Crumple Zone
The goal for this project was to make a contraption that will prevent an egg from breaking/cracking.
Trial One: SUCCESS The egg was not damaged at all and was completely safe
Trial Two: ONE CRACK The egg was slightly damaged with one crack as a result
Trial One: SUCCESS The egg was not damaged at all and was completely safe
Trial Two: ONE CRACK The egg was slightly damaged with one crack as a result
DOCUMENTATION
Identify the Problem- Create a crumple zone to protect the egg from being hurt. Research- To help us solve this problem, we can research how much pressure an egg can handle until it is injured. We can also find out the weight of the object and how big the platform is Constraints- The constraints for this project is to make sure the crumple zone is efficient. The crumple zone must also be no more than 4 inches all around. Criteria- The criteria for the crumple zone is to have it light weight. Generate Ideas- To start creating a crumple zone, we decided to start with a cube base. We thought that to make the it more sturdier, the crumple zone could cover the device holding the egg partially. Possible Solutions- Our first idea was to create a bunch of rolls to bounce the impact away from the egg. The contraption was very efficient but weighed about 42 grams. Our second idea was to completely prevent the weight to hit the egg. We made a device similar to a hammock to hold the water bottle. Rolls were attached to the bottom to keep the crumple zone above the egg. It was an average weight of 33 grams. Select the Best Idea- Criteria Idea #1 Idea #2 Light Weight 1 2 Total SECOND CONTRAPTION TESTED Our first crumple zone was successful so our goal this time to make it light weight. We made the box 3 inches wide and still left it 4 inches tall. We took out the rolls at the bottom for lighter weight but I think we should have kept this detail. The rolls prevented the force of the water bottle to hit the egg so it cushioned the impact. We also took away one layer of paper on the hammock. SUMMARY I think crumple zones are very important, especially if they provide protection. Like in cars, crumple zones can prevent fatalities from occuring. If I made a third crumple zone, i would keep the design of the second crumple zone tested and add rolls to the bottom so the impact of the water bottle is not so great. To make the assignment more challenging, I would apply more criteria for the crumple zones. I would also put more criteria so there are more goals that can be reached. |