Break it Apart!

Project Explained: For our first project, we were asked to start thinking like a true engineer. Everyone brought in their own mechanical object and the task was to take it all apart. We recorded in our notebooks different sketches through out the process. We then were supposed to record any questions and outside thoughts that may have come from taking it apart. My object was a calculator, and I found it really interesting to see all the tiny parts that go behind such a small simple object. This was our main intro into understanding how to sketch, label, think, and research like an engineer.

Reflection: The project was short so there isn't a ton to analyze in terms of reflection. But I do think I had good work ethic throughout, I was always on track and getting what needed to get done. I think I did decent management of time given the time that we were given. I think both of these things payed off to get the solo part of this project done efficiantly. I also think my more in depth research will help further in the group part of this project. A lot of the knowledge I have learned about the mechanics of the calculator could end up important in the later capstone portion.

One struggle I had was the actual physical taking apart of the calculator. There were many tiny screws that were hard to spot and then unscrew. It was definitely better compacted in place than expected. I also did not expect the keys to be placed loosely and individually so they all fell out at one point of the taking apart project which was a bit of a mess. I lerned from this to be better prepared and aware of what could be needed in future steps.