STEM Principles

S.T.E.M.

The elements of S.T.E.M. were all employed as we designed the solution to our problem. Science allowed us to brainstorm multiple approaches to our problem statement, choose the one that would be most effective, and decide upon the appropriate materials for our product. Technology allowed us to collaborate, illustrate our designs, and test our product. Finally, engineering and mathematics allowed us to construct the prototype for the design with the dimensions necessary to operate properly.

Science

We sent out the Google Forms survey to the potential consumers for our product. The survey’s results proved the validity of our problem.

Assessing multiple materials was an important step in the design process because it allowed us to choose those that were the most durable, comfortable, or elastic.

(Prototype in testing) OR (Team member formulating a test for the prototype)

Testing of the prototype is a crucial step in product design. By developing tests that evaluate the effectiveness and safety of our product, consumers can be ensured that they get their money’s worth.

Technology

Using apps such as Notability, the team drew a total of 30 rough sketches for potential product designs. The app provided useful tools such as graph paper, various writing instruments, and the ability to copy and paste sketches to make slight changes using SCAMPERR.

The iMessage group chat we created was our main method of communication in the design process. It gave us a quick, easy way to reach out to one another by leaving notifications with the chat name on each other’s phones.

Inventor allowed us to more easily visualize the design and dimensions of our product. It is an effective 3d-illustration tool.

In order to create our prototype, we relied on a sewing machine because our design was heavily based around fabric.

Engineering

Before we started working with our materials, we sketched out the shape we wanted our harness to be. Sketching the shape on paper before cutting the fabric allowed us to determine the best possible size and placement of straps for the harness. Also, it allowed us to make changes where we deemed necessary.

Using the rough sketches and the multi view drawings the team was able to build the first prototype with the help of Alina Yu, a seamstress.

(Chris assessing the weak point and the bad parts of the prototype)

After Testing the prototype the team was able to assess the weak point in the design and ways to improve on the product, allowing us to build our second version of the prototype.

(Eric Building the second version of the prototype)

Using the first prototype and our knowledge of what went wrong and what could be improved, the team was able to build the second prototype which was used for final testing and as an example of what the final product would look like.

Mathematics

In order to determine a good size for the prototype, Isabella measured the length of her Dog’s neck, chest, and body using a tape measure.

To make the size of the prototype adjustable for small dogs, we used basic algebra to determine the best length of a strap that uses the least material while providing the most extra length.

In Photo: An average small dog’s neck is anywhere between 15 and 25 inches. Because the harness neck alone is 12 inches, with an inch long buckle, the ideal strap to fit this sizing would be 10 inches long

The proper measurements of the fabric are cut from the entire sheet when creating the prototype.

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