The Scott Mission RFP Solution

Even though our RFP was chosen as one of eight to be solved by the entire EngSci class of 2017, we still had the option of working on another problem for the second half Praxis II: solving the RFP. We didn't, for through our interactions with the Mission, we have come to truly understand this inimical problem, and we believed - as we wrote the RFP - have better knowledge of the difficulties than any other prospective team, thus we took on the challenge that we had literally just set.
 

To begin solving this problem, we followed process much like the design process I employ. First - even though we not only a RFP, but wrote it - we went back to our stakeholders and added further specifications, such as the issues of sorting perishable goods immeidately after intake. (see problem area 2 of poster). We then took additional measurements relevant to the workspace.

 

With the data at hand, our group proceeded to brainstorm ideas. We eliminated many satisfactory ideas due to it violating crucial requirements. One such criteria was cost, which, though originally limited to $50,000 dollars by the stakeholder, was too much for our considerations. We thought that since the Scott Mission is a non-profit charitable organization, any imporvements we make to the donation intake, no matter how ingenious will not earn nor save much money for the mission. As such, we took it upon ourselves to limit cost below the $50,000 figure.

With the above requirements, and many others, on our minds, we arrived at what we believe to be an optimal solution.

To solve the first and most prominent issue of handling donations deep inside a 24 ft cube truck, we designed a extendable conveyor roller system. It is composed of identical modular units, connected by a locking rod. Each unit, with the locking rod in the unlock position, can rotate freely relative to each other. This allows for a novel storage method, by spooling each pieces like a rope.(see Poster below) This spool is stored underneath an existing conveyor roller system inside the Scott Mission building. (star in poster) 

For use inside the the truck, the staff simply pulls out as long a length of rollers as needed, then should a ramp be neccessary, a length of rollers can be locked together, fixing them relative to each other thereby froming a rigid piece than can be raised using telescoping stands. When the job is finished, simply crank back the spool, and don't worry about unlocking each piece, we also designed an auto-unlocker for this purpose.

 

Because of our product's modularity, it allowed for usage in other problem areas, areas such as inside the basement (3) where the boxes need to be orgainzed once again onto pallets for storage. Here, as well on as on the first floor where some perishable goods are sorted (2), we employ smaller sections of our product, acting as a ramp to guide boxes onto their intended place. And, characteristic of our solution, the ramps can be unfolded  and tucked away underneath the exiting conveyors, minimizing space usage.

As evidence by the poster below (a product of my team member Alex Cubellis and Xiuyan Yu), we've made extensive use of 3D models to convey our idea. I constructed the red/gray rollers using AutoDesk Inventor. The models served more purpose than display. It helped us in designing the product. Using simulation features on the software, I was also able to gauge the strength of the design under use (we confirmed this later using our own calculations).