/she has learned? Does his/her work reflect that he/she has understood and applied new knowledge? How did the student solve problems when working and figuring out the mock-up?
As aforementioned, our mockup is definitely not perfect and changes must be made before creating the working prototype and final product. This includes, fixing the way the blender is attached to the mechanism and creating an aesthetically pleasing prototype. After this experience, I was able to learn more about how to use different Vex parts from Ganaka which I have not been familiar with before, such as how to refer to certain parts and how to put the pieces together. With Camille, she and I were able to work together to create the parts lists and research a variety of different sites in order to find parts that will be able to be used when we make our product and have an idea of the direction in which we want to take our project. At the beginning, our blender mockup was flimsy and by simply moving it, the mechanism would move unintentionally. In order to counteract this, we were able to add more C Channels around the base to make sure everything is secured into place and that the blender would not move from the center. As previously stated with the velcro strap, the group tried to just use the rubber bands or a type of string to hold it into place, but after much deliberation, using both the rubber bands with the velcro scrap was the best way, we saw, in order to move the blender with the materials we had at hand.
We decided that with a rack and pinion we would be able to move the blender with ease in order to easily maneuver the blender.
After finishing our Vex Protector, we decided to continue adjusting what we had and make some changed to fix some problems we had previously.
With the two removable cup holders, the drinks can be poured without fear that the cups will spill. In addition, in this above images the rubber strip can be clearly seen.
Our next assignment is a functioning prototype due in a bit more than a week, for this task we would need to research how we will be able to create a workable prototype that will be able to be used for our end-user.