Module 3

Module 3: SHU Engineering Cube Design

Measurements:

We found that our real life cube model has different dimensions than online Tinkercad version. We measured our real life cube to be 1" in length on all sides whereas the online version is measured to 1/2" on all sides.

Design Explained:

When taken apart it becomes obvious how the cube with the ball inside was created. Starting off as a simple cube, the creator then went and placed a cube in the center of each side and extruded it to it went all the way through the original. After these steps had been completed, a sphere was created and simply placed in the middle of the cube.

Similar Design Explained

The is a cable saver, and this is very similar to our design because we both have the same idea on saving the cable but different designing ideas. To me, this image looks like it was created with a big rectangle that is cut down a lot, almost like a longer/skinny cylinder, on one half and the other half was cut down a little, like a shorter rectangle that curves in at the top. They cut out the middle with an oval shape piece that was bigger for one half and smaller for the other.

Design Limitations:

Sphere:

We decided to use a sphere as our design because we knew the printer could have trouble drawing curved surfaces.

Above: We first placed the ball inside the sketch

Above: We then placed a ruler on the sketch to get to dimensioning

Above: We placed dimensions on the sketch to spec. it to the right size; 1/2"

Above: Finished Sphere product

"Spaghetti String":

Another limitation was that 3d printers are probably bad at generating shapes that deviate from their usual Cartesian grid, so the idea of a "spaghetti string" shape was made.

We obviously didn't make a string of spaghetti, but the disconnected/curvy/long shapes should pose a problem for the printer's rigid system of creation.

Long Rod:

Another limitation the 3d printer has is that when it comes to printing models with a great length, depending on the 3d printer, it can either emerge fine or parts of the model can be crooked or can't be printed at all.

TinkerCAD Tutorials Summary

• In the Learning the Moves tutorial, we learned that we can move objects by moving them with the mouse or selecting the object and using the keyboard keys to move it.
• In the Camera Controls tutorial, we learned that in order to control the camera, we can scroll with the mouse or press and hold the right mouse button while moving the mouse to rotate the camera.
• In the Creating Holes tutorial, we learned that we can make holes so we can remove unwanted materials from models. 
• In the Scale, Copy, and Paste tutorial, we learned that we can move a shape into the workplane, make a shape big, small, etc., and copy and paste a shape on the workplane.
• In the Key Ring, Letters! tutorial, we learned that we can make our own custom models.
• In the Die on the Workplane tutorial, we learned that we can use the work-plane to our advantage when it comes to designing models.

TinkerCAD Tutorial Snapshots

Module 2

Module 1 Redesign:

We currently have two new design ideas in mind, both that would reduce the amount of material used, but with an unknown change in quality and effectiveness.

As a group we ended up choosing this design because it removes a substantial amount of material without risking the integrity of the product. This design takes out part of the core of the product, leaving a strong "spine" to connect the two connectors on the end.

Module #1

3D Printer Analysis

Sample Quality

The samples seem to be roughly made (as they were created by the 3D printer) and need to be sanded down to be smooth. We think that if the steps were closer together for the creation, it would have taken longer but been more precise. The plastic is very strong, but probably only in the direction that it's laid down. If the chain links were made perpendicular to the direction of the links, they would be weaker overall. On the measurement tool, there are areas that aren't fully cohesive because the distance between the points got too long.

Limitations of 3D Printers

The immediate observation is that it takes a very long time to make a good 3D print. Another is that there is a size restriction for whatever is being printed, because if it's bigger than the printer itself it would need to be built in parts afterwards.

^ The world's first 3D printed car. From: http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/a16726/local-motors-strati-roadster-test-drive/

Gadget Ideas

Bedside Organizer

All college students share a very annoying problem, no bedside space. At night we have nowhere to place our phones, remotes or gaming controllers for safe and easy access. Thats why we, The PioNeers, have decided to create a 3D printed bedside organizer. This organizer will be anchored under the mattress and will hang off the side of the bed with a large container adjacent to the bed.

SHU Card Holder

At Sacred Heart, we use our SHU cards for everything - from getting dinner to buying coffee to getting into our dorm rooms. We are thinking about making a medium to small gadget that attaches to a backpack, which is used to hold students' SHU cards so that they can be easily taken out when needed.

Phone Charger

Everyone has the problem with their phone charger cord always breaking at the point where cord and the plastic meet. So I want to create a cast type piece of plastic to keep the the cord from bending and breaking. When you put the cast around the cord, the cord will be prevented to break and why will be able to keep your cords for much longer.

Evaluation

The metrics of evaluation were utility, ease of use, simplicity, and speed (from 1-5). The scores were:

                                utility | ease of use | simplicity | speed | total

Bedside Organizer:    5      -        3        -        1      -      1    -   10

SHU Card Holder:      5      -        4        -        2      -      3    -   14

Phone Charger:          3      -        4        -        3      -      5    -   15

Where the Phone Charger seemed to be the best idea.

Drawing

Video