Pegboard Testing

Design

The Pegboard was our first option to the third solution, find more details under the "Solution 3" sub-page found under the "Concept Design" tab. The Pegboard was going to utilize free track pieces with wooden pegs attached to them that could be placed into a pegboard in order to create different runs.

Prototype

Using foam core, wooden dowels, and hot glue we created the following two prototypes.

The second was created in attempt to combat some of the issues found during testing of the first prototype.

Testing

We tested two constraints first, those constraints were the ability to create differing runs every time and to have stable connections. To do this we simply interacted with the system ourselves attempting to create as many runs and connections as possible. We recorded the numbers below.

Observations we made:

• Frustrating to create designs
• Ramps have fixed angles
• The pegboard limits placement options
• No smooth connections - gaps in between track pieces
• Tracks would require a railing to keep the vehicle from falling off

Since we connected the pegs to the tracks (a choice to make the system safer and avoid using small parts) each track can only ever be placed at the angle it was originally created at. The pegboard also made it very difficult to line up the different tracks because of how they have to be placed so smooth connections are not easy to make.

The first prototype was not drilled precisely, and we struggled to adjust the track pieces into new configurations, so we built a second prototype in order to have more accurate testing. The second was only slightly better and all of the same limitations and frustrations occurred.

Result

After this testing we determined that it would be best to proceed with the second option in the third solution which is the magnetic board. We planned to do the same testing on the magnetic board and compare the two before fully committing to the magnetic board. We predicted that the magnetic board would surpass the capabilities of the pegboard during those tests.

To view the prototype and testing done on the magnetic board please view the "Magnetic Board Testing 2" sub-page under this tab. To see testing and other information on how we created the working prototype please view the "Magnetic Board Testing 1" sub-page under this tab.