our team!
Our final design!
Define a problem
To plan out and organize the project ahead, we created a Gantt Chart and assigned the responsibilities that would be given to each team member. This would allow us to avoid becoming too overwhelmed and to be able to visually see the tasks ahead in a chart format. It wasn't hard to become overwhelmed, especially given the virtual/in person circumstances, therefore it is critical that we mapped out the responsibilities that needed to be accomplished by which person and when.
Generate Concepts
one of my sketches
one of Alex's sketches
Researching of materials:
Tests
Below is a remake of our very first test, which involved using cotton pads and sand. The first test of cotton and sand gave us a turbidity of around 7 or so NTU, so we assumed if we patterned our design after this, we would get a similar value. However, we ended up with the opposite result, getting a turbidity of around 36 on our second test. We assumed this was due to the sand leaving residue in the water or something around those lines.
After researching some materials and listing the pros and cons, we noticed that activated charcoal received many positive reviews in the water filter world. Therefore, we thought we would give it a shot. Our first design using it, shown below, was a failure, giving us a turbidity of over 100.
We then revised the design shown above, adding a layer of sand and another of larger rocks, and then topping it off with a coffee filter. The plan was to incorporate cotton pads into the design, however during this time we were out of them. The design below actually gave us a turbidity of about 71, which was also unacceptable.
The design proceeding this one was our final design, which gave us the best results.
Decision matrix
Though the second 2 designs were tied numerically, we had to consider the final turbidity value since that was the most significant component of the design, and decided on the third option.
Develop a solution
Construct and Test Prototype
After testing, we got a turbidity value of around 17 NTU.
There doesn't seem to be any problems that exist with the design, however there simply may have been a more effective way of arranging the materials and adding any new ones to make the design more practical. Sand or gravel would likely not have helped, as we previously saw, it seemed that they hurt more than they helped.
There doesn't seem to be any problems that exist with the design, however there simply may have been a more effective way of arranging the materials and adding any new ones to make the design more practical. Sand or gravel would likely not have helped, as we previously saw, it seemed that they hurt more than they helped.
Evaluate Solution
We finished and tested our prototype at the very last minute, not giving us much time to be able to evaluate and revise the solution. However, managing our time more efficiently would have allowed us to backtrack through the design process and determine a more efficient design for the prototype. 17 NTUs is an adequate number and I am glad we were able reduce the number from previous tests, however I would definitely have researched more into materials not necessarily provided by Mrs. Z. For example, I was looking into using ceramic as a household filter which proves to be a rather effective material. Had I been able to come to school, I would have brought a flower pot or something of this nature to try as a possible filter. This would not only have possibly reduced the NTU, but this would've added a creativity aspect to our design, rather than just cotton balls and coffee filters. Going back through the design process, we could have added this new material to the decision matrix, tested it using the dirty water, and determined if it would be a possible component for the final design.
Reflection
I had a fun time during this project. Though it would have been easier and likely more enjoyable to actually be in-person for it, I am still convinced it was a beneficial experience. I learned a lot about water filtering and how well various materials function as filters. It was fascinating to see how certain materials interacted with contaminated water, and to actually see water turning from disgusting to possibly drinkable through something of our own creation. For the next project, time management will definitely be top priority. Managing my tasks and keeping track of my responsibilities is something I struggle with, and I tend to find myself completing things at the last minute. Doing things like Gantt Charts and Team Responsibility charts allows me to visually see the tasks that need to be completed and by what date. These due dates make it much easier for me to spread the work out and accomplish what needs to be accomplished. I will definitely focus on these charts and organizers next time. Teamwork was a little more difficult this time, due to the in person/virtual conflicts, however me and my partner were flexible and able to work through these communication issues. I feel that these struggles will become easier to manage as time goes on. For next year, I would definitely include the option of bringing in your own materials, and I would encourage the use of creative materials. Though our design worked, as engineers it is important to think outside of the box and to come up with out-of-the-ordinary solutions. This is what the design process was made for, to take these bizarre ideas and turn them into reality through proper planning and forethought.