Category Archives: Engineering 11
Engineering 11 Bridge Reflection
Bridge Reflection
In this engineering project, we had to create a wooden bridge that will span across a 30-inch gap. It also had to be at least 5 inches wide and individual pieces had to be 1/8 of an inch thick, and of course the bridge must also be at least 30 inches long.
What we did well was the idea of gluing multiple 1/8th pieces of wood together to reinforce each individual pieces of our design. This way each part of our design is stronger and sturdier, instead of the flimsy 1/8th piece. I also thought our design was pretty good, it had 2 support wood pieces in the middle, underneath the main board and on top of it. This supported the middle point which prevent it from bending and snapping. We also added a piece of wood going straight up with strings attached from the bottom which helped the bridge by exerting the tension of the weight. That really helped our bridge hold at least 334lbs.
The areas we struggled and could have done better was the gluing of the individual 1/8th pieces. In some parts, the glue was uneven making the bridge have gaps in between the 1/8th pieces. What we could have done better was applying an even layer of glue and evenly apply pressure using the clamps. So that the pieces would have a flush finish with no gaps.
What I would change if I could go back was letting the glue settle before we continued. When we glued the middle pole piece on our bridge, the glue had not settled before we attached the strings. Meaning that the tension of the string on the very first one we attached, was already pulling one side. If the glue had settled, then the middle pole piece would be sturdy in that position and would not move when attaching the first tensioned string piece. Another thing I would go back and change was when we tested it. Although I wasn’t there, I would have continued to added weights on our bridge until it collapsed. So, we could see the maximum weight our bridge can hold, but unfortunately we stopped at 340lbs.
Engineering 11 The Ultimate Cardboard Box Reflection
The Ultimate Cardboard Box
In this project, we had to create a cardboard box that is made for shipping. First, we watched a video about another box made called the Rapid Packing Container. Then we compared it to the traditional box used commonly in shipping companies such as Amazon. We then had to analyze the pros and cons within both designs to create a prototype. What was ideal for me was that it had to be easy to open, waste efficient such as minimal tape, and strength/durability. For me, I liked the jigs they used in the Rapid Packing container, as well as the flap method in the tradition box. After brainstorming a few ideas and drawing a couple designs, I came up with this.
After creating my first 4×4” prototype, I realize there could be a few adjustments made on my box and design. First, I noticed that my cuts were too deep making the cardboard weaker on the folding points. Second, I had to resize my flaps supporting the walls as it was too small making my box compress. Lastly, I needed to cut the slit for the jigs bigger because it was too small. I slowly made bigger prototypes like 5×5 inches and 8×8 inches. Along the journey, I realized folding outward was stronger than folder inward as the paper side of the cardboard supported the edges more. After perfecting my prototype, I had to make my final product, but I ran into another obstacle. The pieces of cardboard available to me was too small for my 12×12 box. So, I had to improvise by using two pieces of thicker cardboard that was long enough to have two separate pieces of my box. After cutting out two separate segments of my box design, I used smaller piece of cardboard to attach them together, acting like a spine of a book. (also included new flaps)
The pro’s of my box are that is uses less tape compared to the traditional box, the strength and durability, easy to open (doesn’t require a knife or tool), and easy to pack and reuse. A con would be that it does not lay fully flat when unfolded with some flaps flaring up, and also it is heavier and denser as a trade from durability and strength.
I used many different tools and materials to construct this box, such as, ruler, pencil, X-actoknife, cardboard, tape, hot glue, and eraser.
What I learned in this project is that it takes time and effort to create something. There is a process you need to endure when you take on a project. You cannot expect things to go well on your first try, and that you will have obstacles and problems along the way. Most importantly, I learned how to efficiently cut cardboard and how to score the cardboard to appropriately fold to your liking.
What I’ll improve next time is when cutting up the cardboard, I will cut more evenly and straight so that the edges of the box 100% line up with each other.
I would give myself a B+ because throughout the weeks working this project, I had been effectively using my time to improve and perfect my box. Which I thought was good because that is very important when creating a new project from your own design. What I thought could done better is when drawing my design on the cardboard, I could’ve drawn it more precisely and correctly, that way I would have had less tries. On the other hand, if I haven’t had make so many boxes, I wouldn’t of know the flaws and adjustments that led to perfecting my box.