Picture of Final Design
Define the Problem
We made a Gantt chart to clearly define the things we needed to accomplish and when we needed to do so. If one task took longer than expected, we could go back to our Gantt chart a figure out what we needed to adjust to stay on schedule. We divided responsibilities because it is imperative that each member of the group contributes their full effort. Dividing the responsibility gives each group member a list of tasks that they are expected to do in order to complete the project. Also, it allows for the other group members to hold each other accountable if one isn't contributing.
Gantt Chart, Team Responsibilities, and Design Brief
Generate Concepts
List of Ideas and Sketches
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https://www.reddit.com/r/coolguides/comments/bkudo0/homemade_water_filter/
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https://www.survivalfitnessplan.com/types-homemade-water-filters/
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https://www.earthrangers.com/take-action/filtered-water-please/
Testing
Decision Matrix
Develop the Solution
Construct and Test Prototype
Turbidity Value
Summarized Findings
My team found that the more layers that you add in the filter, the better even though it may take more time. Also, sand is very bad for clearing up water, even when it is combined with other materials, it is overall bad. We also found that the rate that you pour the water into the filter can affect its clarity. If you dump a lot of water into the filter at once, it may not filter the water as efficiently. Pouring the water slower allows for the smaller amounts to be cleaned more thoroughly.
Evaluate the Solution
Variation #1
A coffee filter covering the neck of the bottle covered by activated carbon and aquarium rocks on top of that.
Variation #2
Cotton pads at the neck of the bottle covered by a coffee filter. Then activated carbon covered by aquarium rocks.
A coffee filter covering the neck of the bottle covered by activated carbon and aquarium rocks on top of that.
Variation #2
Cotton pads at the neck of the bottle covered by a coffee filter. Then activated carbon covered by aquarium rocks.
Revisions Summary
During the project, we had to make multiple revisions. Our initial designs were not good enough to filter the water and the other variations we tried couldn't filter the water either. We found that using multiple layers of materials had the best effect on the clarity of the water. So, the best design we could think of was multiple cotton pads near the neck of the bottle (enough to cover the surface), followed by aquarium gravel over the area of the thicker part of the bottle. Then pouring activated carbon on the area of the gravel followed by another layer of gravel. Then, on the top of the opening in the bottle would be a tight, mesh cover to catch any large debris.
Reflection
I thought the project was a great review of the design process. The different stages are now fresh in my head and will be implemented in later projects. I experienced the iterative part of the design process very thoroughly this project. You could say it gave me a "run for my money." In the end, Our design was unsuccessful. Although being able to reduce the turbidity of the water, our design was unable to significantly clear it up resulting in it being unsuccessful. Next time, I would have taken my time and really thought about what could make an efficient design instead of testing multiple designs rapidly. I was aiming for quantity instead of quality. The most important lesson I learned was that a team cannot be efficient if the divided work is not executed. I like it when all members of a group are trying their absolute hardest and contribute as much as they can. Collaboration is imperative when working in groups and bringing your best effort to a project can make or break the results. I am fine with the results of this project because the lessons I learned are worth a lot.