June 4: Engineering Design Process

 Abstract: In our class Stem Skills, we explored the 8-step engineering design process of making out own functioning "car" using KNEX. 

For this lesson our class split into groups in order to make a fully functioning transportational device that can carry items over a distance. My group consisted of 4 members. Anandi Durgam, Sanvi Guruprasad, Aditi Aurnprakash, and me. 

Step 1: Define the Problem

In this part of the process, we had to first evaluate the problem and what goals we needed our prototype to achieve. For this we outlined our goals for our model as first being able to move, second being able to carry objects, and third able to carry objects while moving 

Step 2: Research the Problem

For this second step we had to research what others had done and what constraints, limitations, or criteria we had to abide by in order to make out model. One such constraint is that the only items we were given to build the prototype was only a single bag of KNEX blocks which did not hold that many items.

Step 3: Imagine 

After step 2 we brainstormed what we could build making different solutions and comparing which model would produce the best outcome, choosing the one we thought would be the best fit at the end. 

Step 4: Plan 

In this step after narrowing down what type of transportation we wanted we had to plan how it would fit together considering the materials we had. We drew up a plan that we could try to follow making slight changes to it as we made the actual prototype in the next phase of the process. 

                                Plans                                                                Materials

Step 5: Create 

After finalizing our plan and getting an idea of how to make the transportational device we started to form our model using the KNEX and built our first "draft" model. 

Step 6: Test 

Finishing the "draft: model we tested it to see how far it would go, if it worked well, and if it held items well.  

Step 7: Improve 

After doing the tests we had discussed what had gone wrong, noting the lack of distance it covered with the rubber band propulsion as well as the fragility it had where too much weight would cause it to break. Leading us to discuss an alternative way to move the device as well as what to do to make the structure more sound. 

Step 8: Modify 

After discussing how it could be improved, we changed the build a little and made the model more structurally sound as well as abandoning out original plan of rubber band propulsion to just pushing the model. After making this change, we tested it once again and it was a success leaving us with our final prototype. 

Photos of final model

Reflection

After looking back on our process, I realized it might have been beneficial if we were to instead have a more stable base or run more tests with different objects besides phones to evaluate its durability. However, I am happy with the results we got and am glad we were able to learn and do this process which I will be applying to future projects in order to ensure a more focused and effective process for experimentation.