Design Steps 6 and 7
In these steps, we manufactured our prototype and conducted performance tests. We assembled a full-size scale prototype and several half-size prototypes to make testing easier. Our prototype consisted of a cotton fiber sheet with PLA rings inserted and nylon rope tied to the rings. We tested the prototype in a baby pool filled with water and topped off with a vegetable oil "oil slick". We also tested an oil-eating bacteria similar to the bacteria that will be used in the actual product. We put it in a tub of motor oil and measured the oil's degradation over time. Below are procedures, results, and pictures of our tests.
Procedures and Results (click through to see results):
Pictures:
Reflection:
One thing that went very well during this step was our data collection. All the tests went according to plan, and we got good data from them that supported our prototype. because of this, we only had to make minimal changes. Another thing that went very well was our manufacturing. The prototypes were easy to construct, and we were able to quickly 3D print the materials we needed.
One thing that did not go as well during this step was our time management. We waited until the week of presentations to do our tests, so we had to do them outside of school. However, we were able to finish everything on time and use the results from our testing in our trifold poster on presentation night.
During this step, I learned more about the manufacturing process of the engineering design cycle.
One thing that went very well during this step was our data collection. All the tests went according to plan, and we got good data from them that supported our prototype. because of this, we only had to make minimal changes. Another thing that went very well was our manufacturing. The prototypes were easy to construct, and we were able to quickly 3D print the materials we needed.
One thing that did not go as well during this step was our time management. We waited until the week of presentations to do our tests, so we had to do them outside of school. However, we were able to finish everything on time and use the results from our testing in our trifold poster on presentation night.
During this step, I learned more about the manufacturing process of the engineering design cycle.