Overview
This is the final stretch of our capstone project. Steps 6-7 focused on our prototype, which includes the manufacturing, experimentation, and redesign of our prototype. Step 8, the final step, helps conclude and bring all of our work and research together. Along with creating a final presentation, we also had to create marketing material to help communicate and sell our ideas.
Major Steps:
-Prototype Manufacturing
- Prototype Performance Testing & Lab Report
- Prototype Redesign
- Scientific Poster
- Final Design Report Presentation & Video
- Marketing Flyers & Business Cards
- Product Website
- Final Updated Gantt Chart
Major Steps:
-Prototype Manufacturing
- Prototype Performance Testing & Lab Report
- Prototype Redesign
- Scientific Poster
- Final Design Report Presentation & Video
- Marketing Flyers & Business Cards
- Product Website
- Final Updated Gantt Chart
Steps 6-7: Prototype & Prototype Performance Testing
This is the prototype we manufactured. Our initial design is made out of a paper frame, with struts wrapped with aluminum foil, a cardboard base, and wrapped with plastic to mimic ETFE. After putting it together, we ran experiments, and used them to create a design that is made with stronger materials to withstand the harsher condition of Mars. The results of the test are in the document below, and a summary of our tests can be found on our Scientific Poster. Our redesigned prototype is now made with wooden struts pre-wrapped with aluminum, a stronger cardboard base, and a tighter and more secure plastic wrap.
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Step 8: Design Report
This is our final design report, and brings all of our research and experimentation together. We ran through all of the steps that we took to get to our final design. We also had to create marketing material and a product website, featured below, to help communicate our ideas to go along with our presentation. Below is our presentation and a video explaining our Final Design Report. We also have a link to our Gantt Chart that we used to plan our project.
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Final Thoughts
Overall, this project was very insightful but very challenging. This whole project took a lot of time and effort just to research, design, and plan everything out. We also had major obstacles that we had to overcome as group, however we managed to persevere and overcome those challenges. Despite this, it was very satisfying and fulfilling seeing all of work come together, and I take pride in everything that we've accomplished. One thing that I wish we had done better however is work efficiency. Throughout the majority of this project, we became busy with revising a lot of our work and subsequently, we fell behind. While we wanted to put out quality work, we became too focused on the mundane things instead of resuming progress. If we had managed our time better and divided work among the group, we could've put out more quality work on time. This entire project was a valuable learning experience, as I learned a lot about teamwork, the engineering design cycle, and even my personal strengths and weaknesses. I am grateful for the opportunity to work on this project and to work with great teammates and mentors.