Unit 2: Strategy

Purpose:

Many people with improper knee alignments, such as bow-legged or knock kneed conditions, are unable to accurately utilize a standard ice skate for an extended period of time. Therefore, the purpose of my passion project is to design an ice skate with an adjustable blade so that people of all leg alignments are able to comfortably and effectively ice skate.

Metrics:

Agility (To ensure that the user can quickly an easily adjust the blade to their unique preference before entering the rink), Customizability (Allow for people to more specifically adjust the blade to their exact preferences and needs), and Strength (Ensure that it will withstand longer and more intense periods of use by an expert skater with the blade staying in its adjusted position - needs to withstand 200 - 250 Ibs of weight )

The assumptions are that the design will be able to withstand the force of the average person and the blade will be able to securely lock in place once adjusted, ensuring that it does not come undone in the rink. Furthermore, it is assumed that the customers will be able to self-adjust their blades based on their unique condition prior to entering the rink.

Gantt chart

The focus of this strategy is agility, allowing for families coming to ice skate to be able to quickly and easily adjust their skates to maximize their time at the rink. The design involves 3 channels, with one in the middle, one on the left, and one on the right. In order to adjust the user can slide the blade out from other end and slide into the desired location. The inner channel is designed for "bow - legged " people or those with similar conditions or preferences, and the outer channel is designed for those with "knocked knees."

The focus of this strategy is accuracy, allowing for the individual to more closely adjust the skate to their unique preferences, and therefore for differentiation between minor and severe conditions, or simply more options for maximum comfort. This design has 5 total settings, with 2 small clamps at the top and one on the bottom to hold it in place. There is also a reinforced plate to help hold the clamps in place.

The focus of this strategy is strength, ensuring that the locking mechanism and removable blade will be able to withstand more intense periods of use by experts and skating enthusiasts that practice for longer periods of time. This design is similar to the first strategy with 3 channels that the blade can slide into. However, it also includes a metal plate with 3 clamps in the middle of the shoe as well, allowing for an additional means of securing the blade in place once placed into its desired setting.

Throughout my time working on this assignment, I learned that everything truly does take twice as long as you think it will! I learned how important it is to work ahead to allow for any issues that may arise along the way and to provide more opportunities to seek help if needed. Furthermore, while we had discussed this in class, completing this project truly helped me to realize how much of an effect the metrics can have on your overall design. Even if your purpose is the same, there are so many different approaches that can be taken to solve the same problem, depending on what you decide to focus on!

Researched and Brainstormed Project Ideas - 10/4/20 from 12 - 2 pm

Decided on Project Purpose and metrics - 10/4/20 from 7 pm - 8 pm

Developed and sketched the strategies - 10/5/20 from 5 - 7 pm

Created tables and started Gantt chart 10/6/20 from 2 pm - 4 pm

Finished Gantt chart - 10/6/20 from 8 pm - 8:30 pm

Coded information into the website - 10/7/20 from 3 - 5 pm

Looked over advisee websites and left comments in website - 10/7/20 at 9 pm

Looks great, I can tell you really thought out your design and did your research. The sketches and Gantt chart are very detailed as well.