Product Viability
Loads- Loads will be transferred via mechanical energy from the consumer’s fingers to the switch/button. The loads would be dynamic as the pressure on the switch/button is released. We will have to contact our mentor to figure out how to calculate the loads on the components, but we know that it will have to measure the amount of pressure human fingers can exert. Our components, specifically the switch/button should be able to withstand the load.
Materials- Our battery would need to withstand corrosion, water/fluids, and last for 4 years. The toggle would need to withstand repeated movement and the metal in the toggle should not rust or stiffen, which would prevent our product’s use. The plastic encasing should be stiff so it can protect the electronics inside. The materials should be light enough when put together so the product is not too heavy for comfortable use.
Mechanical Engineering- Our design requires an input of mechanical energy- the movement of the clasp, and then toggle, by a human hand, to work. The clasp is movable, in one position it prevents the accidental movement of toggle, and in the other it allows for the movement of the toggle. The toggle itself will also move forward and backwards to activate the alarm system.
Energy- Our product requires an input of mechanical energy to trigger the flow of electrical energy via a battery.
Chemical/Bioengineering- Copper, zinc, Pyrolusite ore, and iron are extracted from the earth. The copper is made into wires, the iron is used to make the siren, and the zinc and Pyrolusite ore (which is converted to manganese dioxide) are used in batteries. The latex from a Hevea Erasiliensis tree is used to make rubber, which is used in the toggle switch. At the end of the life cycle, chemical agents are used to break down the components.
Electrical Engineering- Our design involves electronics, specifically a toggle switch, a power source(battery), a buzzer/alarm, and wires. This electronic system will be enclosed in the plastic that makes the zipper attachment, and will be what allows our product to function.
Laws- Yes, we have researched laws that could impact our design, and we have not found ant concerning a personal siren/alarm system. Yes, we believe that our team has met its ethical responsibility related to the design of our product.
Consequences of Development- Our design does use nonrenewable resources, such crude oil for plastic, copper, and iron ore. Our design also includes electronics that are hard to recycle and plastic that takes a very long time to break down. However, the product is not visually unappealing, and only contributes to noise pollution when the product is activated as an alarm. This would have no effect on animal and plant species
Materials- Our battery would need to withstand corrosion, water/fluids, and last for 4 years. The toggle would need to withstand repeated movement and the metal in the toggle should not rust or stiffen, which would prevent our product’s use. The plastic encasing should be stiff so it can protect the electronics inside. The materials should be light enough when put together so the product is not too heavy for comfortable use.
Mechanical Engineering- Our design requires an input of mechanical energy- the movement of the clasp, and then toggle, by a human hand, to work. The clasp is movable, in one position it prevents the accidental movement of toggle, and in the other it allows for the movement of the toggle. The toggle itself will also move forward and backwards to activate the alarm system.
Energy- Our product requires an input of mechanical energy to trigger the flow of electrical energy via a battery.
Chemical/Bioengineering- Copper, zinc, Pyrolusite ore, and iron are extracted from the earth. The copper is made into wires, the iron is used to make the siren, and the zinc and Pyrolusite ore (which is converted to manganese dioxide) are used in batteries. The latex from a Hevea Erasiliensis tree is used to make rubber, which is used in the toggle switch. At the end of the life cycle, chemical agents are used to break down the components.
Electrical Engineering- Our design involves electronics, specifically a toggle switch, a power source(battery), a buzzer/alarm, and wires. This electronic system will be enclosed in the plastic that makes the zipper attachment, and will be what allows our product to function.
Laws- Yes, we have researched laws that could impact our design, and we have not found ant concerning a personal siren/alarm system. Yes, we believe that our team has met its ethical responsibility related to the design of our product.
Consequences of Development- Our design does use nonrenewable resources, such crude oil for plastic, copper, and iron ore. Our design also includes electronics that are hard to recycle and plastic that takes a very long time to break down. However, the product is not visually unappealing, and only contributes to noise pollution when the product is activated as an alarm. This would have no effect on animal and plant species
Summary
In this portion of the capstone project, we determined the life cycle of our product, what types of engineering and energy is required to create and use our product, and if we should continue with this design (do the pros of the design outweigh the cons). We decided that we will continue with this design because it does not have too many negative consequences on the environment, and the product is aiding in the safety of its consumers. Our product does have a few hazardous material outputs like battery acid and CO2, however these are in relatively minute amounts and they do not outweigh the social good that our product will do for those who worry about sexual assault.