Problem Statement at this Stage

Create a ramp system that toddlers can interact with in order to learn problem-solving skills and play with the concept of angles. Their current system is frustrating for everyone involved because it comes apart easily and the size of the system is too large to store efficiently.

Brainstorming Functions Table

In order for us to brainstorm in an organized way, we broke down our problem into four different functions based on the problem statement, our objectives and constraints. Each of the functions had three or four ideas consisting of possible solutions to these issues. We then grouped ideas together from each of the functions into one design. The table can be seen below.

Solution Options

From our Functions Table, we came up with two solutions that we thought would be viable.

Option 1

Stability Between Pieces: Magnets

Easily Stored: Movable Toy Box

Variable Height System: Blocks with magnetic bars

Durable Material: Wood

We planned to use magnets, embedded at the ends of each track piece, in order to provide a stable connection when the children are lining their tracks up. The magnets would be placed flush in the wooden track pieces by using a dremel to cut a small hole the size of the magnet, then the magnets would be inserted and glued in place to ensure that they do not become dislodged. A diagram can be viewed below in Figure A. We would also have used a movable toy box that could be made out of wood and fit within the dimensions that have been stated in our objectives. The toy box would have locking wheels on its bottom in order for the teachers to be able to move it easily when it is not in use but could also leave it out as another surface from which the children could place their ramp pieces. In order to provide more options for varying heights, a hollow block would be made with magnetic strips vertically placed along the inside walls so that the children could move their track to any desired height within the block. A diagram for the magnetic block can be viewed below in Figure B.

Option 2

Stability Between Pieces: Puzzle Piece

Easily Stored: Movable Toy Box

Variable Height System: Salmon Ladder with Seesaw

Durable Material: Wood

This option was fairly similar to the first, however, it does not involve the use of magnets. In order to make stable connections, there was a possibility for the use of puzzle piece snap-fit joints that we could have 3-D printed or carved into the edges of the wood. The children would be able to snap their two pieces together and lock them into place while still being able to easily disconnect them when they would like to. To see a diagram refer to Figure C below. This option used wooden structures and the movable toy box from the previous concept, though the variable height system is different. The height system would have been a salmon ladder with the bars in the block of wood rather than magnetic strips. With groves cut out on the inner side of the wood, the bar could then be adjusted up or down. Attached to the bar would be a seesaw-like board that the ramp could be attached to and adjusted any desired angle within the constraints of the block. A diagram for this design can be seen below in Figure D.

Testing

In testing the two above options we found that our solutions did not function the way we expected and we were not able to meet our clients' needs. There were many safety concerns coming from both the magnets and the snap-fit joints; the biggest of which being small pieces that could come off and be a choking hazard. To see more information on the testing we did and why we decided not to move forward with this design please view the "Proof of Concept" tab. To see the concept design for our second solution please view the sub-page under this tab labeled "Solution 2".