Crumple Zone
Identify the Problem:
-Create a Crumple Zone which can have the least amount of weight, with the greatest amount of shock absorption.
Generate Ideas:
-A cone to absorb the pressure of the weight.
-A set of springs which would counter the weight being pushed down.
-A sponge which would have a very large surface that would absorb most of the force.
Constraints:
-We can only use paper and staples.
-The area of the crumple zone can be no more than 4" x 4" x 4".
Criteria:
The Idea Matrix (below):
Research:
-We built the Cone, and the weight destroyed it.
-We also built the Springs, but they broke under the force of the weight.'
-We then built the Sponge, the weight almost bounced the Sponge back.
After reading the information about Crumple Zones, we tried to recreate the cone, but the product still failed. After reading a little bit more and going into a little bit more depth about Crumple Zones, we constructed a Square with rolled up manilla papers in it, but as a group we soon realized that the Sponge had more Surface Area than the Square so it was more effective in that manner.
Possible Solutions:
The Sponge would be the best choice, not only does that statistical data support our claims, we personally noticed that the Sponge was more stable, efficient, performs best, and is most effective.
-Create a Crumple Zone which can have the least amount of weight, with the greatest amount of shock absorption.
Generate Ideas:
-A cone to absorb the pressure of the weight.
-A set of springs which would counter the weight being pushed down.
-A sponge which would have a very large surface that would absorb most of the force.
Constraints:
-We can only use paper and staples.
-The area of the crumple zone can be no more than 4" x 4" x 4".
Criteria:
The Idea Matrix (below):
Research:
-We built the Cone, and the weight destroyed it.
-We also built the Springs, but they broke under the force of the weight.'
-We then built the Sponge, the weight almost bounced the Sponge back.
After reading the information about Crumple Zones, we tried to recreate the cone, but the product still failed. After reading a little bit more and going into a little bit more depth about Crumple Zones, we constructed a Square with rolled up manilla papers in it, but as a group we soon realized that the Sponge had more Surface Area than the Square so it was more effective in that manner.
Possible Solutions:
The Sponge would be the best choice, not only does that statistical data support our claims, we personally noticed that the Sponge was more stable, efficient, performs best, and is most effective.
The Best Idea
Summary:
The best solution was the sponge, it was the only object that didn't fail the tests. To create it, we rolled the papers into circles and placed them into the square until it was packed in. We weighed the object and it weighed roughly 55 grams, and we will continue to try to increase the efficiency of the square. Our only alternative is to put two squares on top of each other. Pc
Pictures of model
Graphical
Redesign
Our design failed miserably. The egg didn't stand a chance, and was completely destroyed, but I have not lost hope, in fact I have a renewed confidence that our new and improved crumple zone, will pass the test. It is a cylinder with cuts on its sides, and a spring in the middle. Previously I didn't put into account the weight of the previous design, (55g). Our new model has cut that weight by three fourths. Which greatly increases our efficiency.
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