Day 05 - Choose Your Solution

Yesterday you finished defining the problem (which means your EDP report should explain WHO needs WHAT solution as well as the performance requirements and the material constraints of the testing environment). Today you're going to move through the next three stages of the EDP:

• Research the problem - what other solutions already exist and what can you learn from them?
• Brainstorm options - how might you adjust existing designs to tailor your hydraulic arm to the set-up in the room?
• Choose your solution - pick the best design you can come up with and explain why it is better than the other options

Note that the important part is being able to justify your choice at the end. What features does it have that will give your arm a competitive edge over other designs? Spell that out in your EDP report.

Hydraulic calculations

1. calculate the area of a circle (A_circle = πr²).
2. calcuate the mechanical advantage of a system (M.A. = F_out/F_in)
3. know that in general, output distance traveled must be multiplied by M.A. of the system to know input distance traveled
4. calculate the volume of a cylinder (V_cylinder = πr²h)
5. calculate the radius of a circle given its diameter (r = d/2, or d = 2r)
6. know that in general, M.A. = F_out/F_in = A_out/A_in = Δh_in/Δh_out

hydraulics

the branch of engineering concerned with the conveyance of liquids through pipes and channels, especially as a source of mechanical force or control.