Since 2010, MMAE 432 students participate in the Sketch Model Challenge, a friendly competition that:
- introduces students to the materials commonly used in sketch modeling;
- demonstrates the role of craftsmanship in prototyping;
- kick-starts the students' creative juices;
- introduces the team members to each other; and
- IS A LOT OF FUN!
Schedule |
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Overview |
The sketch model challenge is designed to teach you the following while engaging in some friendly competition:
The final competition itself is not graded. It is supposed to be fun, and I would rather see interesting, novel designs that might not necessarily be the best compared to dull, low-risk, predictable designs. Interesting and novel does not mean complicated. Keep it simple! |
Problem Statement |
You will be working with your team to build a device that is capable of being pushed/pulled by one person (the driver) such that the person on/in/over the device (the rider) does not touch the ground. The device should be constructed mainly of paper and paper products. Foam-core board and insulation foam are also very popular, but they are not counted as paper. Nonetheless, they are generally very light and students commonly use them. Wood and MDF are also not paper products. Non-paper products are permitted, but you will incur a significant cost, so use them only as a last resort! You are responsible for measuring the weight, calculating the weight cost of your device, and reporting it to Prof. Spenko.
Weight_cost = Gross weight (kg) + 30*non-paper weight (kg) It is important that everybody have a chance to "make" something at this stage. This is more important than having an "expert" builder fabricate the device. If you do not participate in the fabrication of your device then it does not bode well for your learning experience and enjoyment in this class. |
Game Rules |
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Grading - What is due when
Progress Review: Lab Week 2 |
This is a non-graded consulting session with Prof. Spenko during normal lab hours. Everybody in the group is required to attend. Bring your design notebooks. At this time you should have several designs identified and progress should be made on both analysis and prototyping.
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Design Briefing - Lab Week 3 |
This is a graded review attended by all team members to be held during normal lab hours. Plan for a 15 minute presentation. I will be asking you questions throughout and the entire session will last about 25 minutes. The final assembled prototype should be complete and be prepared with drawings and supporting calculations/experimental results.
You will be evaluated on both the content and presentation. For the design briefing, you may want to use the following format:
ScoresContent
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Challenge - Lecture Week 4 |
By 9 am email your weight cost to Prof. Spenko.
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Final Report - Lecture Week 5 |
This is the most important aspect of the project and the most important step in this is to DOCUMENT IN YOUR DESIGN NOTEBOOK AS YOU GO. This is the single most important thing to do. Keep your design notebook with you at all times when you work on the project. Inside your Design Notebook you should have:
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