Embedded Files
Prototypes:
Prototypes:
This prototype made of Legos (Figure 1) demonstrates the overall shape and structure of our design. Essentially, this prototype is a recreation of the chest Ann has at the end of her bed, but with a step that reaches half the overall height. To meet one of our “want” objectives, the space underneath the main platform will be large enough for Ann to store her laundry basket underneath.
This prototype made of Legos (Figure 1) demonstrates the overall shape and structure of our design. Essentially, this prototype is a recreation of the chest Ann has at the end of her bed, but with a step that reaches half the overall height. To meet one of our “want” objectives, the space underneath the main platform will be large enough for Ann to store her laundry basket underneath.
This is the prototype we built to scale, in order to test the structural integrity of its shape. Our steps will be similar dimensions to the original (40” x 30” x 28”), only the width will be shortened by a few inches (40” x 26” x 28”). These dimensions are included in our sketch of the device. The orientation of the step in reference to the opening is backwards in this prototype, and will be switched to the opposite side for our final device. The prototype is made of an initial layer of foam board, which was then covered by cardboard for additional strength and stability. The edges are mended together by a hot glue gun and packaging tape. An extra foam board cylindrical support was added underneath the main platform, however for the finished device it will not be necessary, as the wood itself should withstand the weight of the dog.
This is the prototype we built to scale, in order to test the structural integrity of its shape. Our steps will be similar dimensions to the original (40” x 30” x 28”), only the width will be shortened by a few inches (40” x 26” x 28”). These dimensions are included in our sketch of the device. The orientation of the step in reference to the opening is backwards in this prototype, and will be switched to the opposite side for our final device. The prototype is made of an initial layer of foam board, which was then covered by cardboard for additional strength and stability. The edges are mended together by a hot glue gun and packaging tape. An extra foam board cylindrical support was added underneath the main platform, however for the finished device it will not be necessary, as the wood itself should withstand the weight of the dog.
Design, execution and analysis of tests:
Design, execution and analysis of tests:
We will be testing two different functions in our design. One will be testing to see whether or not the dog will use the device, while the other will be testing how much weight it can bear as just foam board and cardboard glued together.
We will be testing two different functions in our design. One will be testing to see whether or not the dog will use the device, while the other will be testing how much weight it can bear as just foam board and cardboard glued together.
The first test will be checking if Beka is comfortable jumping on and off the device, as this is a “Must” objective for this project. Ann has informed us that Beka is wary of structures that seem unstable or wobbly, so our prototype was designed to be a solid, stationary device.
The first test will be checking if Beka is comfortable jumping on and off the device, as this is a “Must” objective for this project. Ann has informed us that Beka is wary of structures that seem unstable or wobbly, so our prototype was designed to be a solid, stationary device.
For the second test we will use free weights on the main platform to see how much it can hold without structural damage. It must be able to withstand at least a 30 lb weight being dropped upon it, as this simulates the dog jumping up onto it. Ten pound increments (10, 20, 30, and 40) will be used in different trials to verify its strength.
For the second test we will use free weights on the main platform to see how much it can hold without structural damage. It must be able to withstand at least a 30 lb weight being dropped upon it, as this simulates the dog jumping up onto it. Ten pound increments (10, 20, 30, and 40) will be used in different trials to verify its strength.
Design modification for final project:
Design modification for final project:
Instead of having a cylindrical support in the middle of the open space under the platform, we will potentially use extra framework and/or braces to stabilize the top platform so that it won’t break or bend when Beka jumps up on it. Additionally, using braces under the step will strengthen it so that it doesn’t fall through or break. Several options for framework are pictured. Our group decided upon option A, which will be easier to construct while still providing extra support.
Instead of having a cylindrical support in the middle of the open space under the platform, we will potentially use extra framework and/or braces to stabilize the top platform so that it won’t break or bend when Beka jumps up on it. Additionally, using braces under the step will strengthen it so that it doesn’t fall through or break. Several options for framework are pictured. Our group decided upon option A, which will be easier to construct while still providing extra support.
Updates:
Updates:
Test Results:
Test Results:
Our weight test was very successful with our prototype. We tested by adding weight in small increments. For the final trial, our prototype was even able to support Mayzie. The project was able to support her weight during multiple tests and for long periods of time. There was a little instability and rocking with the added weight, but this was due to the nature of the flexibility of the foam and cardboard on the bottom.
Our weight test was very successful with our prototype. We tested by adding weight in small increments. For the final trial, our prototype was even able to support Mayzie. The project was able to support her weight during multiple tests and for long periods of time. There was a little instability and rocking with the added weight, but this was due to the nature of the flexibility of the foam and cardboard on the bottom.
For our second test, Beka was able to jump onto the platform with ease. She enjoyed sitting on the steps and seemed to have no issue with the stability of the prototype. There was a little sliding while she was jumping up the steps, but this will be eliminated in our final project due to the material we are using (wood) and other protective measures to prevent sliding and damage to floors (carpet).
For our second test, Beka was able to jump onto the platform with ease. She enjoyed sitting on the steps and seemed to have no issue with the stability of the prototype. There was a little sliding while she was jumping up the steps, but this will be eliminated in our final project due to the material we are using (wood) and other protective measures to prevent sliding and damage to floors (carpet).
After the second test, as Mayzie and Sara were showing me how much weight could be supported, Beka even jumped onto the platform while Mayzie was sitting on it. We were very surprised at how strong and stable our prototype was. The project showed no signs of visible folding, breaking, or other damage.
After the second test, as Mayzie and Sara were showing me how much weight could be supported, Beka even jumped onto the platform while Mayzie was sitting on it. We were very surprised at how strong and stable our prototype was. The project showed no signs of visible folding, breaking, or other damage.
During another test with Ann's second dog, Daja, we decided to make some modifications. Daja was very wary looking at the steps and did not want to jump on the device. Because of this, we decided to decrease the height by 10 inches so that the steps would be lower and more accessible.
During another test with Ann's second dog, Daja, we decided to make some modifications. Daja was very wary looking at the steps and did not want to jump on the device. Because of this, we decided to decrease the height by 10 inches so that the steps would be lower and more accessible.
Report abuse