Group 7: Cougars

For this design, many different pieces were put together to obtain a final result. Many different materials were also used and discussed as the weeks progressed. Shoe This sole of a shoe was originally a clog type shoe with a thick heel sole. The top of the shoe and the inner sole were both separated from the bottom sole. To put the plates into the shoe, many theories of cutting were developed. Front plate When it was first printed, the holes were found to be too small. The bottom also was very unstable and falling apart. The side of this plate had 2 "L" shaped grooves for the pins to move on. Back plate The back plate was a lot like the front plate but with 1 less spike hole. However, when it was 3D printed, the bottom became detached. Because the bottom wasn't attached, the holes were going to be widened, and shorten the width to fit the shoe better, it was reprinted. The sides of this plate looked a lot like the front with the grooves. Spikes ...

How many guys does it take to 3D print a component for the shoe? Apparently 5, but only 1 was on the computer. What material was used for the spikes and why? Aluminum was used for the spikes because it was the only metal available. Aluminum was good to use for the prototype because it was a metal and would hold up as a spike even if weight was put on it. If this design were to be made for real, it would probably be stainless steel. How do spikes help with walking across wet/icy terrain?  By having spikes on the bottom of ones shoes, the grip on the snow would be better. Spikes would dig into the ground better than any tracks on the bottom of the boots. What were some problems that occurred throughout this design?  While making the initial plans for the shoe, the original design that was decided upon had to be changed completely as the spikes wouldn't have been able to retract. Some materials that were going to be used couldn't be found or were too weak. The shoe...

For tutorials, anything that might pertain to what the project is about will be shared. What is Biomimicry? How to 3D print with Autodesk Fusion 360    Making Filler Plastic for the Sole

1. The mechanism of a sole was researched to see how our design could fit into the shoe. It was decided that the mechanism for the spikes would replace the plate of the shoe. 2. Hiking footwear was researched to learn how the sole should be formed around the mechanism of the spikes. If the sole is too rigid, the shoe would be more harmful than helpful when it comes to hiking. There were many variables to be considered while forming the base of the shoe. Hiking Footwear 3. The spikes were researched to decide on how our spikes should look and be placed. Spikes for hiking shoes were looked at as a template for our spikes. Kahtoola Microspikes 4.  Research on spikes and how they affect the forces on the shoe. The pressure from the foot on the spikes could affect the wearer's gait. How the spikes should be placed was looked at also in this paper. Research 5. Biomimicry was wanted to be defined as to further understand how our invention will be likened to nature. Bio...

Zayim Abdul-Wakeel za327@drexel.edu Major: Mechanical Engineering "I am a recent Drexel University transfer student dreaming of becoming an Icon in the engineering field. Since a young age I've been interested in automotive design. I hope to lead the next generation by shaping the way we transport ourselves around the world."                                                         Ivan Dragiev id82@drexel.edu Major: Mechanical Engineering "Being an engineer has been a life-long dream. Nikola Tesla is my role model and electromagnetism is what interested me to get into science and engineering. I was born in Bulgaria and have been living in the USA since 2007. My dream is to one day help invent a new way to transport based on electromagnetic propulsion. Tiffany Franco tef44@drexel.edu Major: Mechanical Engineering "I'm a r...

Week One: Developing an Invention On the first week, the idea of biomimicry was introduced as a starting point for an invention. A few different ideas were introduced, but the one that stood out the most was our shoe spikes that were designed after cat claws. Week Two: Solidifying an Idea On the second week, the initial idea was solidified. An idea of mechanism was developed. Materials were discussed to figure out how the prototype should be made and where the materials could come from. Some research on the soles of shoes and surface tension of shoes was done. All hypothetical questions were thought about and resolved. Week Three: Pre-Proposal While the third week was a holiday, progress was made through working on the pre-proposal. The pre-proposal was written by all of the team members by utilizing Google Docs. A schedule of when we could meet outside of lab was also formed. During this week, a majority of the group was able to meet at the designated time. The group mem...