Nerf-N-Strike Product Analysis

Purpose

This gate encompasses a detailed analysis following the dissection process of the Nerf-N-Strike Elite Hail Fire. This gate was examined on the component and subsystem levels in the following areas:

1. Project Management: Coordination Review
2. Component Summary
3. Product Archeology: Product Evaluation

Project Management: Coordination Review-This section provides an overall assessment of our work and management plans for gate 3. In terms of analysis we discussed our management plans; including how they have worked out thus far and identified potential and past challenges that existed within the overall group from a management perspective and discussed how they were dealt with.


Component Summary-This section provides a documentation of all the product's components, function, materials used, manufacturing processes used, and other important information.

Product Archeology-This section provides an overall product evaluation. Some analysis areas investigated includes an analysis of the engineering decisions that were made during the design of the product and their components, with a focus on the questions reported in Table 1. In addition the group created a solid modeled assembly with individual components using Autodesk Inventor Fusion, a free 3D modeling software. An engineering analysis was conducted on the trigger system of the Nerf Elite Hail Fire, in order to explain how an analysis would be used in the design or testing stages of the product design process Finally, the group sought potential design revisions for the product that addressed the 4 factors; Global, Societal, Economical and Environmental. The potential designs were chosen in a manner that would improve the product's performance, serviceability, cost etc.

Product Management: Coordination Review

Cause for Corrective Action

Work Plans
In terms of our work plans we have taken special consideration to make sure each deadline is met as outlined in the Work Management Project Timeline. Having deadlines for specified portions of the overall gate has helped break down the workload into manageable sizes for the group to complete in a timely manner. Each portion of the work is then collected and then combined into a cohesive product. Once the draft is complete the group then sets aside a few days for the final revisions and Wiki formatting which includes tables, diagrams and pictures. We did have some problems with interpreting some of the criteria that was graded. Much of the graded criteria were implicitly stated, but some of the criteria that we needed to interpret, we were unable to properly meet the requirements of this non-implicit criteria. We struggled with this because we viewed the assignment with a more straightforward approach and in doing so we neglected to address some aspects of our assignment that we should have. In order to fix this problem we had we will go more in depth in our reasoning behind our answers as well as work to more thoroughly decipher the non-implicit criteria from what information and questions we are presented with.

Management Plans
Management for the group has worked well up to this point. In the beginning there was an issue with time management which was a minor challenge for the group however after addressing the issue to the entire group we were able to work together to come up with solutions and increase communication to handle issues regarding time management. We now have more group meetings and more clearly establish tasks for group members to complete. This process has helped contribute to the overall success in completing our gate 3 more efficiently. The communications liaison plays a crucial role is disseminating information and keeping everyone on the same page. Respect for each group member has definitely been a significant assistance to the overall work ethic and production level of each group member; we all want to see each other excel which perpetuates into the overall success of our group. We all strive to attend all meetings and accomplish the tasks we establish for that given group meeting. We also make sure we set group meeting times in which all members are able to be present. If there is ever a case where an additional meeting is necessary we work to meet again. This has been quite easy due to the fact that everyone is open and willing to set time aside to finish the necessary tasks.

Component Summary

List of Components

Component Name	Figures	Component Function	Material Used	Manufacturing Process Used	Number of times used
Magazine Rack Cover		To shield the magazine rotation mechanism as well as give the gun a visual appeal	Plastic	Injection Molding	2 halves
Magazine		An ammunition storage and feeding device that allows for the fun to hold more ammunition and be self-loading	Plastic	Although this is one component, it consists of two plastic halved that are formed by injection molding and then glued together	8
Darts		Ammunition fired from the gun	A soft foam that Nerf engineers itself, it is made by reacting polyester resin with another compound in the presence of CO this reaction with the polyurethane is what creates the soft foam	Foam Molding	48
Magazine Rotation Handle		Rotate the magazine for quicker reloading capabilities	Plastic	Injection Molding	1
Battery Tray		Holds the batteries for the product and allows for the electric energy to be transferred to the electric motor	Plastic, Aluminum	Injection Molding, Forming	1 (holds 4 batteries)
Viewing Window		In case of a firing malfunction, the window allows you to see and fix the jam in the gun	Plastic	Injection molding	1
Magazine Rotation Handle Base		Once the magazine handle is pulled, it is what moves the push rod to rotate the magazine rack	Plastic	Injection molding	1
Screw		Hold the gun components together	Steel	Forged and then threaded on a lathe	20
Magazine Pushrod Spring		Reset magazine push rod after the magazine rotation handle is pulled	Steel	Forming	1
Screw for Magazine Push Rod		Connects the pushrod to the magazine rotation mechanism	Steel	Forged and then threaded on a lathe	1
Magazine Pushrod		Connection point between the magazine rotation handle and the magazine rack	Plastic	Injection Molding	1
Magazine Rack		Hold the magazines	Plastic	Injection Molding	1
Muzzle		Hold the magazines	Plastic	Injection Molding	1
Electronic Motor Case		Enclose the electric motor	Plastic	Injection Molding	1
Dart Intake Duct		Hold the trigger and safety system, and feed the darts into the dart intake duct	Plastic	Injection Molding	1
Trigger Mechanism		Pushes on the pinion shaft after being acted upon by the trigger	Plastic	Injection Molding	1
Pinion Gear		Fire the darts	Plastic, steel, copper wiring	Injection Molding	1
Electric Motor		Hold all of the components together inside the gun	Plastic	Injection Molding	2 halves
Nerf Gun Outer Shell		Hold all of the components and outer shell together	Plastic	Injection Molding	2 halves

Product Archeology: Product Evaluation

Product Analysis

Magazine: We chose to analyze this component because it is important in the storage of the transferred mass (darts) and the delivery of the mass to the internal mechanisms.

• Component Function- The function of this component is to store the darts and to deliver them into the gun. Yes it has multiple functions as stated above. Mass and energy flows are associated because it uses potential spring energy within the magazine to move the mass of each dart up into the chamber of the gun. This component functions in an external environment from the internal mechanisms of the gun.
  
• Component Form- The general shape of this component is a rectangular prism. This component is primarily three dimensional and its dimensions are as follows: Length=3.1875 Width=0.875 inches Height=6 inches with an approximate weight of 8 ounces. The component’s shape fits its function because it is designed to fit the length and width of a dart while fitting six darts when the internal spring is fully compressed. The material is made of plastic and aluminum. The material property required of part of the plastic is that is translucent so that the user can see how many remaining darts are in the magazine. A material property of the aluminum is that it must be malleable so that it can be formed into a spring. An economic factor of the magazine manufacturing is the implementation of the spring mechanism to move the darts into the chamber because this is the most cost effective method to accomplish this function and using this method reduces the sale price for the customer. This component is visible to the user so it does have significant aesthetic factors. It is orange in color and this is so that it can stand out in the user’s eyes. Also a portion of it is translucent. This allows the user to see the darts inside of the magazine. This component has a smooth surface because the user has to handle it to load the darts into it. This is for functional reasons considering the necessary user contact.
• Manufacturing Methods- This component was made using injection molding and drawing. The evidence to support this is that this component has parting lines, has riser marks, and is made out of plastic and the spring is a thin metal strip formed into a spring. The material choice of plastic led to using the method of injection molding. The shape could be made into a mold making it easy to manufacture using injection molding. An economic factor of this manufacturing decision would be that even with the high initial mold design cost of injection molding, for a large scale production of this product it is very cost effective because of the reusable mold allowing production cost to be lower allowing the sale price to be lower for customers.
  
  

Magazine Rack Cover: We chose to analyze this component because it is a significant part of what the user sees and significantly contributes to the aesthetic qualities of the product.

• Component Function- This component’s function is to shield the magazine rack from outside objects to ensure the magazine rack’s proper functioning and to also aesthetically enhance the product. This component is not associated with any flows. It functions externally on the gun.
• Component Form- The overall shape of this component could be described as half of a circle. This component is three dimensional with the following dimensions: Length=10 inches Height=3.125 inches Width=4.75 inches. It weighs roughly 9 ounces. This component has no axis symmetry, but it has an identical connecting piece to form the entire magazine rack cover and along their point of connection is an axis of symmetry. Its shape compliments function because it is shaped so that it completely covers the magazine rack. It is made out of plastic. It had to be plastic because it is manufactured through injection molding. It necessary for this component to maintain its physical shape as a rigid body. A societal factor of this components production was making it out of plastic making the gun more lightweight for the user who is most likely a young child. This component is blue and gray in color. It is these colors to appeal to user considering the magazine rack cover is extremely visible to the user. It has a smooth finish with some designed ridges to make the gun look more realistic. These qualities are purely for aesthetics rather than function.
• Manufacturing Method- This component was made using injection molding. The evidence to support this is that this component has parting lines, has riser marks, and is made out of plastic. The material choice of plastic led to using the method of injection molding. The shape could be made into a mold making it easy to manufacture using injection molding. An economic factor of this manufacturing decision would be that even with the high initial mold design cost of injection molding, for a large scale production of this product it is very cost effective because of the reusable mold allowing production cost to be lower allowing the sale price to be lower for customers.
  
  

External Frame: We have analyzed this component because it is vital to the aesthetics of the product as well as maintaining the security of all the other components.
*Component Function-This component protects the internal mechanisms from outside objects and forces that could cause them damage. No flows are associated with this component. This component functions in any environment.

• Component Form- The shape of this component is somewhat rectangular, but is not uniform and has curves and ridges throughout its structure. There is no axis of symmetry, but there is an identical piece that directly connects to form the other half of the external frame and when these pieces are joined there is an axis of symmetry along their point of connection. This component is primarily three dimensional. The component has a width of 1-1.5 inches, a length of 18.25 inches, and a height of 4.5-7.25 inches. (Varying measurements are dependent on where along the component it is measured). The component is shaped to fully encase the internal mechanisms allowing it to perform its function. This component roughly weighs 12 ounces. This component is made out of plastic. It had to be plastic because it is manufactured through injection molding. It necessary for this component to maintain its physical shape as a rigid body. A societal factor of this material decision would be that making the frame out of plastic instead of metal makes it safer for the user because a child is less likely to injure themselves with a lightweight plastic gun as opposed to a heavier metal one. This component is blue and orange in color to attract the user’s eye. The aesthetic purpose of this component is to visually appeal to the consumer because it is the majority of what the user sees. It has a smooth surface finish with false impressions of additional non-existent components to make the gun seem more realistic. This is for aesthetic reasons to appeal to the user.
  
  
• Manufacturing Methods- This component was made using injection molding. The evidence to support this is that this component has parting lines, has riser marks, and is made out of plastic. The material choice of plastic led to using the method of injection molding. The shape could be made into a mold making it easy to manufacture using injection molding. An economic factor of this manufacturing decision would be that even with the high initial mold design cost of injection molding, for a large scale production of this product it is very cost effective because of the reusable mold allowing production cost to be lower allowing the sale price to be lower for customers.
  
  

Dart: We chose to analyze the dart because it is the component that all the other components work to move and is the component the end result is dependent on making it very significant.
*Component Function- The function of this component is to be fired from the weapon through the electronic motor. This component is involved in mass flow and energy flow. The dart is the actual mass that is ejected from the gun and it receives linear kinetic energy from the pushrod and the electronic motor assembly as well. The environment of this component is internally within the magazine and eventually the electronic motor.

• Component Form- The dart has a cylindrical shape to it. This component has axial symmetry everywhere except for along the x- axis when the dart is oriented vertically. It is primarily 3 dimensional. The dimensions of the dart are as follow: Length=2.875 inches Radius= 0.25 inches. The dart is shaped so that it fits into the magazines and will go through the electronic motor assembly while touching both rotating parts. Also it is, to an extent, aerodynamically shaped so it can fly through the air longer. This component weighs roughly 1 ounce. The darts are made out of “Nerf Foam” with a rubber tip. This component must be flexible because of the slight compression applied from the electronic motor assembly. A societal factor for the production of the dart would be manufacturing it to be soft because the user is likely to fire it at another person so making it soft would be necessary to ensure the targets safety. The dart is blue with an orange rubber tip at the end. The dart is colored this way so that the ammunition is easier to see when flying through the air so the user doesn’t lose the darts. This component has smooth surface finish and this is for functional reasons so it can easily be maneuvered within the gun.
  
• Manufacturing Methods- The darts were made by foam molding. This supported because it is the only way to shape foam. The material entirely affected the manufacturing method used. Shape did not affect the method used. An economic factor of this decision is that this method allows for easy mass production allowing the cost for the consumer to be lower.
  
  

Electric Motor Assembly: We chose to analyze this component because it is responsible for providing the energy needed for firing the dart which is very important to product function and performance.

• Component Function- The electric motors are responsible for firing the dart out of the gun and down range. The motors take electrical energy from the batteries and convert it to mechanical energy by spinning the rollers. The rollers then accelerate the mass (dart), which fires it down range. The electric motor assembly is located inside the body of the gun at the front directly behind the muzzle.
  
• Component Form- The overall shape of the electric motor assembly is roughly a rectangular solid. There is no axial symmetry for this component. The component is three dimensional with the following dimensions: Length=2 inches, Width=2 inches, Height=3.125 inches. This shape is essential to make both of the electronic motors fit in the assembly and still have enough space to fit the dart in between the rollers to that it can be fired. The assembly weighs roughly 12 ounces. The Assembly is made of plastic, steel, and copper. The reason they chose these materials is because the majority of the gun is plastic and all electric motors are made from metal materials because they use the properties of the metal to create rotation. There is an economic reason for choosing these materials, that being that the plastic they used for this assembly is the same as the rest of the gun, which makes it cheaper to purchase and mold, and the electronic motors they chose are the most basic and readily available small electronic motors, which also brings the cost down. The plastic of the motor assembly is orange and smooth just like a lot of the other components of the gun, and the steel on the outside of the motors has a brushed finish. These components have no aesthetic purpose because they are concealed within the body of the gun. The finishes of the components is due to the manufacturing process and has no effect on performance or aesthetics.
  
• Manufacturing Method- The manufacturing methods used for the electronic motor assembly are injection molding for the plastic, and drawing for the copper wires in the motors. The plastic pieces have riser marks, parting lines, and draft which is typical of injection molding. Most wires are made by drawing, so it is safe to assume that the wires in the motors were made that way. Both of these processes were chosen because of economic factors. These processes are the cheapest options for making the components making the sale price lower for the consumer.
  

Pinion Gear: We chose to analyze this component because it is vital part in transferring the necessary energy to accomplish the overall function of firing the dart.

• Component Function- The function of this component is to transfer the energy from pulling the trigger to the pushrod so the dart can be fired. For this component energy flow is involved because the function of this product is purely to transfer the input human energy to the pushrod and essentially the dart. This component’s environment is internal within the gun.
• Component Form- The overall shape of this component is a circle with a cylinder running through its center. All three dimensional axis (x, y, and z) create axial symmetry. The component is primarily three dimensional and the dimensions are as follows: Length=1.25 inches Width=1 inch Height=1.25 inches with an approximate weight of 2 ounces. The component is shaped to have teeth around the edges of the circular part so that it can move the pushrod as it rotates allowing it to perform its desired function. The component is made from plastic. It was made of plastic so that its counterpart in the pushrod and itself were made of the same material so that it would function better. There were no GSEE factors that are directly related to this decision. There are very limited aesthetic properties to this component due to the fact that this component is entirely internal and isn’t meant to be seen by the user. The component is white and there is no significance to this color decision. The surface has jagged teeth along it and this for the functional reason of how a gear works. It allows the gear to fill each gap in the teeth of the pushrod causing the pushrod to move forward and move the dart.
• Manufacturing Method- This component was made using injection molding. The evidence to support this is that this component has parting lines, has riser marks, and is made out of plastic. The material choice of plastic led to using the method of injection molding. The shape could be made into a mold making it easy to manufacture using injection molding. An economic factor of this manufacturing decision would be that even with the high initial mold design cost of injection molding, for a large scale production of this product it is very cost effective because of the reusable mold allowing production cost to be lower allowing the sale price to be lower for customers.
  
  

Screw: We chose to analyze this component because it is a significant component in providing stability and structural strength to the product.

• Component Function- This component is used to hold the frame together. This component is not associated with any flows. This component can function in any environment of the product.
• Component Form- The overall shape of this component could be described as somewhat cylindrical with a circular head at the top. This product is primarily three dimensional with the following dimensions: Length=.375 inches Width=.1875 inches Height=.1875 inches. This component weighs roughly 0.5 ounces. It has shaped designed so that it can fit in the designed holes in the frame of the gun allowing it to perform its function. This component is made from steel. This component is made from steel because it needs to be able to withstand torque from forces applied on the frame. A societal factor of this component is that it allows for dissection of the product for repairs or other reasons whereas the alternative, being glue would not allow for dissection of the product making the current layout easier for the user to repair or study the product. This component is black in color. There is no aesthetic value to this product. There is no aesthetic value because the user is never meant to see this component while using the product. It has a rigid surface finish and this is for functional reasons allowing it to properly grip the threaded hole it is screwed into.
• Manufacturing Method- This component is manufactured using forging for the head and turning using a lathe to thread the body of the screw. This is evident because of turning is typically used for threading and forging is the best way to achieve a constant form. Shape was important in determining the manufacturing method used because the threaded shape led to the use of turning. There were no direct influences from GSEE factors in the manufacturing of this component.
  
  

Pushrod: We chose to analyze this component because it is a vital component in the overall function because it necessary to move the dart in the chamber to the electronic motor.

• Component Function- The function of this component is to move the dart in the chamber into the electronic motor so it can be fired by the electronic motor assembly. The pushrod is involved in mass and energy flows because the kinetic energy applied to it from the pinion gear is transferred into the pushrod and applied to the mass of the dart moving it into the electronic motor assembly. This component functions internally within the external frame.
  
• Component Form- The general shape of the pushrod is a long rectangular like shape. The pushrod does not have an axis of symmetry. While this component is three dimensional it is primarily two dimensional. Its dimensions are as follows: Length=10.375 inches Height=0.1875-1 inches Width=0.25-0.6875 inches (varying measurements are dependent on where measurement is taken along the component). The approximate weight of the component is 4 ounces. The shape of the component being a narrow rod like object allows it to reach the darts back from the pinion gear allowing it to successfully complete its function within the frame of the gun. This component is made of plastic. They used this material because it was the most inexpensive to manufacture for the given function this component performs. There are no specific necessary material properties for this component. An economic factor of this component is that it was made out of plastic making it as inexpensive as possible saving the consumers purchasing the product money. The aesthetic properties of this component are not that significant because the component is not visible to the user because of its internal location. The color of the component of the color is orange and there is no significant reasoning for the color of this component. The pushrod has a smooth surface finish and a jagged portion and this is for functional purposes so that the gear can transfer its rotational energy to kinetic energy of the pushrod.
  
• Manufacturing Methods- This component was made using injection molding. The evidence to support this is that this component has parting lines, has riser marks, and is made out of plastic. The material choice of plastic led to using the method of injection molding. The shape could be made into a mold making it easy to manufacture using injection molding. An economic factor of this manufacturing decision would be that even with the high initial mold design cost of injection molding, for a large scale production of this product it is very cost effective because of the reusable mold allowing production cost to be lower allowing the sale price to be lower for customers.
  

Component Complexity

Component Complexity: The complexity value for each component of our gun is based on 3 main factors:

• Component Functions: How many different functions the component is used for
• Component Form: What shape and material the component has
• Component Manufacturing Method: What method or methods were used to create the component
  

Complexity Level 1: A level 1 component has one or fewer functions, a simple geometry, is made of one material, and is made using two or less manufacturing method.
Complexity Level 2: A level 2 component has two or fewer functions, a moderately complex geometry, is made of two or less materials, and is made using two or less manufacturing methods.
Complexity Level 3: A level 3 component has two or more functions, a very complex geometry, is made of three or less materials, and is made using two or less manufacturing methods.

Screw-Complexity Level: 1

• The screw has one function, holding a part in place. It has a very simple geometry. It is made of one material, which is steel, and is made using casting and turning

External Frame-Complexity Level: 3

• The external frame has three functions, holding pieces in place, protecting the electrical components, and allows the user to hold the gun. It has a very complex geometry. It is made of one material, which is plastic, and is made using injection molding.

Push Rod-Complexity Level: 2

• The push rod has two functions, connecting the rotation lever base to the magazine rack, and connecting to the spring, which allows the carry handle to return to its original position. It has a moderately complex geometry. It is made of one material, which is plastic, and is made using injection molding.

Pinion Gear-Complexity Level: 1

• The pinion gear has one function, moving the rack when the trigger is pulled. It has a very simple geometry. It is made of one material, which is plastic, and is made using injection molding.

Magazine-Complexity Level: 2

• The magazine has two functions, holding the ammo and pushing the ammo into the firing position. It has a moderately complex geometry. It is made of two materials, which are plastic (partially translucent) and steel, and is made using injection molding and drawing.

Magazine Rack Cover-Complexity Level: 1

• The magazine rack cover has one function, covering the magazine rack. It has a simple geometry. It is made of one material, which is plastic, and is made using injection molding.

Electronic Motor Assembly-Complexity Level: 3

• The electronic motor assembly has three functions, holding the motors in place, protecting the electrical components, and firing the dart. It has a very complex geometry. It is made of three materials, which are plastic, copper, and steel, and is made using injection molding and drawing

Dart-Complexity Level: 1

• The magazine rack dart has one function, being fired from the gun. It is made of two materials, which are “Nerf foam” and rubber, and is made using foam molding.

Solid Modeled Assembly

Solid Modeling Explanation: The program we chose to use to make the solid model was Autodesk Inventor Fusion. The reason for choosing this program was that it is the only free 3D modeling software available for the Mac operating system. We chose to model the ammo rack rotation system because it was one of the most important assemblies of the Nerf gun, when this gun is being advertised the largest selling point is that it has a rotating magazine rack which allows you to change magazine cartridges quickly to increase the efficiency of the gun, so we felt it was necessary to look deeper into this assembly for our solid model.

Name of Component	Solid Modeled Components
Magazine Rack
Magazine Pushrod Screw
Magazine Pushrod
Magazine Rotation Handle Base
Magazine
Magazine Pushrod Spring
Assembly View 1
Assembly View 2
Assembly View 3
Assembly View 4

Engineering Analysis: Trigger Function

The key function we chose to explore through engineering analysis was the trigger system function in the Nerf-N-Strike Elite Hail Fire.
How engineering analysis would be used in the design and testing stages of the design process:
A trigger is a mechanism that puts firing a firearm into action. With the use of thumbs or other fingers the trigger is put into action and produces a firing mechanism. Engineering analysis in the design and testing stages typically focuses on the logic of how it it built. The importance here is that guns can be dangerous when used for the wrong reasons, thus creating a design that is intuitive yet user-friendly is important. The different trigger in the Nerf-N-Strike Elite Hailfire is a semi-automatic trigger. Semi-automatic triggers discharge a single bullet, or in this case dart, each time the trigger is pulled. For design analysis the intuitiveness for the product was inspired from the target audience, children ages 8+ who would be using the product. Single-action vs. double-action analysis was more than likely performed in the design and testing stages of the product. Single trigger vs. double trigger was also used in the analysis process of our product. A single trigger is one trigger that may be fired with conventional use. A double set trigger is almost similar in that it uses two triggers; one to set the trigger and act as a safety and the other to fire the weapon. Another approach that was probably made was to attempt to make the gun fully-automatic, meaning a rapid firing action with one pull of the trigger, rather than semi-automatic because this would allow for a faster firing rate and a better selling description. Weight is another key component that would be tested in the design process. The product needed to be of a variable weight that ages young and old would be able to lift and carry around. The product needed to be of an weight that would allow it to perform its job at an optimal level.

Detailed Description including relevant equations and processes that would allow an engineer to easily perform this analysis:

1. Problem Statement: What analysis testing can be done through the design stages to improve the trigger system by providing optimal capabilities?
2. Diagram: A Diagram that depicts the mechanical energy going into the gun; kinetic and the potential energy resulting once the mechanical energy capacity is reached.
3. Assumptions: We can also assume that the only force acting on the gun is the force from the user who is inputing mechanical energy into the gun and converting it to usable energy for the gun. We can also assume that the batteries provide necessary current for the gun to function and operate.
4. Governing Equations: Torque: T=f x F: Torque is the tendency of a force to rotate and object on its axis
   Weight: W=mg: Weight is the force of mass
   Force: F=ma: Force exerted on an object having a mass, m and a resulting acceleration, a.
5. Calculations: Calculating the torque involves knowing the force applied, the length of the lever arm connecting the axis to the point of force and the angle between the force vector and lever arm
6. Solution Check:Check units, make sure calculation are done in one system of units. Start with all equations and solve for desired quantity symbolically, substitute known values and carry through units and number calculations. Finding what force and length of the moment arm maximizes the torque force is important to maximizing out trigger system. Be sure to compare to a similar scenario and consider how the result differs and why
7. Discussion and Interpretation: After doing a solution check, the engineer would state their response/answer here discuss the quality of their answer, how sensitive the sensitive the answer is and make a conclusion about what the answer indicates

Design Revisions

Revision 1:
Manufacture the trigger out of aluminum rather than plastic. This will become more expensive to manufacture considering aluminum is more expensive than plastic, but from what our group has noticed previously with using Nerf guns is that the trigger is the component that is subjected to the most stress. With this revision a pro would be that the trigger will be much sturdier and the gun will last longer. This could be achieved by using die casting in order to lower the manufacturing cost and it allows for the mold to be continually re-used. This change would be an economic factor because it would become more money to manufacture and in turn it would become more money to sell. This would also be a global factor considering firearms are manufactured with metal triggers, so this revision makes the gun more realistic and more likely to be sold.

Revision 2:
Increase the radius of the gear in the trigger mechanism. This revision would allow one to feed the darts into the electric motor at a faster pace, which would allow for the gun to fired faster and in turn fired at a larger distance. This could be accomplished by increasing the size of the mold used to manufacture the gear in the trigger mechanism. This would be an economic factor because it would increase the manufacturing price of the gun and the selling price of the gun. This would also be a global factor because when purchasing a Nerf Gun the consumer looks for certain qualities to be implemented into the gun, two of these qualities being launch speed and distance traveled. With this change the gun could sell at a higher price because of its enhanced performance.

Revision 3:
Incorporate a push safety to lock the trigger in place when not using it. In most firearms one is required to push a safety and then cock it back in order for it to be fired. However, for this gun there is a separate trigger that accomplishes both tasks when pulled, it allows for the trigger to be pulled and it begins running the electric firing motor. While this is a convenient application of the gun, it also makes it more unsafe. With a push safety to lock the trigger in place, it ensures that the weapon is not fired unless absolutely intended to since there are now two checkpoints to go through in order to fire the gun. This could be accomplished by manufacturing a button through injection molding and then installing it into the handle of the gun where the trigger is. this change would a societal factor because it increases the safety of the gun. This is also an economic factor because even though manufacturing the buttons would cost money, it would not be significant enough to strongly effect the profits of the gun, but if the gun is safer, it could possibly be sold for more money which would increase the profit that the gun brings in.

References

[1] http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trigger_(firearms)
[2] All other information was generated from group members and information gained from previous knowledge