Design Step 2
Project Description: At this point in the project, we had decided on tackling the issue of transportation emissions. During this stage, my group and I explored this problem and developed numerous ideas. By the end of this step we settled on three main designs to move forward with.
Alternative Designs: After settling on a basic concept, our team continued to brainstorm products. At this point we had settled on the car filter/muffler design, however, the method of CO2 scrubbing, materials used, and even shape were still in question. In order to solve these dilemmas, we listed out and sketched out every conceivable design could think of.
Alternative Designs: After settling on a basic concept, our team continued to brainstorm products. At this point we had settled on the car filter/muffler design, however, the method of CO2 scrubbing, materials used, and even shape were still in question. In order to solve these dilemmas, we listed out and sketched out every conceivable design could think of.
Classification Scheme: After providing ourselves with a plethora of ideas, we organized them into categories and narrowed our focus to three main designs for reducing carbon emissions in cars: CO2 eating bacteria, potassium hydroxide, and a metal organic framework (exterior catalyst).
Conceptual Sketches: For each of the three main design concepts, we fleshed them out to the greatest degree we were able and made a sketch of what each might look like.
Concepts:
Reflection: Continuing to work with my team, we made a number of improvements to our dynamic. The first thing that I noticed was that the shy members of my team became more willing to provide ideas, without needing to be asked to contribute. This made conversations much more productive and fun. This also led to an increase in creativity. With everyone contributing their own ideas, we had many more possibilities to explore and paths to follow. Despite our great successes, we inevitably ran in to a number of problems. After months of online schooling, I noticed a significant decrease in my enthusiasm and motivation to work. I often found myself zoning out and not providing my full attention. I also retreated from many of the duties that I had initially partaken in such as directing communication and providing my team with in-depth research I had discovered on my own time. This inevitably led to us having issues with time management. On a number of occasions, we found ourselves scrambling to get work done the day an assignment was due. While we were given a schedule, often we got complacent and left work for later.
- Particulate Matter: microscopic solids that are present in emissions. One of the musts of our design was the ability to effectively capture these particulates, in order to improve air quality on roads.
- Catalyst: a process in which carbon dioxide is run through a series of electrical currents and is transformed on a molecular level into water or ethanol. This is the basis for the metal organic framework design.
- E. Coli: a type of bacteria (commonly found in food and digestive tracts). The bacteria capable of consuming CO2 are a genetically altered form of E. Coli.
- Potassium Hydroxide: a solution formed by a bond of potassium, hydrogen, and oxygen. This solution is capable of attracting and bonding with carbon dioxide, removing it from the atmosphere.
Reflection: Continuing to work with my team, we made a number of improvements to our dynamic. The first thing that I noticed was that the shy members of my team became more willing to provide ideas, without needing to be asked to contribute. This made conversations much more productive and fun. This also led to an increase in creativity. With everyone contributing their own ideas, we had many more possibilities to explore and paths to follow. Despite our great successes, we inevitably ran in to a number of problems. After months of online schooling, I noticed a significant decrease in my enthusiasm and motivation to work. I often found myself zoning out and not providing my full attention. I also retreated from many of the duties that I had initially partaken in such as directing communication and providing my team with in-depth research I had discovered on my own time. This inevitably led to us having issues with time management. On a number of occasions, we found ourselves scrambling to get work done the day an assignment was due. While we were given a schedule, often we got complacent and left work for later.