This week in preparation for the make-a-thon in class we planned out what materials we would need and what we wanted to prototype. Our group decided that we would work on creating a way for the cover on the hand ring to be more easily replaced. This is turn would allow the team to experiment with materials.
Our idea is to use snap enclosures to experiment with different materials on the hand ring to identify which can help improve an athletes’ grip in bad weather conditions. In order to attach the snap enclosures, we found one with screws and we plan to drill into the aluminum ring. This is the part we are most unsure of for our plan and if anyone has any advice or can help please let us know!
In terms of materials, we are starting by using a latex free TPE which is the material in yoga mats. We decided it would be easiest to order a thin yoga mat to experiment with during the make-a-thon. Yoga mat’s are slip resistant so we are interested to see how this works. We also are ordering a bath mat for a more durable water resistant material.
Finally, Elisa and I were able to meet with Dr. Goodman, our old material science professor to get advice for our project. Dr. Goodman gave us a ton of great ideas that we can look into especially for our project in the long term. One of the things I found most interesting was a spray paint for truck beds to protect them from getting wet or ruined. Dr. Goodman suggested seeing if we could buy this spray paint and use it on the ring! It could create a coating in seconds! This is definetly something we want to look into and tell Arielle and Adam about
Gies College of Business || May 2019
Supply Chain Management & Information Systems/Information Technology
Hi Maryam! My group had a very similar week compared to yours. We also focused a lot more on the details of our prototypes specifically on the materials and machinery. We also met with an expert to help us with the parts where we were lacking the particular skill set. I’m looking forward to make-a-thon and cannot wait to see what you guys come up with.
Hi Maryam,
I am also excited for the Makeathon and to get started on the project! What a cool suggestion from Dr. Goodman. We should definitely see if we can get some of that spray paint for the ring. If that ends up being a good solution, that would be amazing! It would make it so easy for the team to use it.
Hi Maryam! It’s really great you guys got the opportunity to chat with Dr. Goodman! I’m glad he was able to provide you with some actionable suggestions that you will be bringing into the makeathon. I am a bit confused by your mention of snap enclosures – what are you enclosing? I am excited to see what you all are able to create!