Lab 1A: Introduction to Prototype Development

Important: Please note that you must register on the EG-UY 1004 website before performing the lab. The information on the lab PCs cannot be accessed outside of the lab rooms. Email copies of all the files created on the lab PCs to a personal account and share it with all members of your group.

Objective

The objective of this portion of the lab is to become familiar with sensors and prototyping components commonly used in EG-UY 1004. These components could be commonly found in the RAD projects. Students will brainstorm with classmates on the purpose and functionality of different prototype ideas based on a variety of chosen components.

Overview

Prototyping is the process of designing and building an early model of a product to test it. An essential part of engineering design processes; a prototype can serve as a proof of concept showing that the system or device can be built and will perform correctly (Jensen et al., 2016). Good prototypes should be cost-effective, perform well, and use the fewest amount of resources needed while maintaining the safety and efficacy of the final product.

In EG-UY 1004, the Rapid Assembly and Design project is centered around prototyping

Common prototyping components can be categorized into electrical and mechanical components. Examples of electrical components are sensors and wires. Examples of mechanical components are gears and wheels.

Materials and Equipment

• Pen and paper

The table below outlines the components presented in the ideation activity.

You can find the full list of materials available in EG-UY 1004 here.

Table 1: Components for Prototype Ideation

Component	Function	Output	Example Application
Light Sensor	Measures light intensity.	Analog or digital signal proportional to light intensity.	Automatic Lighting: Adjust indoor lighting based on ambient light. Smart Garden: Monitor sunlight exposure for plants.
Buzzer	Produces sound when electrical signal is applied.	Audible tone or beep.	Alerts: Audible alarms or notifications. Games: Provide sound effects in electronic games.
Fluid Pump	Moves fluids from one place to another.	Controlled flow of liquid.	Medical Devices: Control fluid delivery in medical treatments.' Watering Systems: Automate irrigation in gardens or greenhouses.
LCD Screen	Displays alphanumeric characters on a 16-column by 2-row screen.	Visual display of text and simple graphics.	Data Monitoring: Show system/sensor statuses. User Interfaces: Display information and interact with users.
FSR (Force Sensitive Resistor)	Measures force applied.	Resistance corresponding to the force applied.	Consumer electronics: Touch-sensitive controls. Robotics: Sense touch from robotic limbs.
Joystick Module	Provides directional control input.	Output: X and Y axis positions.	Gaming: Control game characters or vehicles. Robotics: Manual control of robotic arms or vehicles.
Ultrasonic Sensor	Measures distance using ultrasonic waves.	Distance measurement based on echo time.	Proximity Sensors: Detect the presence of objects or people. Level Measurement: Monitor liquid levels in tanks.
Bluetooth Module	Enables wireless communication between devices.	Wireless data transfer.	Remote Control: Operate devices remotely. Wireless Data Transfer: Send data between microcontrollers and smartphones Level Measurement: Monitor liquid levels in tanks.
CO2 Sensor	Measures carbon dioxide concentration in the air.	Analog signal proportional to CO2 levels.	Ventilation Control: Adjust ventilation systems based on CO2 levels. Greenhouse Management: Optimize conditions for plant growth.

Procedure

Spin the Wheel Activity:

There are a total of 3 rounds for this activity. You will form teams of 2-4 with your classmates, mixing up teams between rounds.

Rules

• Each round, there will be 3 components to be included in your prototype
  • All 3 components must be included in your prototype design
  • The design can also include other components if wanted
• 10 minutes for discussion with your team per round
• 2 minutes to present your ideas to the class after each round
• TAs will provide feedback on your idea

Spin the Wheel Rounds

1. Discuss a prototype that can be used during your time at college.
2. Form small groups with classmates in your major. Discuss a prototype that can solve a problem related to your major.
3. No limits! Come up with a brand new idea for a prototype.

Assignment

Step 1: Observe and Reflect

• Throughout your day, pay close attention to the tasks you perform and any inconveniences or problems you encounter.
• Reflect on moments of frustration or difficulty. These are potential areas for improvement.
• As you enter, navigate, and exit buildings around campus, think of what features you see that you like and which ones you wish you had.

Step 2: Document Your Observations

• Use this template to document your observations.
• RAD: Create a list of at least 5 problems
  • Problems that you experience personally.
  • Problems that could improve the lives of others, especially focusing on accessibility issues.
    • Think about the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities. This could include physical, sensory, cognitive, or other types of impairments.
    • Consider how these challenges affect their daily activities and what solutions could make these activities easier or more accessible.
• HIR: Create a list of at least 5 features you would want your building to have
  • From a student’s point of view, what features would you like to see in your academic buildings?
    • Identify any accessibility features that could be incorporated to make the design more inclusive and sustainable.
• Submit a copy of the template with the list of problems and features you come up with on the EG website.
  • The deadline for submission is 11.59pm the night for Lab 1 of your section.

Step 3: Preparing for Ideation Sessions (RAD and HIR)

• Review and Prioritize:
  • Review your list of problems and features documented and prioritize the ones that are most relevant and pertinent.
  • Choose problems that have a significant impact or offer substantial room for improvement.
• Bringing Your List to Ideation:
  • Bring your list of prioritized problems and desired features to the ideation session.
  • Be prepared to share and discuss these problems and features with your peers and TAs.
• Group Discussion:
  • During the ideation session, collaborate with your group to brainstorm potential solutions for the problems you've identified and to incorporate desired features into your building designs.
  • Use the problems and features documented as a starting point for innovation and creativity.

References

Jensen et al. 2016. “Prototypes in engineering design: Definitions and strategies.” Accessed 22 December 2023 from https://www.designsociety.org/publication/38892/PROTOTYPES+IN+ENGINEERING+DESIGN%3A+DEFINITIONS+AND+STRATEGIES