Mousetrap - Product Design and Specification - Coursework Example

hаniсаl Dеsign and Dеvеlорmеnt Name Institution A mousetrap is a machine with few parts that helps in efficient execution of the tasks. The mousetrap normally has a spring, metal bar, and a trigger mechanism. The simplicity of the gadget has always ensured that other gadgets can be made using the mousetrap technology. This paper explores two different concepts that are powered using the mousetrap technology. From the two concepts, the merits and demerits are weighed depending on the functionalities of each. A decision is made on the most applicable gadget design that uses the mousetrap powered technology. Concept 1: Mousetrap-Powered Car Introduction This concept mainly focuses on a set-up of mousetrap car, which will lift payload using spring power. Different from the normal car set-up, this concept shall tend to carry loads from a lower end to an upper end, like a shelf. Through the gadget, one learns how the mousetrap car works. Thus, it can help in building very complex car. The mousetrap car in this concept is used to lift and push an empty soda into a shelf from a crate using the spring power. Product Design and Specification Requirements In designing the concept, the following materials will be essential: 1. A duct tape 2. Snap back mouse trap- wooden 3. A cardboard preferably a heavy one 4. Eye hooks (4) 5. A fitting wooden dowel 6. Rubber bands both small and large 7. Straight edge/Measurement material 8. String 9. Board (made from foam) 10. Cutting material preferably a knife 11. Pliers Details Upon setting up the mousetrap, it has with it potential energy which upon releasing it is converting to kinetic or motion energy within the spring (Cropley & Cropley, 2000). Through the concept, the car allows the energy transferred to the axle that then facilitates the turning of the wheel. Upon the trap snap closing, the string or the spring is yanked forward. On pulling the string or the spring, there is friction generated between the string and the axle. This friction in turns makes the axle to rotate resulting into spinning of the wheels. Through the combination of these processes, the car is ultimately moved forward. In order to ensure that the concept adopted supports forward movements over long distances or goes faster, a few modifications are necessary and they include increasing the wheel-to-axle ratio (Cropley & Cropley, 2000). When used in the scenarios where there are long distance cars, it is essential to have larger wheels. Every other time the axle turns one time the wheels also does the same. Essentially, it takes more force to ensure acceleration of a car with a larger wheel-to-axle ratio. This then means that in situations where the car is to be moved faster and work well, the wheels must be smaller (Lindsay et al., 2008). Additionally, when using the mousetrap in car there is need to have a light car given that the inertia used will be less. Therefore, building a light car is integral when using the concept. Life In service This can last over 10 years while in service. The only consideration that must be put into place is proper maintenance of the gadgets. Care must be taken when in motion to ensure that this gadget is not broken hence it will last for long. Ergonomics The mousetrap used in the car should not have effect on the driver or users. Additionally, there is need to ensure that the gadget does not introduce interference through fast energy release. Testing There is need to carry out the testing of this gadget often to ensure that it operates efficiently. When testing, care should be taken to ensure that energy is released at the required amount. For slower powering and long sustenance, energy should be released slowly. This is done through making the lever arm long through attaching pencil, dowel to the snapper arm. There is need to analyse the friction that occurs between the axle and the eye hooks that attach them to the body of the car. Friction is good especially the one that can results into traction though too much of it is bad (Lindsay et al., 2008). Installation and Maintenance Given that they are easy to make, they should be able to be fitted in different gadgets that are used. This gadget is simple in terms of the maintenance requirements. Manufacturing Facility Process The units that are made are approximately 700 and this ensures that every day 2 units of these gadgets can be made. The assembling of one gadget takes approximately 2 hours. The extra time is used for testing and feasibility of the gadget. Safety This concept is dangerous in making. Therefore, one must be careful when using this concept given that if the mousetrap snaps on an individual’s finger, they are likely to break. To this end, care must be taken to ensure that there is proper supervision and permission given by an adult or a professional. Concept 2: Marshmallow Catapult The second concept explores the mechanical design of a marshmallow catapult that employs the use of spring power. This concept uses the idea of a lever to move a product from one point to a higher point, preferably, a shelf through the use of a lever, the lever has a spring that is attached to it which moves upon snapping. Materials The various materials that are needed in the development of this concept include, 1 mousetrap, rubber band, spoon, duct tape, 2 erasers and 2 popsicle sticks. Details When using the catapult, an object is placed on the spoon while at the same holding the base of the gadget. An object placed in the spoon for instance a bottle top can be moved up to a shelf through the spring force. The device operates using the Newton’s law which states that objects remain in motion unless there is a force that acts on them from outside. Upon releasing the catapult of the spring, the lever and ammunition, moves forward using the energy that is in the spring (Finelli, 1999). Upon hitting the erasers the lever suddenly stops. Nonetheless, the marshmallow remains in motion up to the moment it hits something else or when the gravitational force is overcame and brings it to the ground. Installation and Maintenance Installation as well as the maintenance of this gadget is easy as they are easy to make. Upon manufacturing they should be able to be fitted in different gadgets that are used. This gadget is simple in terms of the maintenance requirements and as long as a person is acquainted with the processes involved, they can do them (Finelli, 1999). Ergonomics This concept should not cause any harm on the users or the drivers. When in motion, there is need to ensure that there is no effect at all costs through the energy transfers and the gadgets that stop them. Energy released when moving might have large impacts on the movements of the spoon. Testing There is need to carry out the testing of this gadget often to ensure that it operates efficiently. When testing, care should be taken to ensure that energy is released at the required amount. Manufacturing Facility Process The units that are made are approximately 1400 and this ensures that every day 4 units of these gadgets can be made. The assembling of one gadget takes approximately 1 hours. The extra time is used for testing and feasibility of the gadget. Safety Though not very detailed when making it, there is need to be careful when in motion as a person may be the stopper and this may turn out to be very dangerous. Therefore, one must be careful when using this concept given that if the mousetrap snaps on an individual’s finger, they are likely to be damaged if not stop. To this end, care must be taken to ensure that there is proper supervision and permission given by an adult or a professional. Choice From the two concepts that have been discussed above, my choice is concept 1. Reviewing the manner in which it is made, it easy and quick to make. Additionally, it is assembled by professionals hence ensuring that it remains detailed and precise in its operations. Further, the design of this concept employs most of the materials that are easily accessible and admissible in any laboratory environment. Even though concept 2 also uses easily found materials, the making of the design in the 2nd concept does not really appear to be very professional in nature. Depending on the manufacturing needs, the design of the concept is flexible and more suitable for the light cars. The labour that is used in making the 1st component is not too much given the work that is entailed or various inputs that go into manufacturing of the gadget. On one hand, there is flexibility in the assembling of the gadget. However, when using the first concept, there is need to address the various safety concerns or issues in place. In terms of cost, the 2nd concept would be an option as the manufacturing is easy and cost friendly though the feasibility of the gadget in comparison to the other is not comparable as the 1st concept is much more endearing. The first concept is labour intensive though worth the hustles. The safety issues that needs to be looked at properly include that the concept should not be dangerous to the user as under such then the logic of usability will be in question. Also, for both the designs, there is need to properly take care when disengaging them. From the two, any mechanical professional and design person can make a choice. References Cropley, D. H., & Cropley, A. J. (2000). Fostering creativity in engineering undergraduates. High ability studies, 11(2), 207-219. Finelli, C. J. (1999, November). A team-oriented, project-based freshman problem solving course: Benefits of early exposure. In fie (pp. 11A2-26). IEEE. Lindsay, E., Munt, R., Rogers, H., Scott, D., & Sullivan, K. (2008). Making students engineers. engineering education, 3(2), 28-36. Read More