The Problem:
To stop an egg from being crushed by a weight by creating a "crumple zone" using the following materials
- Paper
- Staples
Brainstorm:
We knew we needed a device that would absorb the impact without damaging the egg. We knew we couldn't make the device too heavy or it would cause more damage to the egg but we couldn't make it too light because it wouldn't absorb any of the initial impact of the weight.
Possible Solutions:
- A spring that reflects the weight off the egg
- A series of folded paper to be crushed instead of the egg
- A box full of paper to support the weight while saving the egg
Constraints:
- Rules for design (max height- 5'', max length- 3'')
- Materials (Paper only)
- Efficiency
Criteria:
My goal for this project is to achieve an efficient crumple zone which will be shown through whether or not the egg is crushed. I will try to achieve this in the most affordable and functional way. The best way to limit the damage to the egg is to create a crumple zone that absorbs most of the impact, which can be accomplished through a flexible yet sturdy device that bends on impact.
Research
We researched the types of crumple zones that modern day cars have and tried to base our idea of the mechanics of that. Our solution, based off the car crumple zones, used a section of the device to take the first impact, then a second section of the device to absorb the impact of the first section, so there is no extra energy being used on the egg. Sort of like a sponge on top of a sponge to keep the egg "dry".
Best Idea:
Through the use of the table, we discovered that the folded paper on top of other folded paper was the best solution to our egg problem because it met all the criteria of a good working truss tower. We use a technical sketch to create a vision of our design instead of a sketchup model.
Summary:
During our first trial, the device worked well enough where the egg didn't break, but it did cause it to crack. We decided to reinvent our device by adding crumpled paper to the bottom fold, but still leave the top fold to be flexible enough to absorb the impact of the weight. But the second trial revealed that the design of the device wasn't as effective as we hoped it would be, and the egg once again cracked. We could have used more paper in the first fold so that the weight didn't go right through it and would instead take most of the impact. Our alternative plan would have been the spring to create a "bounce" effect on the weight. But seeing what happened to our fold device, it probably wouldn't have gone very well.
Working Model:
Contribution: 24g, 4in tall and 3in wide
We realized that during the first trial, the device worked pretty well. To improve it, we added more paper in the top and took out the bottom flat sheet so it would be more flexible. On the second trial, the egg cracked more than the first one, so it was clear that our first model was the best one when it comes to a crumple zone.
Adjust:
-Size of the crumple zone (not enough crumple, too bouncy)
-Actual size of device (too big)
- Amount of paper used (more in the circle part)
Contribution: 24g, 4in tall and 3in wide
We realized that during the first trial, the device worked pretty well. To improve it, we added more paper in the top and took out the bottom flat sheet so it would be more flexible. On the second trial, the egg cracked more than the first one, so it was clear that our first model was the best one when it comes to a crumple zone.
Adjust:
-Size of the crumple zone (not enough crumple, too bouncy)
-Actual size of device (too big)
- Amount of paper used (more in the circle part)