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Evidence of Work
Evidence of Work
Some goals during step three were to evaluate alternative concepts, finalize our capstone proposal and presentation and design a 3D helmet. In order to evaluate different concepts we designed a decision matrix. Before designing the decision matrix, we spent a good amount of time looking at our past classification scheme to analyze the potential materials we were going to use in our prosthetics. We brainstormed what type of joints, plastics, colors and other materials would go well together in order to create three solid concepts. Once we finalized our three concepts we designed a decision matrix.
A decision matrix is a table that weighs desired criteria in a column and their proposed solutions in the other columns. The top of the matrix contains the names of the concepts being evaluated. Some columns contain the evaluation criteria and their assigned weights and then scoring and intermediate calculations are recorded within the subcolumns under each concept and totaled at the bottom of the matrix.After totaling up each concept, the data showed that concept one (Tiger) was the winner because it ranked the highest in fitting in with our desired criteria.
Once we completed the alternative concept report, we worked on finalizing our Capstone proposal and presentation for the STEM board. The most important concepts in our presentation and report were a cost analysis table, sponsorships, prototype testing and modifications. We tried our best to be concise and very clear on how much money we were hoping to receive.
Content
Content
Decision Matrix: It is a series of values in columns and rows that allow someone to compare possible solutions visually by weighing variables based on importance. The end result will clearly inform someone of the best course of action. Based on our decision matrix, it was clear that concept one named Tiger was the best prototype. From now on it is our goal to use the materials in concept one for our own prototype.
Criteria: A principle or standard by which something may be judged or decided. For our decision matrix we created five different criteria. The criteria were the ability to bend, comfortability (weight, attachment), product longevity (type of plastic), ability to support pressures (robustness) and appearance (simplicity and function).
Concept: A plan or intention; a conception. We finalized three potential concepts. The three concepts were named Tiger, Scar and Simba and these names are related to names of cats.
Longevity: A long duration of life. It's important that our prosthetics can last around the full lifetime of a cat. We don't want our customers to have to purchase multiple prototypes.
Robust: Having or exhibiting strength or vigorous health. It's important our prosthetics are able to support the pressures of a cat when running and walking and jumping so we gave this criteria a high weight of 0.25. Some of our ideas to support the body weight of a cat is thicker plastic lining/walls, higher percentage of 3-D printed infill or a metal rod.
Functionality: The quality of being suited to serve a purpose well; practicality. Since prosthetics for cats don't have joints this isn't very suitable for a cats function. This is why we are planning on making a prosthetic that has joints to make it easier for a cat to move.
Adjustable: Something that is adjustable can be changed according to how something else changes or in order to make it more suitable. Throughout our three different concepts, parts can be interchanged with one another. For example, we can always add a harness to one of our designs that wasn't originally going to have a harness.
ACCELERATION: Is a change in speed over a period of time; the higher the acceleration, the faster the change in speed. For example, if a car goes from 0 miles per hour (mph) to 50 mph in 2 seconds, it is a higher acceleration than if the car goes from 0 mph to 30 mph in 2 seconds. Acceleration is a rate of change of speed; NO change means NO acceleration.
FORCE: Causes masses to accelerate; they are influences that cause a change of movement, direction, or shape. When you press on an object, you are exerting a force on it. Force is measured in units such as pounds or newtons. For instance, the weight of an object is the force on the object due to gravity (accelerating the object towards the center of the earth). If an individual becomes involved in a motorcycle accident, the outer shell of the helmet is able to spread out the force and minimize injury.
Reflection
Reflection
During step three, communication was a focal point for me. Since there were a couple of assignments to complete I wanted to make sure that everyone knew what they were doing. I messaged our group chat with a rundown of what everyone should complete by the end of the day, if we wanted to stay on track. Mahalia and I communicated with each other efficiently by bouncing different ideas off one another when designing the matrix. When creating the presentation, I made sure to double check my group mates work and message them if I caught a mistake. I also took charge in deciding what slides I think everyone should present so we were well prepared.
I was able to collaborate with all of my group members. Emma and I primarily worked on the STEM board presentation together. We jointly worked on the modifications slide and I helped add finishing touches to the mentors slides she did. Keeley worked on printing the limbs/joint for our prosthetic and buying the materials. I was able to collaborate with her by assisting in creating the cost analysis table. Mahalia and I had many conversations with each other about what concepts we thought would best fit in the matrix. Overall, i'm ale to openly share my ideas and thoughts without receiving criticism.
Critical thinking was not one of my strong suits throughout the assignments under step three. After building our prototype down to the last minute, we realized we didn't have a solid plan on how we were going to test our prosthetic. I tried my best to think of a solution but I wasn't having much luck. I suggested that we should ask our mentor for some ideas. Instead of joining Emma and Keeley in the conversation with our mentor I stayed back and continued to work on the report. Next time I'm going to talk to our mentor so I can have a better understanding of what feedback he gives to us.
Unfortunately my character lacked during certain assignments. After creating the matrix, it was evident that the ball in socket joint was the best. So it was very frustrating for me to see that the machine was making them skewed. This caused me to become very doubtful that we weren't going to complete a functional prototype by the end of the month even though the rest of my group mates were confident. Instead of staying calm and hopeful, I continued to say we don't have any time left and we need to go in at lunch to work on it. I should have remained calm and had more faith because in the end part of our prototype successfully printed.
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