Water Filter
Below is our group's Gantt chart (a graph of the divided responsibilities and how our time was spent). The division of the responsibilities is so that each team member does their fair share on the work load of the project. In addition, by splitting up the assignments, work can be done faster and more efficiently. The Gantt chart was made to show how long we spent on each aspect of the design process, and to make sure we did not spend too much time on one part of the process.
For this project, we evenly divided the workload by deciding to simply rotate through the rubric. So then each of us was in charge of every other title on the rubric.
Our team's design brief is also given. This is a formal way to state the problem we had to solve and list all of the constraints as well.
For this project, we evenly divided the workload by deciding to simply rotate through the rubric. So then each of us was in charge of every other title on the rubric.
Our team's design brief is also given. This is a formal way to state the problem we had to solve and list all of the constraints as well.
brainstorm
Below is a preliminary list of materials that were joined together to be separate ideas. For each idea we had, we would simply combine a few of the given materials together with no rhyme or reason. For example, the list says coffee filters, charcoal, and cotton. This was just one of the many ideas that we made simply by mix-matching the materials.
research and generate ideas
LIFESTRAW GO WATER BOTTLE - PORTABLE WATER FILTER
Pros:
- very portable
- rids of dirt, bacteria, and parasites
- bottle for when water isn't nearby
Cons:
- only filters as water is drank
https://survivalfrog.com/products/lifestraw-go-bottle
Sawyer Products SP194 Complete Dual Bag 0.02 Micron Water Purifier System, 4 Liters Each
Pros:
- can filter most pathogens, including viruses
- filters to 0.02 microns
- durable
- can filter large amounts at once
Cons:
- need to set up a rig
- expensive
http://www.reactual.com/outdoor-equipment-2/portable-water-filters.html
Frontier Flow Red Line
Pros:
- grabs bugs, particulates, and chemicals using an absorptive
- portable
- filters out really small particles
Cons:
- difficult to use
- has issues with silty water
https://www.outsideonline.com/2011516/giardia-be-gone-science-behind-portable-water-filtration-devices
Pros:
- very portable
- rids of dirt, bacteria, and parasites
- bottle for when water isn't nearby
Cons:
- only filters as water is drank
https://survivalfrog.com/products/lifestraw-go-bottle
Sawyer Products SP194 Complete Dual Bag 0.02 Micron Water Purifier System, 4 Liters Each
Pros:
- can filter most pathogens, including viruses
- filters to 0.02 microns
- durable
- can filter large amounts at once
Cons:
- need to set up a rig
- expensive
http://www.reactual.com/outdoor-equipment-2/portable-water-filters.html
Frontier Flow Red Line
Pros:
- grabs bugs, particulates, and chemicals using an absorptive
- portable
- filters out really small particles
Cons:
- difficult to use
- has issues with silty water
https://www.outsideonline.com/2011516/giardia-be-gone-science-behind-portable-water-filtration-devices
explore possibilities
We tested each given material individually, and all of them failed miserably on their own. Below is a list of the recorded results of these tests.
select an approach - decision matrix
develop a design proposal
make a model or prototype
Our final turbidity was 46.8, but this was no easy feat! In order to get this low of a reading (compared to the 336.4 that we started with), we had to go through the design process repeatedly and perfect our design. I am proud that we were able to get the results this low, and am more appreciative of the water filters I use every day.
refine the design
When we first started this project, we knew after the first trial that we were going to have to keep trying to put the materials in different orders to make this filter work. For the days given to us to work on these projects, we changed the order of the materials, how much of each, and completely started over on more than one occasion. This process, though some may call trivial, is sometimes the best (and only) way to solve a problem like the one presented to us. With enough time and thought, we were eventually able to make our filter meet the standard needed. We also constantly were reminded to go through each individual step of the method over and over as we restarted each trial and really think about how changing the materials would affect the results.
communicate process and results
Conclusion/reflection
In conclusion, I cannot say that this was the best project I've done in my engineering course here at WTHS. While the problem we faced is something very important and should be globally addressed, I didn't enjoy the project much. I learned that the engineering design process is much more common than most people think - we use it every day! I also learned the importance of researching beforehand and knowing what others have already tried (and succeeded at) so that we know faster what to try out and what not to. Next time, I would like to do better research and put more thought into thinking through what materials would actually work instead of randomly trying materials and hoping for the best.
My group, Elizabeth and Alison, were very understanding with my current driving situation and were the best! I think that we all contributed to the final product equally and would not have been able to reach such a conclusion without each other's help. :)
My group, Elizabeth and Alison, were very understanding with my current driving situation and were the best! I think that we all contributed to the final product equally and would not have been able to reach such a conclusion without each other's help. :)