Decision Matrix
The team decision matrix was used to evaluate different possible designs and to determine which design option is the best design.
The first step was to define the evaluation criteria. We decided to focus on four main areas: safety, efficacy, affordability/aesthetics, and popularity. Before creating a team matrix, each team member completed an individual matrix so we could each record our own opinions before discussing them together. Every team member gave the bear design the highest score with it scoring a 8.45, 8.30, 8.05, and 7.85. After completing our team matrix, the bear design scored a 7.90. |
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Life Cycle Assessment
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The life cycle assessment looks at the impacts of our product. It is important to ensure that our design is environmentally sustainable so this report helped us to consider the different environmental impacts of our product. We also designed an infographic diagram to visualize our findings from the life cycle assessment. The two main raw materials we looked at for the assessment where plastic and rubber. The outer shell and interior parts for the RoboBuddy will be designed with plastic and the exterior will be covered with a protective rubber shell. Specific details for each of these materials can be found in the document shown to the left. |
3D Modeling Tutorials
To gain the skills necessary to create 3D models of our own product we had to complete several tutorials on Onshape that taught the basics of 3D modeling. The first tutorial introduced sketching and extruding basic shapes. The model created in the first tutorial is shown on the left. The second tutorial covered the sweep feature. To learn how to use the sweep feature, we modeled a pool railing using the sketch and sweep tools. The model created in the second tutorial is shown in the middle below. The third tutorial covered multiple components that join together into one model: a do-nothing machine. This tutorial involved creating all the different components that are needed to make the machine as well as the nuances involved in the assembly of it. The model from the third tutorial can be seen in the right picture below.
Reflection
During this stage of the project our time management was relatively poor. We slacked off a lot on the life cycle assessment and did a lackluster job on it. We need to improve productivity and we have to be better at avoiding procrastination. With that being said progress on our project has been moving along fairly well. Individually, I was able to contribute more ideas and make myself more useful for my team. I still need to improve my own individual time management, though, as often I wait until the last minute to get things done.