Mentor meeting

Yesterday we met up with our mentor, she suggested that we should start on the building on the actual prototype so that we can start finding potential flaws earlier. She also suggested that we MUST have numbers to convince people that our project is workable. E.g. average weight of clothes pole, energy saved, etc.

We will calculate the figures as soon as possible

More pictures

This is our finished mockup prototype. It is still in its early stages and we are going to make a real prototype in the near future

The objective of this mockup is to show the concept of our prototype so that we can visualise it. also it gives us a chance to spot potential flaws in it.

A potential flaw would be the wear pivot, thus we have decided to upgrade into a high quality and heavy duty pivot. also the shock absorbing stopper is somewhat too soft and the poles cause it to droop down. We decided to change the material to hard rubber compound.

Our mentor also suggested that we should add a rubber lining at the tip of the housing to prevent cutting of the poles.

Building of a mockup for testing

We started building a mockup to test the principles of our invention.

Materials used:
Metal L shaped braces
Wooden Plank
PVC tubes
PVC glue
Screws

Total cost: $15

Idea concept

Final meeting

Today, our group meet up to finalise our project and also rehearse our slides. We thought of possible methods to improve our project too. We also consult our mentor to make any last minute changes.

Change of idea

Our final decision at the end is to change the idea, as we find the project not feasible at all and after meeting with our mentor, our mentor suggests us to change idea before it's too late.
Thus, we change to the idea: Bamboo Housing.

The idea was actually inspired by Sheng Xiang, whose mother had problem keeping the bamboo poles due to her back pain. Thus we thought of this idea to lessen the movement and make it more safe for the housewives/maids to keep the bamboo.

The idea works with a pivot joint at the end of the housing. By pulling the bamboo towards us with the help of the fulcrum, less force is needed and we need not bend our body over to keep the bamboo.

We then send an email to our mentor for confirmation.

Verge of changing idea

After more meetings with the mentor and consideration, we decided to adapt our invention due to some faults.
-Problems in building on an industrial scale
-Doubt its liability on an industrial scale
-Use for camping trips instead
-Convenience as you can bring 2 in 1

On motor home trips, electricity is nessessary. If the motor home is not parked at an RV park, it has to use a generator to power amenities (engine).
-With our invention, it can help to lessen burden on engine and do no waste fuel
-Can generate power on the way

Modification

After some serious consideration, we emailed our mentor and found possible problems.
-Expensive and hard to make (large)
-Problem with wiring

Solar panel system no longer turns with the windmill, blades increase efficiency of the windmill enclosed inside.