PROBLEM SOLVING COMPETITION DESIGN BRIEF Problem #1:

Design a device in which the pulling of a string starts a sequence of a ping pong ball being launched vertically, a inflated balloon popping and a pre-set mousetrap being tripped. . . in that exact order.

Competition Rules
1. The device must be operated without human intervention except pulling the 2. 3.

4.
5. 6.

7.
8. 9.

string to start the operation. The device must be located on a 2x2 cardboard and include an inflated balloon, a preset mousetrap, and a ping pong ball. The ping pong must be launched before the balloon is popped, and the balloon must be popped before the mousetrap is tripped The device must complete its operation within 20 seconds. Only tape may be used to attach the cardboard to a tabletop. Two trials of the device are required during the competition finals with the best performance considered by the Instructor. Observe safe practices as the device is developed, tested and operated. Students may use any hand tools available in the shop to create there solution. No power tools may be used. Teams may not use any other materials other than those provided, however, if a material is destroyed during construction or testing then teams may purchase replacement materials for 1 point a set.

MATERIALS LIST
Ping pong ball Screws (6) String (3 ft) Popsicle Sticks (6) Steel Washers (2) Index cards (4) Balloon (2) Clothes pin (2) Tape 3 ft 12 Stick (2) Small plastic cup (2) Straight pins (6) Rubber bands (2) Soda straws (4) Thumbtacks (4) Mousetrap Card Stock (2) Paper Clips (4) Film canister 2X2 Cardboard

THE FINE PRINT

Teams: Each team is made up of 3 students. Once a student has signed on with a team they may not switch. All team members must take part in the brainstorming, construction, testing, and evaluating of the solution. Grading: All people in the team will receive the same grade. Grading is made up as follows: A. There is a total of 10 participation points for each group. If the instructor sees a group member not participating points will be deducted from the team score. B. Construction of the device is worth 10 points total (2 for aesthetics, 3 for fabrication, 3 following rules, and 2 for repeatability). C. Device performance is worth 10 points total for the group. (2 for 1st problem, 2 for 2nd problem, 2 for 3rd problem and 2 for in order and 2 for two times) D. Total of 30 points possible for the project. Extra Credit: During this activity each team may ask 5 questions. At the end of the activity any unasked questions will be worth 1 extra credit point a piece. Team Patent: Each team can produce up to 2 patents. Each patent is for a single idea only i.e., a ramp or trigger system. Entire solutions can not be patented and rules or supplies can not be patented. Once a team has established a patent for an idea no other team can use that idea in their solution, however, a team can purchase the right to use the patented idea from another team for 2 points if that team agrees to sell. Any team found using a stolen idea on the day of the competition will have 4 points deducted from their total score and the stolen idea will be removed from their solution before judging. Any team filing a patent is responsible to point out to the instructor anyone stealing ideas. The instructor reserves all rights to say what is and isnt a stolen idea,

BRAINSTORM DESIGN SHEET

Name: In the space below sketch 1 possible solution to the problem. Make a list of the materials you will use and label the materials on your drawing.

In the space below sketch 1 possible solution to the problem. Make a list of the materials you will use and label the materials on your drawing.

In the space below sketch 1 possible solution to the problem. Make a list of the materials you will use and label the materials on your drawing.

Name: 1. Describe the three things the device had to do and in what order.

2. Describe two things that went wrong when you tested your device.

3. What did you do to fix what went wrong?

4. Describe the two phases in the creative process.

5. On the back of this page create two problem salving problems of your own. They must have at least 3 parts to it, be able to fit on a 2ft x 2ft peace of cardboard and be able to be solved with basically the same materials you had.

JUDGING FORM
Team Member: Team Member: Team Member: Team Member:

TEAM #

Construction Aesthetics Fabrication Followed Rules Repeatability

1, 2 1, 2, 3 1, 2, 3 1, 2

Results First Problem Second Problem Third Problem In order Two Times Total

1, 2 1, 2 1, 2 1, 2 1, 2

Total

Group Participation Extra credit questions Sold or purchased Patents Replacement materials

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 12345 __

Total out of 30 points

TEAM PATENT
Each patent must be written and drawn out in detail. No vague patents will be accepted. Name of Patent Team #

PRO

TEAM PATENT
Each patent must be written and drawn out in detail. No vague patents will be accepted. Name of Patent Team #

PRO