Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Project: New Designs, Specifications, and Deadlines

After realizing that the first prototype would not be a successful creation for daily use by the wheelchair riders, we decided to throw the idea out the window and go for a simpler idea. our original carrying idea- the pouch/box storage that would come on to a wheelchair like a bookbag. We set out to find new materials for the new prototype. Using foam, hot glue guns, rulers, cardboard cutters, fabric for straps, we made the design and prototype for out new product.





This new product was a response to the needs of the rider to be able to carry their own oars but it also addressed the issues of moveability and proximity to center of mass of wheelchair that the old product presented. 

As soon as we have real oars, we can test the prototype to see if there any faults we need to address but for now, the project is looking solid. 

1. Project Description: A device to help wheelchair riders independently transport their oars to and from the boathouse and docks.

2. Design Specifications: Specific, measurable, one aspect, does not dictate design--
Our design is a 75*18*10 cm container that will hold oars that are about 6 cm in diameter each. The container will have two backpack straps attached to it on one side that will be able to hang around any wheelchair or person for easy mobility, transport, and accommodation to many wheelchairs.  The straps would be 11.5 cm below the start of the container. Design has to allow for a wheelchair rider to easily and effectively place oars behind her back.

3. Materials:
  • Backpack straps
  • Velcro (or some mechanism to adjust straps, tbd)
  • Plastic
4. Interfaces/Parts:
  • Container for the oars
  • Straps
  • Velcro to adjust straps

5. Testing Plan:
After creating the product, we would like to attach it to the wheelchair, henceforth one of us would sit on the wheelchair and try to obtain each oar and place it into the container. We would try to limit our movement to imitate someone with physical constraints. After the product is deemed ready for further testing, we will ask wheelchair riders to test the container themselves.

6. Schedule:
3/4 - Concept generation  
3/13 - 3D model & plan for prototype
3/6-3/18 - Order materials and obtain oar to fully come up with specified measurements.
4/1 - Have our materials ready and start making functional prototype.
4/3 - Initial prototype design review
4/8 - Make enhancements to prototype
4/10 - Final prototype testing by us and finish work on final details
4/15 - Prototype testing at CRI
4/17 - Feedback reception
4/22 - Work with feedback to alter/improve prototype
4/24 - Finish final project
5/1 - Project deliver



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