Functional Prototype

Prototype Drawing

Prototype Function

Our prototype is a tool that can be used for hanging flower baskets overhead. Our design makes it easy for the user to grab a pot from ground-level, and lift it up to hang with minimal strain on the user.

Prototype Pictures

Prototype Video

Functional Prototype Operational Video

Reflection

Through this phase of the design process, the team learned that there is a lot more to consider when going from an initial idea to a functional prototype. Although the intial drawing helped us determine what materials we needed to make or buy and the rough size of parts, we found that changes had to be made when it came to the actual build and assembly. Being flexible and adaptable with our design was key to moving forward. Some functional aspects were difficult to determine by drawings alone. When ideating and drawing our prototype, we knew we wanted a way to stop the upper portion of the tool from falling below 90 degrees. This was a simple concept, but much harder to implement in a functional way. It wasn’t until the team had assembled the rest of the prototype that the (temporary) solution of a metal sheet was introduced. The team also started to realize the role weight has in the product. Without the proper materials it was difficult to imagine how heavy the product would be, but after beginning production it quickly became clear that it would be important to limit the weight of the materials used. Even though our finished “works-like” prototype is functional, it is much heavier than we anticipated. We have already begun a list of multiple changes we will make on our next iteration to reduce the weight. Addtionally we have some functional components that need more rigorous testing and refinement. The team is looking forward to the next phase going from functional to final prototype. We foresee that having a physical working prototype will make it easier to make adjustments and try ideas out before committing to a final design.