Weekly Progress

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 members that were unable to meet due to other arrangements worked on other aspects of the model through Autodesk and the blog. A shoe was obtained and analyzed for dimensions by the group that was able to meet. It was also cut so that the sole could be worked on.

Week Four: Discussing Materials and Filling the Blog

Week four was when the materials were fully discussed. Ideas of how the mechanism should work and what materials should be used was discussed. Advice regarding materials was sought from the resident technicians. The blog was also filled out with more pages and information about our invention.

Week Five: Examining the Soles and Refining the Design

For week five, two soles of different shoes were cut and analyzed. The mechanism of the springs was refined to suit the soles better than what was originally proposed. A second shoe sole was experimented with. Spring size and compression strength were decided on after experimentation. Ideas for final design were also discussed to help the shoe keep its stability and functionality for hiking. Materials for the mechanism were brought in and used for basic modeling.

Week 6: Learning about 3D Printing

In week 6, we decided to begin 3D printing items that were made in Autodesk Fusion 360. These pieces were made outside of class and were to go inside of the sole. We also discussed what materials should be used as the metal plates we had decided on were found to be too weak. While waiting for the first piece to print, the blog was worked on and items for 3D printing were refined.

Week 7: Writing the Final Report and Making Final Parts

Week 7 began with finishing the final report that would tell about our design. After discussing and writing a bit, the lab time was filled with figuring out what different pieces would be made of. After talking to the Innovation Lab, we were told that a metal plate for the base of the soles and

9 metal spikes would be made using scrap metal. The 3D model of the heel sole part was also perfected. As there was no available 3D printer during our lab time, a member came the next day to print this component.

Week 8: Troubleshooting Final Parts

Week 8 had all of the final components ready to be put together. However, the plate obtained from the Innovation Lab was a bit larger than we expected, so it had to be cut down a bit. The spikes looked great, but the holes for them on the bottom plates had to widened to fit them through. Different springs were also brought in to decide on which to use. The two 3D printed components also had to be filled down and glued back together as one was printed wrong.

The shoe was also discussed on how to be cut open to put the mechanisms in. The biggest problem found was that the back sole might not be able to be cut open.

Outside of class the next day, the front sole of the shoe was cut to put the component in. The component to be put in there was also reprinted with the 3D printer.

 Week 9: Finishing Things Up

Week 9 was to be considered the "last week" for this design project. Week 10 is going to be devoted to presenting the designs and our final products. To start off, the shoe was tested to see if the component fit into the hole that was cut. Unfortunately, it didn't, so a rasp was used to shave off some of the edges that weren't large enough.

 Week 10: Final Product and Presentation

The whole shoe design was put together over the weekend in an outside meeting. It went well, but flaws were found. However, it was a working product of our idea.

After finishing the prototype, the final report and presentation had to be done. The paper came out to be about 7 pages long and the presentation was ready to be given. 

This presentation took place on November 27, 2017 by all of the group members.