The Fling Machine Design Challenge was a project were I was paired up with a partner and our goal was to launch a ping pong ball 10 feet with a 1 foot range on either side (9'-11'). Any shot that did not make this range would count as a miss. We were allowed to use any material we would like, and it could be any size we wanted. Once the solution was built, we had to collect test data and complete several different calculations so we could see how precise and accurate our device was. On the actual testing day, we were only given 10 shots. This data was recorded and we compared the statistics to our classmates to see who had the best product. We were graded on the performance of our product, the durability of it, and the presentation that we had to make to say how effective our machine was. It took about 3 weeks to complete the project.
For the solution to this problem, my partner and I decided to create a catapult. We first had the idea of a trebuchet, but after we started building, we had second thoughts. We did not think it would have enough force to launch the ping pong ball. But luckily, we could use the material we had to create out catapult.
For the solution to this problem, my partner and I decided to create a catapult. We first had the idea of a trebuchet, but after we started building, we had second thoughts. We did not think it would have enough force to launch the ping pong ball. But luckily, we could use the material we had to create out catapult.
Mean Average = 6.53 Std. Dev. = 3.5
68% = 3.03< x <10.03
95% = -0.47< x <13.53
99% = -3.97< x <17.03
68% = 3.03< x <10.03
95% = -0.47< x <13.53
99% = -3.97< x <17.03
The data above is some of the statistics we got from the final testing day. The mean and sample standard deviation is listed. The mean is the same as an average. Standard deviation is how far your results deviate from the intended measurement, and sample standard deviation is just a piece of the data, not every single shot. The percentages are what percent of your data will fall between the mean minus the standard deviation and the mean plus the standard deviation. For example, 68% of our data will fall between the measurements 3.03' and 10.03'. From this, we can conclude our product was not good at all. It had a low mean, compared to the intended 10'. It also deviated far from 10 feet because our standard deviation was 3.5'. According to our data, we only made 3 out of the 10 shots.
My main take-a-ways from this project was that it showed me a sneak peak at how the design process really works. It is important to collect data and use that to your advantage to evaluate your product. That way, you can see what your product does and you can make changes if necessary. With my project, we had a lot of problems that made it not work. I believe if we had more time, we could have went back to test more and make those changes to make it better.