Problem Definition: Currently, Mrs. Vestal's chickens are laying eggs at various heights (less than or equal to 17 feet). Mrs. Vestal is having trouble collecting eggs because the eggs crack open when they hit the ground.
We also starting the building process for our chosen solution to the problem. Our original design looks like this:
As we put the parts together, we realized a couple of things. First, it made more sense to have a square foundation because the center basket would be more effectively attached and supported. Second, our design would be most effective if we used both a straw bottom and a tape drape for the basket. Third, we would use resources more efficiently by scrapping our plans for the top half of the structure.
Our structure's foundation is composed of straw triangles and the basket is made of straws cut in thirds as well as a tape drape interior with straw supports.
We are still working on the mathematics behind the structure and its performance.
Additionally, we tested our contraption with a real egg from 2 inches. It made it unharmed! We tried from a higher distance with the plumb bob guiding our aim, but I got nervous and completely missed the contraption! Oops.
We'll have to practice our aim this week so we'll be ready for next week's tests!
The final product looks like this:
Megan and I are working really well together and are excited to represent Japan! We are able to listen and build on each other's ideas. We are also very patient and optimistic in our endeavors. This project has been a great lesson on teamwork and taking things one step at a time.
*****You will be pleased that you have posted your "engineering design process" notes on planning & building your naked egg drop catcher as you progress. It is much more accurate than waiting to the end to re-create the process on paper. Hope this makes sense :) Great job!
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