Challenge 1 – Week 4

Week 4: Sketch Model Refinement/Testing

Unnecessary Inventions and Whimsical Devices

 

Week four’s goal was to add refinements to our models based on previous sketches and prototypes. By experimenting and focusing on improving details, we enhanced our designs and moved another step forward in the building process.  

 

Concept:

This week I continued to work on my kicking dish drier device. Reflecting on last week, my project has seen many changes. From the original concept ideas, to the design sketches, brainstorming, and first models, I learned to make improvements through trial and error. Although my first prototype functioned well, there were specific areas that I wanted to turn my focus to this week in order to make further developments. For example, the base, rack, and panels all required modifications to ensure a more effective design and effortless user interaction. 

 

Building Process:

1) Materials:

1. 1. Scissors 
   2. Cardboard 
   3. Tape
   4. Paper
   5. Exacto knife
   6. Cutting mat
   7. Ruler
   8. Pencil

2) Building prototype:

• Timelapse:

 

• The Base 

One of the most vital elements of this project’s design is its spinning motion, however this is the area that I have been struggling with the most.  With a basic design, at the moment the device is able to function, but the mobility is lacking and remains very stiff. After discussing with teachers and peers on the best course of action, many suggested using a different material. Thus, I decided to try a variety of surfaces in hopes that one provided less friction. Cardboard was too tough, masking tape was too rigid, and duck tape caused too much chafing. In the end I decided to simply glue the too components together for now and rely on the kicking motions of the user to be responsible for the movement. This area of the project is something that I will keep conducting trials with to find an appropriate solution. 

 

• The Rack 

While testing out my product I realized that the rack component was one of the work’s weakest elements. Although the main purpose of the tool is to dry dishes, the model did not reflect these ideas. The original prototype could only hold four plates and some utensils in the center. Based on these critiques, I began to design and build a new rack model. First, I tried to visualize how I wanted to develop this new addition by experimenting, and after eventually choosing a design I liked, I moved on to sketching. The sketching phase helped me better organize my ideas and refine previously uneven measurements. After cutting out the new piece, I began to reassemble my device. At this time, I also decided to add notches at the base to serve as dividers and also help hold the plates in place. All these changes helped fine tune my project ideas and also added more available area for dishes and utensils.   

• The Panels  

For the side panels, my main objective was to not only to improve their visuals, but also to refine and strengthen them. In order to do this I first focused on integrating the panels without making them stand out too much or seem meaninglessly attached. Therefore, instead of leaving the panels taped to the sides of the device, like the were previously, I used three separate cardboard pieces and hot glue to hold them in place. This not only made the design sleeker visually, but it reinforced the structure and improved the machine’s stability. 

 

Results and Conclusion:

All in all, although there are boundless additions and revisions that could be made, I am pretty satisfied with the issues and components of my initial model that I was able to make improvements to. The plates fit much more comfortably in the machine with the new rack design, and the extended panels ease the kicking of the user. Still, the tool’s movements lack smooth motion, however after experimentation while building I believe this can be fixed in later stages by utilizing a more effective material with less friction. Despite this, I feel prepared  to move forward in the design process to the next stages involving modeling and CAD design with the prototype and sketch designs I’ve developed so far as strong references.