Using the EDP to Design a Fluid Powered System

ENGR 8-4, Lesson 3Syringe Crane Challenge

Written by Roland Williams

Big Idea ENGR-TS-2: The students will

develop an understanding of how the design process is used to develop a technological system.

Critical Knowledge/ElementsA) Identify the steps of the design processB) Identify how systems are used in a variety of

settingsC) Illustrate how the systems model is utilized in

the production of goodsD) Construct and work with a variety of systems,

including Engineering, Electronics, Manufacturing, and Energy

A) Demonstrate work ethics within the classroom and lab environment

Word Wall Fluid Fluid Power Hydraulic

Systems Pneumatic

Systems Boyle’s Law

Pascal’s Principle Pressure Actuators Compressor Mechanical

Advantage

Essential Question

How do we use the Engineering Design Process to design a fluid powered system?

Steps in the Engineering Design Process

Steps in the Engineering Design Process

Identify a Challenge Usually the first step of the EDP. It is import to carefully examining

existing products to identify their limitations. This is a key step of innovation.

An example would be looking at existing systems. How they are constructed and how they operate.

Steps in the Engineering Design Process

Identify a Challenge Explore Ideas

This step is designed to brainstorm ideas to innovate the product.

It is important to come up with as many ideas as possible. The ideas can be sketched and/or written.

It is important to ask other people such as parents, neighbors, and friends, to help generate ideas they have not though of.

Steps in the Engineering Design Process

Identify a Challenge Explore Ideas Plan and Develop

Begin by making a final sketch of their idea.

Add notes and dimensions as applicable. Use models and a prototypes.

Models are for show. Prototypes function as desired.

Gather tools and materials to construct a new product.

Steps in the Engineering Design Process

Identify a Challenge Explore Ideas Plan and Develop Test and Evaluate

Make sure the new product works as it was intended.

Find out if their product would be accepted on the market by asking other people what they think of it.

Steps in the Engineering Design Process

Identify a Challenge Explore Ideas Plan and Develop Test and Evaluate Present the Solution

Although final step in the EDP, many times it leads back to Step 1: Identify a Challenge.

Give a short presentation/demonstration about the product.

Some of the final steps in the process go beyond what the engineer does, but they are key to the successful use of the product or system.

Using the EDP to Build Fluid Powered Crane

Design BriefFluid Power Design

ContextUsing design and fabrication processes used by industry, you will construct a fluid

powered crane. Certain specifications and limitations will be followed, and you may only use the tools and materials provided.

ChallengeYou are to design and construct a crane that is propelled by syringes that will lift the

largest payload and set it down the farthest distance from the base of the crane.

ProcedureFirst you will design your crane.Next you will explain you design to the instructor prior to beginning construction.You will then build your crane according to your plans.Lastly, you will demonstrate your crane’s abilities. Your crane must lift the minimum

payload.Materials and Equipment

Syringes, plastic tubing, K’nex blocks, masking tape, and ruler.EvaluationYour crane should be built according to the plans you created and will meet the

requirements listed in the “Limitations” and “Instructions”.Grading rubric for your project will be as follows:100 Project was completed in accordance to instructions.90 Project was completed with minor errors.80 Project was completed with errors.70 Project was completed with major errors.60 Project was not completed.50 Project was not attempted according to procedures.0 Project was not attempted.

Design BriefFluid Powered Crane Design

LIMITATIONS1. Crane must have a base allowing it to stand unassisted. Crane can

may be held and aligned at its base when lifting its payload.2. Crane must be power by remote syringes (fluid power) only.3. You may not utilize rubber bands, springs, mouse traps, etc... to

assist your crane. Masking tape can only be used to hold and attach syringes.

4. You may not assist your crane in any way.

INSTRUCTIONS1. Crane will be placed on a flat surface, 12 inches from the payload.2. Crane must be able to lift the minimum designated payload.3. Crane lifting the most weight will win.

For the competition, the crane that lifts the most weight will be the winner. In case of a tie, the winner will be determined by the crane with the longest reach from the crane’s base to the payload.

Category

Identify the Challenge (limitations, existing

products, ideas)

Write the challenge:

Explore Ideas (brainstorm, write down ideas, make

sketches)

Make 3 small sketches of your ideas:

Plan & Develop (determine scale, final drawing, get tools and

materials, build prototype)

Make final sketch, show the instructor, and get permission to begin building your crane.

Test Idea (test the product, ask people if

they like the new product, analyze survey

data, Redesign the product)

Test your idea. Does your fluid powered crane lift the required payload? How far does it move the payload?

Present the Solution (Apply for a patent for

the product, Make a commercial, Sell the

new product, Analyze profit/loss results)

Be prepared to explain how your fluid powered crane works and why it will work the best to the class.

Demonstrating Your Fluid Powered Crane

Essential Question

How do we use the Engineering Design Process to design a fluid powered system?

Conclusion

ENGR 8-4, Lesson 3Syringe Crane Challenge