McMaster Series: Mechanics Research
Power in Community - WinTire Project
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.
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.
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.
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
Fig.1. Initial Prototype Design
Fig.2. Final Product
Team's Work and Personal Contributions
Timeline: 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.
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.
Fig.3. Best Selected Materials
Fig.4. Charted Factors in Granta
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 leadership among team members.
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. As the project progressed, I recognized the need for a fresh approach and took the initiative to propose the WinTire concept.
Reflective Question 2: How did seeking external expertise, such as Evan's assistance with welding, impact the project's outcome?
Evan's assistance in resolving the welding challenges ensured the successful fabrication of the WinTire, allowing 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.
In conclusion, the WinTire Project was not only a technical challenge but also a lesson in leadership and collaboration. This experience has reinforced the importance of creative problem-solving, effective communication, and the value of collaboration in engineering projects.