Step 2 (Capstone Project)

Evidence of Work 

The main goal for step two was to generate alternative concepts and create technical drawings of our idea (a prosthetic). The four main assignments we were tasked to complete were:

1. Brainstorm on your journal and padlet to determine at least three feasible alternatives (concepts) for each function/subfunction of your product and assemble the results in a classification scheme.

2. Functionally decompose your product.

3. Form three promising design concepts by combining compatible function-subfunction alternatives/concepts from your classification scheme.

4. Firm up your three design concepts by sketching them in the form of conceptual drawings and by implementing the techniques learned in the sketching tutorials. On paper and Digitally.

In order to complete these assignments, my group and I split up the work by each creating our own sketches/drawings. We clearly labeled the drawings with precise measurements, subfunctions, and materials. To make the designing process easier we constructed a classification scheme where we drew out different types of subfunctions under a similar concept. We took these concepts and started to build a prototype on fusion 360, primarily focusing on the joints. We also ordered a harness and abs plastic filament to construct our prototype. So far the main features are the ball in socket joints and the harness. We showed off our work by designing a poster and presentation to be shared at open house. 

We are continuing to improve upon all of these assignments and the goal is to have a completely functioning prosthetic by the end of design step three. 

Content

Vector Image: form of computer graphics in which visual images are created directly from geometric shapes defined on a Cartesian plane, such as points, lines, curves and polygons. This allowed our digital prototype sketch to have no pixels (better quality). 

Prosthetic: denoting an artificial body part, such as a limb, a heart, or a breast implant. We are planning on making a new and improved prosthetic for the hind legs of domestic cats. The prosthetic will primarily be made out of abs plastic. 

Prototype: a first, typical or preliminary model of something, especially a machine, from which other forms are developed or copied. Our prototypes are created on fusion 360. 

3D printer: a machine allowing the creation of a physical object from a three-dimensional digital model, typically by laying down many thin layers of a material in succession. We are planning to use a 3D printer to construct our prosthetic. 

Mind Map: a tool for the brain that captures the thinking that goes on inside your head. Mind mapping helps you think, collect knowledge, remember and create ideas.

Functionality: the quality of being suited to serve a purpose well; practicality. It's important that the cat is able to have full range of motion with its new prosthetic leg. This will allow it to properly walk run and jump. 

Demand: an insistent and peremptory request, made as if by right. For one of the assignments we created a demand and wishlist. 

Wish: feel or express a strong desire or hope for something that is not easily attainable; want something that cannot or probably will not happen.

Survey: a general view, examination, or description of someone or something. We surveyed fellow students and parents to get insight on what they would like to see our prosthetic have. Currently sending our survey out to more individuals. 

ABS plastic filament: It stands for acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, it's a thermoplastic filament. Compared to pla filament, abs is stiffer, more flexible and heat resistant. 

Reflection

Step two of the capstone project was challenging and came with a couple obstacles. There were many things I could have done better, however there were also some positives. 

One of the most challenging skills for me was critical thinking. An important skill to have when designing anything is being able to think outside of the box and be able to come up with different solutions when obstacles arise. Unfortunately, not many ideas were flowing through my head during the assignment where we had to come up with three feasible prototypes. I had an idea, but it was hard for me to convey what I was thinking through sketching. This made me frustrated which prevented me from thinking of new ideas. 

Another thing I struggled with and my group struggled with was time management which is something we normally excel at. When it came down to creating our presentation night posters for open house we realized we had a lot more to complete. It was easy creating the poster, slideshow and flyers but what we didn't have enough time was to complete a prototype that matched our standards.  I think we focused too much on the written aspects when we probably should have focused more on the physical prototype. Moving forward we are going to spend most of our energy in creating prototypes on fusion 360 and printing it out using the 3D printer. 

My collaboration and communication skills shined through during the majority of the assignments under step two. I voiced what we should work on everyday and I took initiative in creating the coggle and sending out the survey. I asked who we should send the survey to, had my group mates double check my sketches and I made sure to stay on task. Instead of arguing with teammates I always congratulated their work and brilliant ideas. It's also important to communicate with a teacher and not only group mates. So throughout the assignments I asked my teacher clarifying questions when an instruction didn't make sense. In my opinion, communication and collaboration are the two most important skills so I will definitely make sure to excel in these during step three.