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prototyping documentation rapid prototyping

week3: EggDrop

So, after the last week’s failure, I decided to implement a technique that i have seen all across the Web: the paper straws. Of course, we are not allowed to use the actual straws, however we are allowed to use paper. So, given that, I have created a new sketch of the prototype:

the idea behind the mechanics of the prototype os basically the same as the one behind the failed one, however this time it seems more reliable: the bulging parts are meant to absorb the shock energy, while the box is not supposed to even touch the ground. 

the straws seem way more reliable as they were much better attached to the box (the attachment was solid, unlike the crumbled paper). plus, the straws are not easy to bend, which also seemed like a green flag. 

the first assembly looked like that:

it had three vertical and three horizontal straws that with the box summed up to 8 pieces of A4 paper and much less tape than the previous try. the idea was to add as much straws as needed for a box to not touch the ground at any position after falling, as well as making sure that the energy absorbed by the straw will not transfer to the box in even larger pressure (as the area of their intersection would be smaller). as seen in the picture, the prototype looks promising. so, I decided to try it out:

and it worked! I was very excited. the bad thing about this prototype though is that i have to butcher it every time to show the egg. but it is alright. as the technique is repeatable, I will assemble it again, for the challenge on the lesson.

p.s. so, i am pretty happy that the previous idea didn’t work out as I probably wouldn’t have any particular idea on how to assemble something like that again. 

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