WEEK 3 UPDATE 4/22/2017

Week 3 - Meeting and Lab Session Recap

DESIGN PROCESS

During the lab session, Group 6 obtained three different umbrellas and took them apart, in order to understand how these umbrellas work and how all the components work together. The group agreed to use a single-extension canopy, rather than a compact multi-knuckled design popular with many travel umbrellas.

The problem with the multi-knuckled ‘compact’ umbrella design was that

A: it would require more assembly

B: Was more complicated and opened up more possibilities for malfunction, and

C: did not seem to be able to withstand force as well a single, unbroken rod.

Some quick sketches of the planned design were drawn during the group’s monday night meeting:

PLANS

The group will meet up again twice before next lab, and try to assemble a prototype for the handle and shaft, as well as purchase materials. The dismantling and refurbishing of old umbrellas will continue as well.