Element G: Construction of a Testable Prototype

Introduction

To be able to build our Lunar Shoes, our group first had to explore material properties. It's important to thoroughly research the chemical, and material properties to determine a material's availability. These materials must be able to bind fabric and rubber, this is very specifically since most gules can't bind this effectively. We then have to make sure these products chosen do not exceed our budget. It is also important to mark down what skills are needed to make the prototype.

Bill of Materials

Equipment

Pattern Files

Build Plan

1. Cut out Nomex using patterns leaving around ½” extra Nomex around the edges for hem and sewing edges

2. Thread sewing machine using Nylon Monofilament

3. Pin and sew edge 5

4. Take piece L and R and pin and sew them together at edge 1 and 2

5. Pin and hem all open edges except edge 4 and 6 of the assembled piece

6. Apply and sew Velcro loops along indicated edge from point a to b on piece L on the inside edge

7. Pin and hem piece F on unmarked edges

8. Apply and sew Velcro hooks along unmarked edge from point a to b on the inside of piece R

9. Pin and sew on piece B of the shoe at 4 and 6 use the shape of the shoe to match the pieces

10. Turn on CNC machine

11. Place and secure foam on CNC machine

12. Place bit in CNC machine

13. Place origin at least 7" from the bottom and at least 7" from the top

14. Run code

15. Wait for machine to stop

16. Finish piece

17. Use vacuum former to make a mold for the sole

18. Pour 1 to 1 mix of Silicone into a cup

19. Stir for 5-6 minutes

20. Pour Silicone into the plastic mold

21. Cure for 12 hours

22. Wait for sole to set

23. Glue sole onto the bottom of the shoe using the Sil-Poxy glue. The sole must be in line with the bottom of the shoe lining up the big toe.

Needed Knowledge

• Safe and proper use of a sewing machine

• How cut out the correct shapes for the fabric

• Hand stitching

• Use of a vacuum former

• Safe and proper use of a CNC machine

• How to mold silicone

Conclusion

We have researched into what kind of materials to use for different parts of the shoes and come up with a list to assemble the final shoe we will test. The shoe will include Nomex for a base to wrap around the foot, due to its fabric like texture and properties and high flame resistance. For the sole we will be using a silicone rubber and a specific glue along with it to provide a well structured high friction sole and an efficient way to attach it to the bottom of the shoe. We then developed multiple lists to determine what physical tools we would need and what knowledge we would need to use these tools. These lists will prove useful in determining what we are doing both in building and testing our design.