Here are my notes for a sailcar rapid prototyping exercise. It is intended to teach working on a primitive prototype of a product idea.
CSDGC
YOUTH CREATIVITY, INNOVATION & SUSTAINABLE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
PAPER SAILCAR EXERCISE
June 4, 2012
CONCEPT
Rapid design, build and prototyping of a wheeled vehicle (out of limited materials) that is propelled by a can of compressed air.
FRAMEWORK
Working with simple materials to build a prototype is a technique employed in many product development cycles. This exercise focuses on the simple form and function of a wheeled vehicle, and provides only a can of compressed air to create movement.
THE ASSIGNMENT
Build a set of functional requirements such as number of wheels, sails, size, etc. Then render a drawn design of the proposed vehicle. Next, build the vehicle and engineer as needed within the time limit. Each team will then put their vehicle through some tests.
RULES
Materials include 3 sheets of 8.5”x11.5” cardstock, three straws, a pair of scissors and a roll of Scotch tape. Each team will also receive only one can of Duster compressed air.
Teams will have 15 minutes to work on the functional requirements and drawn design.
Teams will have 30 minutes to build and engineer their vehicle prototype.
THE CHALLENGE
Speed: To cross a finish line in the shortest time.
Distance: To cover the most longitudinal distance with x seconds of compressed air.
Maneuver: Steer the vehicle around obstacles without falling over.
VARIATIONS
Provide a balloon for propulsion (speed or distance challenge).
Design a watercraft.
Vehicle must carry golf ball.