Problem Definition

Team Vision for Problem Definition Phase

During this phase, the team intended to lay the foundation for the project moving forward and to setup the communication structure needed to continue. The team created the necessary file storage and organization structure both on Google Drives and on this Confluence Wiki page. The problem was defined through input from the customer and our guide, resulting in both of the Customer and Engineering requirements shown below. The team also has a general schedule for the next three weeks, created and maintained by the project manager. Work for the next phase can begin on a strong project foundation with well defined parameters.

Project Summary

Problem Statement

Prototyping is an essential step of the design process and concrete is one of the strongest and least expensive building materials. By creating a 3D Concrete Printer, MSD students can prototype concrete designs for their projects rapidly. The current printer has a build area that is 3 feet in diameter and 1.5 feet high. However, the current iteration of the 3D Concrete Printer needs improvement with an implementation of a z-axis and a reliable concrete mixture with reliable method of extruding multiple bead shapes. 

The goals of this project are to improve the extruder for beads and cleaning, adding a concrete reservoir, and have complete motion along the z-axis. The completed prototype is expected to be used and stored in MSD or Construct space and will be available for MSD teams to use for their projects and prototyping needs.

Description of Current State

Incomplete prototype currently, lacking z-axis motion, needs better concrete mixture. Meets all machine size requirements.

Vision of the Desired State

A fully functional concrete 3D printer that is easily usable by MSD students. Students should be able to use the 3D printer with any CAD models that they need to print. Would allow for MSD projects to prototype concrete objects. Able to print objects up to 36” diameter and 18” tall.

Key Constraints

Must be able to be used and stored in MSD/construct space in an ergonomic fashion. Should be easily assembled, disassembled, cleaned, and moved by any MSD student as necessary.

$500 Initial Budget - depending on what funding is available, our team may need to prioritize certain parts of the project or acquire additional funding. 

Use Cases

The file list of use cases can be found here.

Example Use Case (Senior Design Teams):

Example Use Case (CVET 141 Lab)

Project Goals and Key Deliverables

1. Complete the Z dimension hardware and programming.
2. Improve the concrete mixture and perform testing.
3. Create a concrete reservoir that is easy to load and clean. Should hold “one full bag” of concrete.
4. Interchangeable extruders for various bead types. Extruders should be easily cleaned and replaced.
5. Packaging for student to use for prototyping

The goal of this project will be to develop a prototype 3D concrete printer and appropriate concrete mix formula for MSD team use for prototyping.  The printer should be able to print concrete objects up to 36” diameter and 18” high. 

Customer Requirements (Needs)

The customer requirements are a living document which will be edited iteratively with the progression of the project and the evolution of the needs of the customer, Sarah Brownell. 

Importance Key: 1 - High Importance, 2 - Medium Importance, 3 - Low Importance

Engineering Requirements (Metrics & Specifications)

The engineering requirements are a living document which will be edited iteratively with the progression of the project.  Marginal values have not been established in order to allow time for discussion with the customer, Sarah Brownell. 

Importance Key: 1 - High Importance, 2 - Medium Importance, 3 - Low Importance

Constraints

$500 Initial Budget: The team will need to prioritize spending on certain components and make the most use of the materials that are already available. If the budget isn't sufficient then we will have to find additional sponsors or funding.

Must be physically sized to be stored and operated in the MSD or Construct space.

Needs to be easily and quickly assembled, disassembled, cleaned, and moved by any MSD student or faculty member.

Needs to use software that accepts any 3D model of the right dimensions. Software interface should be simple, straightforward, and easy to troubleshoot.

Design Review Materials

Link to Problem Definition Review Notes: https://wiki.rit.edu/x/GizjDQ

Plans for next phase

As a team, we would like to have all the System Design Level Phase complete. This includes MSD 1 assignments, researching/reviewing previous last team's materials, and individual 3-week plans. Below are individual tasks the team will work on to help our team achieve these goals.