Group 22 Gate 3
From GICLWiki
Contents |
Project Management
Causes for Corrective Action
- The original project plan has been working thus far. The gantt chart keeps the group on track and helps with time management. The breakdown of dates and gate outlines maintains a well-organized group and work environment. Since the beginning of the class and the start of our group work, our communication has only improved and there are hardly any problems remaining. In fact, the only noticeable argument among the group has been checking our emails and getting back to each other within a reasonable time to work off of what everyone has worked on. Noticing that, the group has decided to check emails more frequently and instead of having one editor, we each take a look at the final result to pin point what is missing. A challenged faced was a group member dropping but we've overcome this by each of us taking on more work to complete each task at hand. As for future problems we plan on maintaining good communication to ensure we are all on the same page. Our grades have not been the best, and we would like to improve on them by really going through every part to ensure no points will be taken off.
Product Dissection
Component Summary
Below is a documentation of the Barbie Jammin' Jeep's components. Each components has a detailed description, image, brief outline of what the component does, along with a component complexity from low to high with following scale:
- Body of Car
- Quantity: 1
- Shape: Jeep Shape; rectangle with curves needed to create realistic car look, and carved out inside for sitting area and hood. Axis-symmetric and 3-D
- Size: 14.375H x 30.375W x 43L inches
- Part Function: Cover and protect all the inner parts of the Barbie Jammin Jeep and gives a perfect shape to the Jeep.
- Does perform multiple functions: No, but it compiles many other parts such as front wheel, radio, motor, hood, head light and etc.
- Associated Flows: Material -> Solid -> Object -> Rigid-body
- Function Environment: Outside environment (with weather)
- Complex of Interactions: As many other parts of the jeep are connected with this body, body was manufactured in related to the :connecting parts.
- Relationship Between Shape and Function: Shape was created directly for the function of being a car, being able to hold people, and battery
- Weight: 58 lb
- Material: Plastic
- Aesthetic Properties: appearance of a Jeep, more functional because the body of the car is necessary for all the other components
- Color: Pink; easily recognizable characteristic of the Barbie Brand
- Manufacturing Method: Injection Molding
- Component Complexity: Low
- Hood Latch
- Quantity: 2
- Part Number: H3427-9559
- Shape: hook, 3-D
- Part Function: Help to tighten the hood with body
- Does perform multiple functions: No
- Associated Flows: Material -> Solid -> Composite
- Functional Environment: Bolt and nuts
- Complex of Interactions: Hood hooks contain three little parts made with plastic. All the three parts are easy to connect.
- Relationship Between Shape and Function: Has a hooked shape to latch onto hood and keep close
- Weight: .25 lb
- Material: Plastic
- Aesthetic Properties: more for function
- Color: Lime Green – adds a pop of color and pulls in other lime green components such as the lights
- Manufacturing Method: Injection Molding
- Component Complexity: Medium
- Hood
- Quantity: 1
- Shape: real thin slender rectangle with curves
- Part Number: H3427-2859
- Part Function: Secure the battery from the dust and other external forces by covering it.
- Does perform multiple functions: No
- Associated Flows: Material -> Solid -> Object -> Rigid-body
- Functional Environment: Outside environment (with weather)
- Complex of Interactions: it has two fixings parts at the bottom to connect with the body. It helps to open and close the hood :easier. Also contains the automatic clip lock in front, this prevent the hood from sudden open while jeep in motion.
- Relationship Between Shape and Function: Designed to cover the battery location
- Weight: .50 lb
- Material: Plastic
- Aesthetic Properties: covers the inside of hood which contains battery so improves the look by covering it
- Color: Pink; easily recognizable of the Barbie Brand
- Manufacturing Method: Injection Molding
- Component Complexity: Low
- Battery
- Quantity: 1
- Part Number: 00801-0638
- Shape: Rectangular Cube
- Size: 5.5H x 5.375W x 4.25L inches
- Part Function: Power the jeep from its stored energy.
- Does perform multiple functions: yes, apart from powering the motor, it also power the radio.
- Associated Flows: Energy -> Electrical -> Emf -> Current
- Functional Environment: Electric current transferring
- Part Complexity Level: High, as it is a electric device, to manufacture it, one should have the knowledge of energy, electric current and other subjects related to power saving methods.
- Complex of Interactions: it has a power code to charge it from the electric current and that makes the charging process easier.
- Relationship Between Shape and Function: powers the car; no design relationship but a necessity
- Weight: 2 lb
- Material: lead acid battery
- Aesthetic Properties: functional
- Tires
- Quantity: 4
- Part Number: B7659-2459
- Shape: cylindrical round
- Size: Diameter-11 inches, 7 inches wide
- Part Function: Help the jeep in motion by making frictional force to move it.
- Does perform multiple functions: No
- Associated Flows:
- Material -> Object -> Rigid-body
- Energy -> Mechanical -> Rotational -> Angular velocity
- Functional Environment: Rough surface (Roads)
- Complex of Interactions: to make a frictional force with the motion path tires have roughed surface. Also its thickness prevents it from fracturing.
- Relationship Between Shape and Function: round shape is needed for car to turn smoothly
- Weight: 1 lb
- Material: Plastic
- Color: black; same appearance as real car tires
- Aesthetic Properties: more functional, required to allow car to move smoothly
- Manufacturing Method: Injection Molding
- Component Complexity: Low
- Hubcap Cover
- Quantity: 4
- Part Number: B7659-2469
- Shape: circular cap
- Part Function: hiding the metal bolt and this avoid kids from scratching their body.
- Does perform multiple functions: Yes, Covering metal bolts and providing safety.
- Associated Flows: Material -> Solid -> Object -> Rigid-body
- Functional Environment: Bolt and nuts
- Complex of Interactions: easily connect and fixed with rim by screwing.
- Relationship Between Shape and Function: Place on bolts of axial tires to hide the metal
- Weight: .10 lb
- Material: Plastic
- Aesthetic Properties: Creates a better appearance of tires because bolt is hidden
- Color: White – matches the color of the rims
- Manufacturing Method: Injection Molding
- Component Complexity: Low
- Hubcap
- Quantity: 4
- Part Number: B7659-2679
- Shape: round with rim detail
- Size: Diameter-7.5 inches
- Part Function: Giving and keep the tires in the circular shape.
- Does perform multiple functions: Yes, apart from giving shape, contains the bolt hole at the end of both sides. This help to tighten the tires with rim easily.
- Associated Flows: Material -> Solid -> Object -> Rigid-body
- Functional Environment: Tires and high pressure made by wheel.
- Complex of Interactions: Doesn’t have any complex connections.
- Relationship Between Shape and Function: Holds the tires and axial in place; shape is just right to fit within tires’ empty center and acts like bolts at the end of screws for the axial
- Weight: 1 lb
- Material: Plastic
- Aesthetic Properties: covers the metal keeping tire together and other things
- Color: white
- Manufacturing Method: Injection Molding
- Component Complexity: Low
- Tire Axle
- Quantity: 2
- Part Number: Front- B7659-4519 Back-B7659-4529
- Shape: slender pipe
- Part Function: Connect two rims and two tires with each other.
- Does perform multiple functions: Yes, also hold the weight of the jeep body with wheels.
- Associated Flows: Material -> Solid -> Object -> Rigid-body
- Functional Environment: Tension made by two side wheels.
- Complex of Interactions: Tires and rims are easily connected as it has connecting point at the end.
- Relationship Between Shape and Function: Length is width from tire to tire to hold them in place
- Weight: 1 lb
- Material: Metal
- Manufacturing Method: Extrusion
- Component Complexity: Low
- Lights
- Quantity: 4; 2 on bushing, 2 on Roll Bar
- Part Number: H3427-2169
- Shape: circle
- Size: Diameter-4 inches
- Part Function:' Made the jeep look attractive.
- Does perform multiple functions: No
- Associated Flows:
- Material -> Solid -> Object -> Rigid-body
- Signal -> Visual -> Position, displacement
- Functional Environment: Atmosphere
- Complex of Interactions: Easily fixed with body by screwing nuts.
- Relationship Between Shape and Function: basic shape of car lights
- Weight: .10 lb
- Material: Plastic
- Aesthetic Properties: adds to appearance of car
- Color: lime green; adds color and style
- Manufacturing Method: Injection Molding
- Component Complexity: Low
- Brushguard
- Quantity: 1
- Part Number: H3427-2189
- Shape: rectangular
- Part Function: Made the jeep look attractive
- Does perform multiple functions: No
- Associated Flows: Material -> Mixture -> Solid-solid
- Complex of Interactions: Easily connected with body by screwing nuts.
- Relationship Between Shape and Function: attaches to front bumper and contains two lights
- Weight: .25 lb
- Material: Plastic
- Aesthetic Properties: adds to appearance of the car, has the brand logo placed on it
- Color: purple
- Manufacturing Method: Injection Molding
- Component Complexity: Low
- Head Lights
- Quantity: 2
- Part Number: 74450-2279
- Shape: circle
- Size: Diameter-3.5 inches
- Part Function: Give an attractive look to the jeep.
- Does perform multiple functions: No
- Associated Flows:
- Material -> Solid -> Object -> Rigid-body
- Signal -> Visual -> Position, displacement
- Functional Environment: Atmosphere
- Complex of Interactions: Easy fixing method.
- Weight: .10 lb
- Material: Plastic
- Aesthetic Properties: more functional, needed on a real car to see in the dark
- Color: white and clear; create real headlight affect
- Manufacturing Method: Injection Molding
- Component Complexity: Low
- Dashboard
- Quantity: 1
- Part Number: H3427-9259D
- Shape: rectangle
- Part Function: Holding Radio, Steering wheel and front wheel.
- Radio
- Part Function: converting waves into sound.
- Does perform multiple functions: Yes, it has an inbuilt clock and CD player.
- Associated Flows:
- Material -> Mixture -> Solid-solid -> Aggregate
- Energy -> Electrical -> Emf -> Current
- Signal -> Status -> Auditory -> Tone
- Functional Environment: Electric current and signal
- Part Complexity Level: High, to combine radio, clock and CD player it must have high level of thinking and manufacturing process and depth knowledge needed to create these parts.
- Complex of Interactions: Interface of the radio system is easily accessible. Switches in the bottom of the radio make the function of CD player easier
- Does perform multiple functions: No
- Associated Flows: Material -> Mixture -> Solid-solid -> Aggregate
- Functional Environment: Atmosphere and Visible part
- Part Complexity Level: Medium, as this part work as a holder of steering wheel and radio, it requires some additional processing method.
- Complex of Interactions: - Need some analytical thinking to fix this part because we must fix this part while steering was in fixed level. Other than that it steering and radio well organized in the dashboard
- Relationship Between Shape and Function: sub-assembly of car with essential parts such as radio, key and stirring wheel
- Weight: .50 lb
- Material: Plastic
- Aesthetic Properties: essential part of car appearance
- Color: pink, gray and multi-color buttons
- Manufacturing Method: Injection Molding, electric wiring
- Component Complexity: High
- Key
- Quantity: 1
- Part Number: 75840-9409
- Shape: key shape
- Part Function: Start and stop the energy flow from battery to the motor.
- Does perform multiple functions: No
- Associated Flows: Material -> Solid -> Object -> Rigid-body
- Functional Environment: Engine (starting or stopping)
- Complex of Interactions: Big is size and simple key structure.
- Weight: .10 lb
- Material: Plastic
- Color: gray
- Manufacturing Method: Injection Molding
- Component Complexity: Medium
- Steering Wheel
- Quantity: 1
- Part Number: H3427-9259D
- Shape: circle
- Part Function: Control the motion path of the Jeep.
- Does perform multiple functions: No
- Associated Flows:
- Material -> Mixture -> Solid-solid Aggregate
- Energy -> Mechanical -> Rotational -> Torque -> Angular Velocity
- Functional Environment: Tires and rotational energy
- Complex of Interactions: it is little hard to connect with front wheel, because at one time we have to connect both steering wheel and the dash board.
- Weight: .10 lb
- Material: Plastic
- Aesthetic Properties: more functional, needed to stir and direct car
- Color: lime green
- Manufacturing Method: Injection Molding, stirring column: metal extrusion
- Component Complexity: Medium
- Windshield
- Quantity: 1
- Part Number: B0155-2619
- Shape: tubular
- Part Function: function as a supporter to the rider while braking in driving.
- Does perform multiple functions: No
- Associated Flows: Material -> Solid -> Object -> Rigid-body
- Functional Environment: Safety tool
- Complex of Interactions: by clipping with the plastic lock in the body we can connect this part in the back to the seat.
- Relationship Between Shape and Function: adds to appearance of real Jeep
- Weight: .50 lb
- Material: Plastic
- Aesthetic Properties: contributes to the appearance of the car, but does not provide the same function of a car windshield which is to keep things out.
- Color: purple
- Manufacturing Method: Injection Molding
- Component Complexity: Low
- Gas Pedal
- Quantity: 1
- Size: 1.75W x 2.75L
- Shape: rectangle
- Part Function: Control the acceleration by controlling the speed of the motor.
- Does perform multiple functions: No
- Associated Flows:
- Material -> Mixture -> Solid-solid -> Aggregate
- Energy -> Human -> Force -> Velocity
- Functional Environment: Motor / Tension
- Part Complexity Level: High, because this part is connecting both wheels and the motor. So that it requires high level of thinking and process to product this part.
- Complex of Interactions: it is located at the very bottom of the jeep and easily accessible.
- Relationship Between Shape and Function: needs good size surface to initiate movement of car
- Weight: .10 lb
- Material: Plastic
- Aesthetic Properties: functional; makes car go or stop
- Color: gray
- Manufacturing Method: Injection Molding
- Component Complexity: Low
- Gear Shift
- Quantity: 1
- Part Function: Connect the gear and give easy access to the gear.
- Does perform multiple functions: No
- Associated Flows: Material -> Mixture -> Solid-solid
- Functional Environment: Gear/drag
- Complex of Interactions: to control the speed it has three control levels and fixed in the bottom of the body.
- Relationship Between Shape and Function: shape is accessible to grab and change gears
- Weight: .10 lb
- Material: Plastic
- Aesthetic Properties: functional; switches gear
- Color: gray
- Manufacturing Method: Injection Molding
- Component Complexity: Low
- Doors
- Quantity: 2
- Shape: squared curved where needed to be placed in slot
- Part Function: Control the entry into the jeep
- Does perform multiple functions: Yes, also perform as a safety wall while in driving.
- Associated Flows:
- Material -> Solid -> Object -> Rigid-body
- Energy -> Mechanical -> Rotational -> Torque
- Functional Environment: Jeep body/Drag/Rotational Energy
- Complex of Interactions: - Each door requires 3 screws. Further, an automatic clip type plastic lock also in the top of the door.
- Relationship Between Shape and Function: shape forms to open space in body of car to close and secure child within car
- Weight: .50 lb
- Material: Plastic
- Aesthetic Properties: functional, better secures side of children
- Color: Pink
- Manufacturing Method: Injection Molding
- Component Complexity: Low
- Car Seat
- Quantity: 1
- Shape: axis-symmetric
- Part Function: performing as a stand for the driver.
- Does perform multiple functions: Yes, covers the wires and motor from damaging.
- Associated Flows: Material -> Solid -> Object -> Rigid-body
- Functional Environment: Driver and passenger/Smooth surface
- Complex of Interactions: It doesn’t require any hardware to fix because at the end of the each bottom it contains clips and that will fit with the hole in the body.
- Relationship Between Shape and Function: long enough to secure child in car
- Weight: .75 lb
- Material: Plastic
- Aesthetic Properties: functional; needed for placement of children
- Color: Purple
- Manufacturing Method: Injection Molding
- Component Complexity: Medium
- Seat Belt
- Quantity: 1
- Shape: strap
- Part Function: Prevent driver and passenger from hitting with dash board in accidents.
- Does perform multiple functions: No
- Associated Flows: Material -> Solid -> Object -> Elastic-body
- Functional Environment: Seat/Driver and passenger/Safety
- Complex of Interactions: it’s go through the hole in the seat set and have 2 clip locks to tight the body with seat.
- Relationship Between Shape and Function: long enough to secure child in car
- Weight: .10 lb
- Material: cotton and nylon
- Aesthetic Properties: functional to secure children
- Color: Yellow
- Manufacturing Method: woven cotton and nylon
- Component Complexity: Medium
- Motors
- Quantity: 2
- Shape: 3-D
- Part Function: Convert saved energy of the battery into rotational kinetic energy
- Does perform multiple functions: No
- Associated Flows:
- Material -> Solid -> Object -> Widget
- Energy -> Electromagnetic -> Rotational -> Torque -> Angular Velocity
- Functional Environment: Magnetic field/Electric current/Rotational motion
- Complex of Interactions: Motor was connected with the rear wheel of the Jeep and the rear wheels help in the motion.
- Relationship Between Shape and Function: shape is size of required mechanics of motor
- Weight: 1 lb
- Material: Plastic and wires
- Manufacturing Method: Injection Molding for plastic covering, metal and electrical wires
- Component Complexity: High
- Roll Bar
- Quantity: 1
- Shape: axis-symmetric
- Part Number: B0155-2219
- Part Function: Safety and give an attractive look to the jeep.
- Does perform multiple functions: No
- Associated Flows: Material -> Mixture -> Solid-solid
- Functional Environment: Safety tool
- Complex of Interactions: This part will connect to the jeep finally by pushing hard to fall in the lock.
- Relationship Between Shape and Function: mimics the appearance of the jeep
- Material: Plastic
- Aesthetic Properties: adds to appearance
- Color: purple with lime green lights, another color element, both characteristic of the Barbie brand.
- Manufacturing Method: Injection Molding
- Component Complexity: Low
- Tail Lights
- Quantity: 2
- Shape: square, axis-symmetric
- Part Function: At the night time, make the other vehicles alert that Jaminn Jeep is in ride.
- Does perform multiple functions: No
- Associated Flows:
- Material -> Solid -> Object -> Rigid-body
- Signal -> Visual -> Position, displacement
- Functional Environment: Atmosphere
- Complex of Interactions: Doesn’t have high complex interactions.
- Relationship Between Shape and Function: lights need in back for use in night time when backing up, typical tail light shape
- Weight: 0.25 lb
- Material: Plastic
- Aesthetic Properties: adds a part to an otherwise empty back
- Color: Red and Lime Green
- Manufacturing Method: Injection Molding
- Component Complexity: Low
- Gear Box
- Quantity: 1
- Shape: square
- Part Function: stores wiring of the gear
- Does perform multiple functions: No
- Associated Flows:
- Material -> Solid -> Object -> movement
- Functional Environment: gear change
- Complex of Interactions: Doesn’t have high complex interactions.
- Relationship Between Shape and Function: fits into the slot
- Weight: 0.25 lb
- Material: Plastic
- Aesthetic Properties: covers wires
- Color: gray
- Manufacturing Method: Cover is Injection Molding, inside wiring
- Component Complexity: High
Product Analysis
The Barbie Jammin' Jeep is made of mostly plastic. Besides the axial, and stirring wheel column, everything is plastic. It is evident that when the product was being design, an ease of assembly and maintaining a low cost was on the top of the list. The material properties of plastic were not needed for the component to function, various other materials could of been used but keeping everything plastic, maintains a low price. As for the four factors, global, societal, economic, and environmental, mainly economical and societal were taken into consideration. Price and product life span are essential in having a successful product, and of course pleasing the customer. Fisher Price tried to pleased these aspects by using plastic material, and incorporating many features of a jeep to make it more enjoyable. There were not any global concerns to take into account because Fisher Price has access to many materials and manufacturing equipment. Environmental concerns are always a factor but usually ignore; plastic leaves behind harmful imprints, but it is a long lasting material that provides service for many years, its the disposing of it that creates negative affects on the environment. With a large power-to-weight ratio and low cost, lead acid battery rechargeable battery was chosen to power car. It's one of the cheapest and most efficient and ultimately a good choice for this product.
Factors of Manufacturing Methods
- Most of the parts were manufactured by casting plastic in a mold. When examining nearly all of the plastic components, there are seams on the components where the mold separates and some excess plastic remains. The surface finishes of the hood and body also indicate that they were molded against a flat surface. For the few metal parts, such as the steering column, forward and rear axles, the components are most likely drawn out as a thick wire. The finish of the wire is matte, which is characteristic of drawing the axles and column out in a long wire. When examining the round axles and steering column, the ends are clearly cut from a much longer drawn-out wire. In some cases, such as the tires, it seems as if the plastic was inflated inside a mold, which it took the shape of, allowing for a hollow component. Shape most definitely impacts the method selected, since the shape of a component can change the method used to manufacture it. For example, since the axles and steering column are all round, long cylinders, casting them would be possible, but less efficient than drawing them out in a straight wire and cutting them.
Global Concerns:
- Global concerns that were accommodated in the manufacturing of the components most likely included the availability of the resources used. Most prominently, many of the components are made of plastic, which is produced from petroleum. This is of great importance, since petroleum is a limited resource, and is also expensive.
Economic Concerns:
- Economic concerns related to the manufacturing of the Barbie Jammin' Jeep Wrangler are centralized around price. By using manufacturing methods that are cheap to implement for large-scale production, such as casting, molding, and drawing out wire, the price of the product can be kept low. This is key to having good sales, since a toy with a lower price that still entertains children is considered by parents to be a more valuable product.
Societal Concerns:
- Socially, the manufacturing methods and materials used in the Jeep are not of extremely high concern. Since many of the parts are made in Asia, the manufacturer of the product is able to offer employment to many factory workers. However, some of the processes in creating the parts used are most likely automated, which affects the necessity for human labor.
Environmental Concerns:
- The materials used in the Jeep, as previously stated, are derived from petroleum. The refining process does produce some waste products, which may leech into the environment and cause problems. In addition to this, the battery used in the Jeep contains lead, which does occur naturally, but once modified for use in batteries, is often considered toxic and volatile. Furthermore, the plastic itself does decay slowly over time, which allows its base elements to reach the environment if it is not disposed of properly.
Solid Modeled Assembly
- Some of the components were modeled in a 3D modelling program. The components chosen were the rear axle, the sleeve which the axle connects through to the tires, and the tires themselves. These components were chosen because they are integral to the overall function of the Barbie Jammin' Jeep Wrangler, moreso than some of the other components which may be aesthetically convincing but have little actual function. The models were all created in Autodesk Inventor Professional 2011, since the program is much more accommodating to such models, as well as simple dimensioning and less complex features. Autodesk Inventor was also used because our group three-dimensional modeling specialist was well-versed in its abilities and functions. Figures 26 - 31 show the 3D models created, and can be expanded upon a mouseclick to show greater detail.
Figure 26: The end of the axle, with the bushing intact.
Figure 27: The sleeve through which the axle connects to the tire.
Figure 28: The tire, front view.
Figure 29: The tire, rear view.
Figure 30: The assembly of the tire, sleeve, and axle.
Figure 31: An isometric view of the previous assembly.
Engineering Analysis
In this section, the group chose a key function of the Barbie Jammin' Jeep Wrangler to analyze using a seven-step analysis process. The seven steps are briefly outlined below.
- Problem Statement:
- The group would like to find the maximum acceleration of the Barbie Jammin' Jeep Wrangler, accelerating from rest to it's maximum velocity, five miles-per-hour.
- Diagram:
- A diagram is drawn to show what the analysis will be finding, and more accurately explain the process being used to gather the data. The diagram may not be to scale, but can still provide a better understanding of the analysis should the written briefing not be as comprehensive as desired.
- Assumptions:
- The assumptions of the analysis are as follows:
- The Jeep has not been modified
- The Jeep is carrying a null-load (No weight besides its own chassis.)
- The wheels do not slip on the ground
- The Jeep is at STP (Standard Temperature and Pressure.)
- The Jeep starts from rest.
- The Ground is ideal, (providing adequate friction and is level.)
- Performed on Earth, therefore gravitational acceleration g = 9.8 m/s2
- No wind
- No drag force
- Governing Equations:
- The equations and formulas to be used are shown below:
- To find velocity we will predetermine a distance and time and use equation v = ∆d/∆t
- This should solidify the fact that the Jeep does go 5 mph
- To find acceleration we use our info and equation a = ∆v/∆t
- Calculations:
- Using the equations and assumptions above, data will be gathered empirically, and then processed mathematically to find the maximum acceleration of the Barbie Jammin' Jeep Wrangler. If the group is unable to gather data empirically, a more complex analysis will be devised to simulate the motion of the Jeep. This could be done mathematically, or in a computer aided simulation.
- Solution Check:
- After finding the maximum acceleration of the Barbie Jammin' Jeep Wrangler, the solution should be checked. This can be done using the equations outlined above, or another equation which uses time, distance, and the maximum velocity to find acceleration.
- Discussion:
- The data found is important since it can be used to assess the safety of the Barbie Jammin' Jeep Wrangler. The acceleration can be used to find the total net force of the product in motion, after a net mass has been found. For example, if the total weight of the operator and vehicle is 50kg, and it accelerates at 6.94m/s^2 (25km/h^2), the net force of the vehicle and operator will be 347 Newtons. This can then be modified to find the acceleration due to inertia of the operator should the acceleration of the vehicle drop sharply, and whether the operator would be thrown from the vehicle if he or she is not wearing a seat belt.
Design Revisions
Some of the Barbie Jammin' Jeep Wrangler's components and functions could be enhanced with some simple modifications. These modifications are outlined below, as well as some of the concerns which apply to making the modifications.
Tire Traction
Figure 32: A rubber tire, which can improve what surfaces the jeep can be driven on.
- Currently, the wheels are made of plastic, which is actually quite slick, regardless of the tread pattern. Adding a rubber coating to the tires will improve the performance of the jeep, allowing it to be driven on even more surfaces that the original slick tires will fail on. With a few cents worth of rubber sheeting on each wheel, but particularly the rear wheels, acceleration on smooth surfaces will be much better. Some parents complain that the jeep cannot climb grassy hills, since the plastic tires slip on the smooth grassy surface, but with rubber sheeting covering the wheels, this is much less likely to happen.
- Global Concerns: The rubber used is also needed for other products, which means that the additional need for rubber for such an application may put undue stress on the rubber supply. This would prevent the materials from going elsewhere.
- Societal Concerns: Rubber is usually produced in developing nations, which often have questionable manufacturing practices and working ethics.
- Economic Concerns: The rubber needed may be expensive, since it still needs to go through a vulcanization process to be more durable. Even after the rubber has been vulcanized, it will still wear out and necessitate replacement or repair.
- Environmental Concerns: Rubber is made from trees, and is complicated to recycle once it has been vulcanized. On the other hand, after proper disposal, it can be re-purposed into paving materials, fuel, and other things.
Chassis Drainage Holes
- Drainage holes made in the Jeep’s chassis: This would be a very simple modification, and would keep the cockpit from flooding due to rain, as well as the motor compartment and battery compartment less likely to flood in the event that the Jeep is left to the elements or a badly placed sprinkler. While the components may still get wet, they will not be completely submerged, which is less likely to cause an electrical short or other problems. In the case of the cockpit, this means that the feet of the operator will remain more dry and comfortable, should the children decide to operate the Jeep after a rainstorm.
- Global Concerns: None, since we are removing an already present material.
- Societal Concerns: None, since this is such a non-radical modification.
- Economic Concerns: A new machine may be needed to drill these holes in an automated production line. This could prove to be expensive.
- Environmental Concerns: The shavings from the holes being drilled can be remelted and used in future productions of the Barbie Jammin' Jeep Wrangler, or elsewhere on the same product.
Steering Wheel Size
- Larger steering wheel diameter: Currently, the Jeep does not have power steering, which is expected, considering that this is a children’s toy. However, unless the Jeep is in motion, the child will have a hard time turning the front wheels using the current steering wheel and mechanism. With a larger wheel, the child can generate more torque on the steering column, which will help the wheels to turn should the Jeep not be in motion. This is important for more precise or sudden maneuvers, which are likely due to the erratic nature of most children’s driving.
- Global Concerns: Will include using additional plastics which is accessible.
- Societal Concerns: Improving the steering wheel, will improve the control of the car, and overall satisfaction of the customer. It creates a safer drive for the child.
- Economic Concerns: Price should not change for this minor change but improving control of car could potentially increase sales.
- Environmental Concerns:
Dry Operating Environment for Electrical Components
- The waterproofing of electrical components: It would not cost very much to cover the inner electronics of the Jeep’s battery and motors with a conformal coating (dielectric grease,) which repels water. Though, if subjected to heat, the grease will liquefy and flow elsewhere, or could even insulate the components and make them more prone to damage due to the accumulation of said heat. Other waterproofing methods include a watertight casing, (which is expensive) or even a water-resistant barrier membrane. The latter could be made of a less expensive plastic, and would be more reliable than the dielectric grease.
- Global Concerns: Dielectric Grease is widely available in any electric or auto part store.
- Societal Concerns: Additional feature to maintain electrical components from getting wet adds to the product and satisfies the customer.
- Economic Concerns: Prices range but a tube is usually under five dollars and can be used for the production of more than one product. Price will go up a bit but this prevents the electrical components from getting wet and damaged, allowing the product to last longer.
References
1. http://www.dawningdesigns.com/Hobbymasters/H3427.pdf
2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plastic
3. http://www.scientificamerican.com/article.cfm?id=plastic-not-so-fantastic
