Overview
In Project 4: Power in Community, our team embarked on a mission to improve the daily life of our client, Tiffany, through innovative engineering. Tiffany, a valued member of our community, faced challenges navigating through salt and snow with her wheelchair. To address this, our team conceptualized and developed the "WinTire" – a specialized tire designed to overcome the obstacles posed by winter weather conditions.
Our project, part of the IMPACT (Interdisciplinary, Mentorship, Practice, Applied, Community, Transformative) initiative, involved collaboration with a diverse group of stakeholders, including students from various disciplines, McMaster Alumni, Community Healthcare Partners, and most importantly, Tiffany herself. Our goal was to create a solution that not only addressed Tiffany's specific needs but also served as a testament to the power of community-driven engineering.
The design process began with empathizing with Tiffany's challenges, gathering information, framing the problem, and exploring various design possibilities. We iterated through two distinct designs of the WinTire, each focusing on improving traction, durability, and ease of use for Tiffany. These iterations were crucial in refining our design, incorporating feedback, and ensuring that the final product met all design requirements.
Throughout the project, we conducted design reviews to gather valuable insights and suggestions for improvement. This iterative process allowed us to continuously enhance the WinTire's design, making it more effective and user-friendly. We also developed and implemented a comprehensive testing plan to evaluate the performance of the prototypes in real-world conditions.
In the end, our team developed a final iteration of the WinTire that encapsulated the lessons learned throughout the design journey. This tire not only provided enhanced traction and durability but also contributed to Tiffany's independence and comfort during her daily travels. Our journey in creating the WinTire was a testament to the collaborative spirit of the IMPACT initiative, showcasing the transformative power of engineering when driven by community needs.
Project Milestones:- Objective #1: Frame design problem, explore diverse solutions.
- Objective #2: Create iterative prototypes, incorporate feedback.
- Objective #3: Communicate design effectively, refine based on feedback.
- Objective #4: Test and finalize design.
- Objective #5: Present design, write engineering report.
Team's Work and Personal Contributions
Time Line: March. 4th - April. 5th (2024)
For the WinTire project, I took on the role of developing the initial design, crafting the initial prototype, and refining it into the final product. The design process was aided in the Granta material selection process referenced in Fig.3 and Fig.4 .In addition to my direct project responsibilities, I was appointed the executive co-ordinator.
As the executive co-ordinator, I meticulously tracked all assignment submission deadlines, managed meeting details, and handled external communications for the final submission. This role ensured the smooth operation of our team and the timely completion of deliverables.
Reflection
Throughout the WinTire Project, I navigated challenges that reshaped my role within the team and deepened my learning experience. One pivotal hurdle was the initial lack of creative leadershipamong team members. While they contributed admirably with detailed enhancements to proposed ideas, the team struggled to generate fresh and viable solutions for our client's challenges. It became evident that a new direction was necessary, leading me to propose the innovative WinTire concept.
Reflective Question 1: How did the initial absence of creative leadership impact the project's trajectory, and how did the introduction of the WinTire concept alter this dynamic?
The absence of creative leadership at the start of the project posed a significant challenge. Our team initially found it difficult to generate innovative and practical solutions that effectively addressed our client's needs. As the project progressed, I recognized the need for a fresh approach and took the initiative to propose the WinTire concept. This introduction of a new, inventive idea sparked enthusiasm and within the team's problem-solving process.
By shifting the focus towards the development of the WinTire, we were able to channel our efforts into creating a solution that truly addressed Tiffany's mobility challenges. The concept provided a clear direction and framework for our design iterations, allowing us to refine and enhance the prototype iteratively. Ultimately, the introduction of the WinTire concept not only altered the project's trajectory but also redefined our approach, leading to a more focused and effective design process.
Reflective Question 2: How did seeking external expertise, such as Evan's assistance with welding, impact the project's outcome, and what valuable lessons did this collaboration offer for future endeavors?
Evan's assistance in resolving the welding challenges ensured the successful fabrication of the WinTire, allowed us to proceed with the demonstration smoothly. This collaboration taught me the importance of reaching out for help when faced with technical hurdles and the value of leveraging external expertise. It also highlighted the significance of networking within the engineering community and how knowledge-sharing can lead to innovative solutions.
In conclusion, the WinTire Project was not only a technical challenge but also a lesson in leadership and collaboration. By taking the initiative to propose the WinTire concept and seeking external expertise when faced with technical hurdles. This experience has reinforced the importance of creative problem-solving, effective communication, and the value of collaboration in engineering projects moving forward.