The engineering process

June 4th, 2024

    We went through the engineering process, which is a series of steps that engineers use to guide them to solve problems, to make a model that was able to transport objects or move objects with it. In other words a creative car. As we began this process, we had to go through the engineering design process and this is how it went:

Step 1: Define the problem

Our problem was to make a car/ mode of transportation that will move, is sturdy, and it has to carry or move an object. 

Step 2: Ask ( Research the problem)

The problem that we are trying to figure out is how we are going to build the car. What tools will we use to build the pieces. Others have used the slingshot method in which the car not only moves but it can diploy or move an object. That was our goal, to make a slingshot car. However, there some constraits and criterias that we had to follow. We had 10 minutes to plan and build the car. We had to use the tools only given to us. 

Step 3: Imagine 

We first started with imagining a regular four wheeler, but then I came up with the idea of  building this slingshot contraction on top of the base. The idea was to just have this pole and attach the rubber band on top of our base. In essence the rubber band would extend to the opposite end of the car, and attach itself to one of the long pieces given and slingshot its way.

Step 4: Plan

Down below is an image on how we wanted our car to look like, of course it does not show all of the pieces needed but we had a rough idea. Once we got to the materials, we saw 4 wheels and decided to make them into our wheels. The pillars, coming from various sizes, were to act as the connection and base to support the wheels. Some clamps to hold the structure in place and done. It sounds simply but we sure did have to figure out exactly what size, shape, and material we needed or should use. 

 

Step 5 & 6: Prototype and test

For our prototype we first decided to make the base of the car actually move. You, know, a backup plan in case our whole slingshot plan wouldn't work. At least it moves? Yay? 

As you can see, the body of the car is pretty short and there are these clamps inside and outside the body of the car. However, we did not test out if this four wheeler would move, instead we jumped right into finishing our proposed idea, the slingshot. 

Step 7: Improve

We really wanted to have this car to do a crazy stunt with the rubber band, but we just couldn't figure how we would connect the pieces together! We were stuck. It was hands on deck at this point. Lets put this together. No, this wont work. Actually were getting somewhere! Yeah no. And then the bell rang on us. Time was up! Oh,no. Lets just put something together and hope it works in these few seconds. 

At the end we were able to work with what we had and present our not so prototype "prototype."

Step 8: Redesign

As mentioned before, we were on a time constraint so we were not able to further make it better. We were definetly eagered to do more to it. 

At the end of the day, we learned that things take time and careful planning. Kudos to all of the researchers who take a lot of time to come up with something all of us can use. We'll be back 4 wheeler!