Phase 3
Phase 3 of designing a product involves translating the finalized concepts into a prototype. This phase typically includes a production session where the final product is physically created. A detailed plan outlining the process of creating the product is developed, documenting each step from concept to prototype. Additionally, the dimensions of the product are finalized and used in the production.
A SolidWorks model was helpful for organizing the workshop planning. Unlike drawings, it provides a more clearer and realistic picture of the prototype. It was also used for determining the dimensions, which is essential in order to reduce errors during the prototyping phase.
Workshop Plan
Centre Piece
Tube
Location: West Horst
Materials: PCV tube
Dimensions:(height 150 mm, inner diameter 150mm, outer diameter 160mm)
Steps:
Get a PCV tube
Band saw, Dremel in order to cut the square where the tray is going to placed inside (80x50mm)
Paint the PCV tube grey with a sponge
Top circle
Location: Design lab
Materials: Wood
Dimensions: (160mm diameter)
Steps:
Laser cut the circle
Laser cut the square that is in the middle (50x50mm)
Paint the circle blue
Bottom circle
Location: Design lab
Materials: Wood
Dimensions: (150mm)
Steps:
Laser cut the circle
Paint the bottom circle white
Side Pieces X2
Main Part
Location: West Horst & Design lab
Materials: Polystyrene Foam (purple foam)
Dimensions: 180 x 80 x 100 mm (L x W x H)
Steps:
Take Polystyrene foam (purple foam) blocks. See dimensions in the collapsible group called Dimensions
Used double sided tape to stick the blocks together
Sand it till the shape will look like cylinder
Sand the fillets on top as on the concept drawing
Drill the holes (9mm diameter, 2cm deep)
Paint the side piece gray
Petals X4
Location: Design Lab
Materials: PLA Filament
Dimensions: See the collapsible group called Dimensions
Steps:
3D print the files
Drill the holes on the bottom part of the leaf
Put on filler on the petals
Sand each petal
Connect the hinges using bolts (M4)
Paint the petals white with pink highlights
Bamboo
Location: West Horst
Materials: Bamboo and Wood
Dimensions: 8cm length, 15-18mm diameter
Steps:
Buy the Bamboo sticks
Glue dowel inside the Bamboo sticks
Side Trays X2
Location: Design lab
Materials: Wood
Dimensions: width 110mm x 60mm x 45mm (W x D x H)
Steps:
Laser cut the rectangles
Use wood glue to stick the pieces together
Use wood glue to stick the knob to the tray
Middle Tray
Location: Design lab
Materials: Wood, PCV tube
Dimensions:
Steps:
Laser cut the pieces
Use the rectangle PCV tube
Glue the wooden rectangles with wood glue
Glue the PCV rectangle with Epoxy
Glue the knob with wooden glue
Paint the tray grey
Sand Tray
Location: West Horst
Materials: Polyurethane (Red foam)
Dimensions: 80mm x 145mm x 50mm (W x D x H)
Steps:
Create the shape of the sand tray with Polyurethane (Red foam)
Vacuum form the sand tray
Dimensions
Instructions on assembling the parts
To assemble the Time Catcher first start with the center tube. Take the Bottom circle and force fit into the tube so it is flush with the bottom of the opening slot. This is done so the middle tray can slide and rest on the bottom circle. Thus, after inserting the bottom circle insert the middle tray into the opening slot of the center tube. After that, glue a line of magnets at either side of the opening slot.
Onto the top circle, secure the lotus petal hinges using M4 screws and bolts. After that, attach 4 cords to the sand tray and attach the other ends of the cords onto the loops on the bottom of the lotus petals. Secure top circle/pedal/sand tray assembly onto the top face of the center tube.
Attach magnets on the concave surface of the side part. Then, line up these magnets with the magnets of the center piece.
Mechanism
The mechanism of the prototype is similar to the one that was created in the ideation phase. The difference lies in the materials used and the shape. The prototype's mechanism works like it was originally designed. The petals are connected to hinges, allowing them to rotate downward when sand is poured into the tray. This action lets the sand flow into the tray below.
IMG_2477.MOVLimitations
There are some ways in which the prototype could be improved. In the initial concept, the flower was intended to take an hour to fully open, but this isn't reflected in the prototype. The rotation of the petals can be increased even further in order to make the visual of the time passing even stronger. The handles that are in the final drawing are not included in the prototype so it was not possible to test the design of the handle ergonomically. Despite these small areas of improvement, the prototype incorporates the participant's preferences for texture and color and functions effectively, showcasing the feasibility of the design concept. By integrating the participant's input, the prototype aligns with their preferences and fulfills their needs.
Photos of the group making the prototype, click the button on the right.