MOTION-BASED EARTHQUAKE ALARM DEVICE

Abesamis, Beatrice A.
Acua, Jonalyn A.
Canaya, Regina Marie V.
Castillo, Edith A.

Technological Institute of the Philippines

Quezon City

Oct 2015

APPROVAL SHEET

This design project entitled Motion-Based Earthquake Alarm Device is prepared by Beatrice A.
Abesamis, Jonalyn A. Acua, Regina Marie V. Canaya, and Edith A. Castillo of the Electronics Engineering
Department was examined and evaluated by the professor and is hereby recommended for approval.

ENGR. RONNIE M. DYSANGCO

Professor

ENGR. SHEARYL U. ARENAS

Chair

TECHNOLOGICAL INSTITUTE OF THE PHILIPPINES

Quezon City
Final Laboratory Project Design Experience
CPE 003 Computer Aided Drafting
1st Semester, SY 2015-2016
Student/Team
Group

Beatrice A. Abesamis
Acua, Jonalyn A.
Canaya, Regina Marie V.
Castillo, Edith A.

Design Title

Motion-Based Earthquake Alarm Device

Program Concentration Area

AutoCAD Design

Design Objectives

Project Development
The general objective of this project is to create a Motion-Based
Earthquake Alarm Device AutoCAD plan in accordance with codes and
engineering standards and consideration of trade-offs based on the
multiple constraints such as economic, manufacturability, and
sustainability..
Specific Objectives:
1. To design an earthquake alarm AutoCAD plan.
2. To develop an AutoCAD design for an earthquake alarm device.

Constraints
Economic

The materials that were used for the building of the design project were
put into consideration based on the clients requirements and the
availability of the components.

Sustainability

A component does not last longer than expected. There were times that
components would need replacement.

Manufacturability

The manufacturability of the components would be highly affected

depending on the availability of the materials. The capability of the design
produced with the needed part and maintenance referred the designs
manufacturability.

Standards

ISO 11201 basic noise emission

standard

The A-weighted sound power level is supplemented by the A-weighted

emission sound pressure level determined at the operator position(s) or
the bystander positions. This sound pressure level is not a worker's
emission rating level, but it can assist in identifying any potential
problems that could cause annoyance, activity interference, or hearing
damage to operators and bystanders.

ISO 11428:1996 Ergonomics Visual danger signals - General

requirements, design and testing

Describes criteria for the perception of visual danger signals in the area in
which people are intended to perceive and to react to such a signal

ISO 8201:1987 Acoustics - Audible

emergency evacuation signal

The required sound pressure level at all places within the intended
reception area. Applies to the audible signal and not to the individual
signalling system components. Does not apply to warning signals, to
situations covered by national regulations for public disaster control,
alarm systems on board ships or to signals from all outdoor moving
vehicles.

LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1.1 Project Developments 3
Figure 3.1 Input-Process-Output .7
Figure 3.2 Illustration of the device .8
Figure 3.3(a) Motion-Based Earthquake Alarm Device Design 1 ...........................................10
Figure 3.3(b) Footwork Pressure Plate and Iron Ball..10
Figure 3.3(c) Motion-Based Earthquake Alarm Device with its buttons and drill10
Figure 3.4(a) Motion-Based Earthquake Alarm Device Design 2 12
Figure 3.4(b) Motion Sensor and Iron Ball ..12
Figure 3.4(c) Motion-Based Earthquake Alarm Device with its buttons and drill......12
Figure 3.5(a) Motion-Based Earthquake Alarm Device Design 3 14
Figure 3.5(b) Copper plate .14
Figure 3.5(c) Motion-Based Earthquake Alarm Device with its buttons and drill...14
Figure 4.1 Subordinate ranking of Footwork pressure plate in economic cost ..16
Figure 4.2 Subordinate ranking of Motion Sensor in economic cost ...17
Figure 4.3 Subordinate ranking of Footwork Pressure Plate in manufacturability 19
Figure 4.4 Subordinate ranking of Copper Plate in manufacturability .21
Figure 4.5 Subordinate ranking of Footwork Pressure Plate based on sustainability ..22
Figure 4.6 Subordinate ranking of Motion Sensor based on sustainability 23
Figure 5.1 Final Design26

LIST OF TABLES
Table 3-1 Cost of Materials of Design 19
Table 3-2 Cost of Materials using Motion Sensor11
Table 3-3 Cost of Materials using Copper Plate..13
Table 4-1 Designer Tabulation Form.17
Table 4-2 Initial Cost of each component.18
Table 4-3 Availability of the Sensors.19
Table 4-4 Sustainability of components21
Table 4-5 Tabulation of Trade-offs.23

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MOTION-BASED EARTHQUAKE ALARM DEVICE..........................................................................................i

APPROVAL SHEET...........................................................................................................................................ii
Final Laboratory Project Design Experience....................................................................................................iii
LIST OF FIGURES............................................................................................................................................v
LIST OF TABLES..............................................................................................................................................vi
TABLE OF CONTENTS...................................................................................................................................vii
CHAPTER 1.
PROJECT BACKGROUND..................................................................................................1
The Project...............................................................................................................................................1
Project Objectives....................................................................................................................................1
Project Scope and Delimitation................................................................................................................2
Project Development................................................................................................................................3
Figure 1.1 Project Developments.................................................................................................................3
CHAPTER 2.
DESIGN INPUTS..................................................................................................................5
Design Constraints...................................................................................................................................5
Design Standards.....................................................................................................................................5
CHAPTER 3.
PROJECT SYSTEM DESIGN..............................................................................................7
Input-Process-Output...............................................................................................................................7
Figure 3.1 Input-Process-Output..................................................................................................................7
Illustrative Diagram...................................................................................................................................8
Figure 3.2 Illustration of the device..............................................................................................................8
Hardware Design......................................................................................................................................8
Table 3-1 Cost of Materials of Design 1.......................................................................................................9
Figure 3.3(b) Footwork Pressure Plate and Iron Ball together with its Charger........................................10
Figure 3.3(a) Motion-Based Earthquake Alarm Device Design 1..............................................................10
Figure 3.3(c) Motion-Based Earthquake Alarm Device with its buttons features......................................10
Table 3-2 Cost of Materials using Motion Sensor.......................................................................................11
Figure 3.4(b) the Motion Sensor and Iron Ball together with its Charger..................................................12
Figure 3.4(a) Motion-Based Earthquake Alarm Device Design 2..............................................................12
Figure 3.4(c) Motion-Based Earthquake Alarm Device with its buttons and drill.......................................12
Table 3-3 Cost of Materials using Copper Plate.........................................................................................13
Figure 3.5(b) Copper plate together with its Charger.................................................................................14
Figure 3.5(a) Motion-Based Earthquake Alarm Device Design 3..............................................................14
Figure 3.5(c) Motion-Based Earthquake Alarm Device with its buttons and drill.......................................14
CHAPTER 4.
DESIGN TRADE-OFFS......................................................................................................15
Design Trade-offs...................................................................................................................................15
Table 4-1 Designer Tabulation Form..........................................................................................................16
Table 4-2 Initial Cost of each component...................................................................................................16
Figure 4.1 Subordinate ranking of Footwork pressure plate in economic cost..........................................17
Figure 4.2 Subordinate ranking of Motion Sensor in economic cost.........................................................18
Table 4-3 Availability of the Sensors...........................................................................................................19
Figure 4.3 Subordinate ranking of Footwork Pressure Plate in manufacturability.....................................20
Figure 4.4 Subordinate ranking of Copper Plate in manufacturability.......................................................21
Table 4-4 Sustainability of components......................................................................................................21
9

Figure 4.5 Subordinate ranking of Footwork Pressure Plate based on sustainability...............................22

Figure 4.6 Subordinate ranking of Motion Sensor based on sustainability................................................23
Table 4-5 Tabulation of Trade-offs..............................................................................................................23
Influence of Design Trade Offs in the Final Design...............................................................................24
CHAPTER 5.
FINAL DESIGN...................................................................................................................26
Final Design............................................................................................................................................26
Figure 5.1 Final Design..............................................................................................................................26
REFERENCES................................................................................................................................................28
APPENDICES.................................................................................................................................................29
Appendix A..................................................................................................................................................30
Footwork Pressure Plate............................................................................................................................30
Appendix B.................................................................................................................................................32
Motion Sensor.............................................................................................................................................32
Motion Sensor.............................................................................................................................................32
Appendix C.................................................................................................................................................34

10

PROJECT BACKGROUND

The Project
According to Charles Spencer (2015), earthquake literally means ground shaking. It is caused by the
movement of earth's crust or volcanic eruption. Earthquakes cause a lot of destruction, destroying many
casualties and properties, especially when the intensity is high. Unfortunately, there will be a megaearthquake called "The Big One" that will hit the Philippines soon.
Based on the study of PHILVOLCS (2013), a possible 7.2 earthquake looms around the corner if the West
Valley Fault along the eastern side of Metro Manila cracks, but a 7.2 magnitude earthquake can shake the
ground even a hundred kilometers away, which means that it can shake the whole of Metro Manila and its
surrounding provinces. Areas near the waters like Marikina Valley down to Manila de Ba-i, and the coastal
cities of Metro Manila are also more likely to experience stronger ground shaking due to the softer ground
they sit on.
The upcoming earthquake in the Philippines or the Big One will kill millions of people and abolish many
properties. Alertness and awareness are vital given that earthquakes cannot be forecasted unlike typhoons.
Every Filipinos must be prepared at all cost.
The designers decided to design a motion-based earthquake alarm device in order to detect earthquakes,
especially during the Big One. Usually, the alarm is being turned on by a person to signal other people. But
this time, the device will automatically make a sound and light to alert people that there is an earthquake.
The unique feature of this device was that it has a recorded voice that will be played and reported about the
current intensity of the earthquake every time it changes. The bulb will also give indication of what the
current intensity is.
Project Objectives
The general objective of this project was to create a Motion-Based Earthquake Alarm Device in accordance
with codes and engineering standards and consideration of trade-offs based on the multiple constraints
such as economical, sustainability and manufacturability.
Specific Objectives:

To design an earthquake alarm AutoCAD plan.

To develop an AutoCAD design for an earthquake alarm device.

The Client
This project will provide benefits to the people who are going to use the Motion-Based Earthquake Alarm
Device.

Filipinos. The Big One will occur in the Philippines, particularly in the places where the
West Valley fault is, from the heights of Sierra Madre down to Laguna. The Filipinos might
able to know when to be alert when the Big One comes, or in times of earthquakes. The
device will provide instant warnings to all the Filipinos having this device.
Other Countries. This project might also help other countries since Philippines is not the
only country that could experience earthquake.

Project Scope and Delimitation

This project focused on the design of the device with AutoCAD as the software utilized. It covers the whole
design of the including the external parts of the device. Micro parts that are not perceptible will not be
included.
The AutoCAD design's delimitations are as follows:
1) The sound of the device is depending upon the range of it.
2) The light of the device is depending upon the sensor.
3) The warning colors will be depended to the design standards.
Unsaid areas will not be answered.

Project Development
To represent the development of the project, a flowchart was used to draw the chain of a process that
connects the phase of development of the design. Figure 1.1 shows the development process in
completing the project.
Identify
the
Problem
s

Gathering
Data and
Requirement

Project
Conceptualization

Identify
Components

Design
in
AutoCA
D
Figure 1.1 Project Developments
Figure 1.1 is an illustration of the project development process in the AutoCAD design of Motion-Based
Earthquake Alarm Device.
Identify the Problem:
Identifying the problem was the first step. The designers identified the problem through research,
education and self-curiosity. Finding the problem would help the designers to prepare for a solution.

 Gathering Data and Requirement

Gathering of data and requirements were important since it would set as a way of providing the
best solution for the identified problem. The designers needed to gather data and the necessary
requirements to complete the necessary information in designing the device. One of the gathered
data was materials needed to complete the design and its cost. The designers also analyzed the
concept of alarm systems to comply with the set of standards.
Project Conceptualization
Project conceptualization was the ability to formulate any idea that occurs at the beginning of a
design activity. The designers were able to formulate an initial design of the project when the scope
of the project was drafted.
Identify the Components
Identifying the materials needed for the completion of the design was conducted in order to select
the best materials for the project. The designers were able to identify what are the exact
components that were used, and on this design, one of the components that the designer used was
LED.
Design in AutoCAD
After the materials were identified, the designers created the AutoCAD design of the Motion-Based
Earthquake Alarm Device. They created three AutoCAD designs to select which one of these was
the best in accordance with the given constraints.

DESIGN INPUTS

Design Constraints
In the design of Motion-Based Earthquake Alarm Device, the consideration of multiple constraints was
applied. The aspects that determined the feasibility of the system was served by these constraints. There
were different kinds of constraints applicable to the creation of this design project, but the designers have
selected the constraints that could affect the entire development process and these are the following:
Economic (Cost)
The materials that were about to use for the building of the design project were put into
consideration based on the clients requirements and the availability of the components.
Manufacturability (Availability)
In developing the project, the availability of material of the design was also considered by
the designers. Some of the materials of the device might get hard to find of. Moreover, the
designers main concern was if the material would be available locally or should it be shipped from
other country.
Sustainability (Life Span)
A component does not last longer than expected. There were times that components would
need replacement.
Design Standards
The designers used a list of standards for this project design as a basis for the design and development of
the device:

ISO 11201 Basic Noise Emission Standard

The A-weighted sound power level is supplemented by the A-weighted emission sound pressure level
determined at the operator position(s) or the bystander positions. This sound pressure level is not a
worker's emission rating level, but it can assist in identifying any potential problems that could cause
annoyance, activity interference, or hearing damage to operators and bystanders.

ISO 11428:1996 Ergonomics - Visual danger signals - General requirements, design and
testing

It describes criteria for the perception of visual danger signals in the area in which people are intended
to perceive and to react to such a signal.

ISO 8201:1987 Acoustics - Audible Emergency Evacuation Signal

The required sound pressure level at all places within the intended reception area. It applies to the
audible signal and not to the individual signalling system components. It does not apply to warning
5

signals, to situations covered by national regulations for public disaster control, alarm systems on
board ships or to signals from all outdoor moving vehicles.

CHAPTER 1.

PROJECT SYSTEM DESIGN

Input-Process-Output
The Input-Process-Output is a graphical representation of all factors/procedures in which the required
inputs such as knowledge, along with multiple constraints processed through data gathering and planning
to produce the most efficient design to meet the design objectives and arrive at the output of producing an
AutoCAD design.

INPUT
Requirements in:
Knowledge:

AutoCAD Software

PROCESS
Data Gathering

Needed materials
Cost of materials

OUTPUT

AutoCAD design of
Motion-Based
Earthquake Alarm
Device

Multiple Constraints

Economical
Manufacturability
Sustainability

Engineering Design Standards

Figure 3.1 Input-Process-Output

Figure 3.1 shows the requirements and how the design was processed. The inputs have all the necessary
requirements before the design can be process. It is the first thing that should be prepared. The process is
made up of engineering methodologies required for the production of the design project.
The inputs are made up of knowledge, multiple constraints and engineering Standards. The knowledge
requirement is consist of AUTOCAD software. The constraints are consisting of economic,
manufacturability, and sustainability.
The process illustrates how the design would function based on the given inputs. The knowledge
requirements consist of the detailed functionality and the engineering techniques to be used. The hardware
shows how the components would be used according to the designers input.

Illustrative Diagram
The Figure 3.2 shows an illustrative diagram of how each component interacts with one another.

Figure 3.2 Illustration of the device

Figure 3.2 is an illustration of the components and peripherals that are used for the production of the design
project. It comes along with the following list of design standard that was stated previously in chapter 2:
Design Standards. The purpose of the said standard is for reference value for certain ambient parameters
which are significant in warning people.
Description of each component

Iron Ball: The iron ball was used to measure intensity through its movement.
Motion Sensor: It is used to detect the movement of the iron ball.
Multi-colored Light Bulb: It is used to indicate if there is an earthquake or not.
Speaker: It produces warning sounds to warn people.
String: It is used to hold the Iron Ball.
Buttons: It is used for turning on/off the device.
Drill: It is used for detecting the upcoming earthquakes. It digs straight to the ground.
Charger: It is used to supply power to the device.

Hardware Design
Design 1: Using Footwork Pressure Plate
The first design used a Footwork Pressure Plate as the sensor of the device. It perceives the movement of
the Iron Ball as the earthquake occurs.
Sustainability
The sustainability of the pressure plate would depend on the location and the manner the components that
are used. When a component was used for heavy mechanism, there would be a possibility that the
component may need a new replacement.
Manufacturability
The manufacturability of the components would be really beneficial for the designers because the Iron ball
can be purchased within the country itself and do not need to order it from other country.
Economic
The designers took consideration of the cost of the materials to be used in this design. As stated in Table 31 below the list of costing that would be used in designing a Motion-Based Earthquake Alarm Device using
a Footwork Pressure Plate and Iron Ball. As stated below that the Footwork Pressure plate and Iron ball are
an affordable component.
Table 3-1 Cost of Materials of Design 1
Materials
Circuit
Battery (12 volts)
Wood Box
Buttons
Drills
Charger
Speaker
Wire
Iron Ball
Multi-colored Light
Bulb
Footwork
Pressure Plate
Digital
Seismograph
Total Cost:

Costs
PHP 252.00
PHP 450.00
PHP 26.00
PHP 80.00
PHP 234.00
PHP 730.00
PHP 134.00
PHP 52.00
PHP 337.00
PHP 510.00
PHP 701.00
PHP 2,000.00
PHP 5,506.00

Table 3-1 shows the different components and total cost of the materials of design 1. The designers used a
battery (12 volts) was also used for the weight measurement that cost Php450.00, a Footwork Pressure
plate for generates a signal when it senses the movement of the Iron Ball that cost Php701.00. The
designers also used Wood box to place the circuit of the device and it cost Php26.00. The Buttons used for
turning on and off the device which cost Php80.00, The Drills used for digging the ground to reach the inner
part of the crust which cost Php234.00. The charger used to recharge the battery of the device which cost
Php730.00. An Iron Ball that cost Php337.00. A Multi-colored Light Bulb to indicate the intensity of the
Earthquake that cost Php510.00. Circuit was also used which cost Php252.00, the Digital Seismograph
was also used to detect the Earthquake which cost Php2,000.00, the speaker was used to create a sound
when there is an Earthquake and it cost Php134.00. And lastly the Wire that costs Php52.00 itself was also
used to connect the design 1 and the total price is Php5, 506.00.
Project Design
Figure 3.3(a) illustrates the design of Motion-Based Earthquake Alarm Device, Figure 3.3(b) illustrates the
Design 1 using Footwork Pressure Plate and Iron Ball together with its Charger and Figure 3.3(c)
illustrates the Buttons features of the device.
Iron Ball

Charger

Figure 3.3(a) Motion-Based Earthquake

Alarm Device Design 1

Footwork
Pressure
Plate

Figure 3.3(b) Footwork Pressure

Plate and Iron Ball together with its
Charger

The designers constructed a Design of Motion-Based Earthquake Alarm Device using a Footwork Pressure
Plate. Figure 3.3(a) show the component of the Device using Footwork Pressure Plate as the sensor and
the Iron Ball that have been used in the design 2 together with its charger as shown in Figure 3.3 (b).
Its features:
Figure 3.3(c) Motion-Based Earthquake
Alarm Device with its buttons features.

10

The

designers
constructed
also the features such
as Buttons of turn on and off and
Drill of the said
design. Figure 3.3(c) shows
locations of the buttons of

the
the device.
Design 2: Using Motion Sensor

Design 2 is using a motion sensor as the sensor to warn people. Figure 3-2 shows the structured of the
device using a motion sensor as a measuring of the intensity.
Sustainability
The sustainability of the motion sensor would depend on the movement of the iron ball used in the device.
The String should have a strong durability to hold the Iron Ball
Manufacturability
The manufacturability of Design 2 is advantageous for the designers as the motion sensor can be bought
within the country.
Economical
The designers took consideration of the cost of the materials to be used in Design 2. As stated in Table 3-3
below the list of costing that would be used in designing a device using a string. As stated below Pressure
Plate has the highest price but still economically friendly.
Table 3-2 Cost of Materials using Motion Sensor
Materials
Circuit
Battery (12 volts)
Wood Box
Buttons
Drills
Charger

Costs
PHP 250.00
PHP 800.00
PHP 31.00
PHP 90.00
PHP 800.00
PHP 500.00
11

Speaker

PHP 435.00

Wire
String
Multi-colored Light Bulb
Steel
Motion Sensor
Iron Ball
Total:

PHP 61.00
PHP 107.00
PHP 510.00
PHP 370.00
PHP 2,278.00
PHP 330.00
PHP 6,562.00

Table 3-3 shows the components and total cost of the materials of design 2. The difference between table
3-1 and table 3-2 is that for design 2, the designers would use a string attached to the iron ball and motion
sensor as sensor for this device instead of Footwork pressure plate. The cost of the string is Php107.00
and the Motion Sensor is Php2, 278.00.
Project Design
Figure 3.4(a) illustrates the design of Motion-Based Earthquake Alarm Device, Figure 3.4(b) illustrates the
Design 2 using Motion Sensor and Iron Ball together with its Charger and Figure 3.4((c) illustrates the
Motion-Based Earthquake Alarm Device with its buttons and drill.

Charger

Motion
Sensor
Figure 3.4(a) Motion-Based Earthquake
Alarm Device Design 2

Iron Ball

Figure 3.4(b) the Motion Sensor and

Iron Ball together with its Charger

The designers constructed a Design of Motion-Based Earthquake Alarm Device using a motion sensor.
Figure 3.4 (a) show the structure of the Device using motion sensor as the sensor while in Figure 3.4(b)
show the inside component of the Design 2.
Its features:

12

Figure 3.4(c) Motion-Based Earthquake

Alarm Device with its buttons and drill
The designers constructed also the buttons features of the device such as button turning on, and off and
Drill. Figure 3.4(c) show the locations of the buttons.
Design 3: Using Copper Plate
Copper Plate is a type of device that is sensitive when it comes to vibration. By using this device it can
measure the intensity with an attached improvised digital seismograph.
Sustainability
Copper plate is a sensitive component since it could detect vibration easily. The sustainability of the
component depends on the way its being used. As what is stated to an article of Embedded Computing
Design, the performance, accuracy, and reliability of the sensor depends on the vibration generated from a
display such as motion sensor. Thus, the reliability, performance, and the quality of user experience are
significantly affected by how the device addresses the vibration.
Manufacturability
The manufacturability of Design 3 is advantageous for the designers as the copper plate and copper wire
can be bought in any country.
Economical
The designers took consideration of the cost of the materials to be used in design 3. As stated in Table 3-5
below the list of costing that would be used in designing an Alarm Device using a copper plate. As stated
below, the steel which the price is a little bit higher, but still there is a lot company using steel because of
his economically price.
Table 3-3 Cost of Materials using Copper Plate

13

Materials
Copper wire
Circuit
Copper plate
Electric conductor
Buttons
Drills
Charger
Multi-colored Light
Bulb
Screw
Wood Box
Speaker
Wire
Total:

Costs
PHP 282.00
PHP 1,000.00
PHP 1,100.00
PHP 121.00
PHP 264.00
PHP 500.00
PHP 500.00
PHP 470.00
PHP 72.00
PHP 104.00
PHP 500.00
PHP 110.00
PHP 5,013.00

Table 3-5 shows the cost of each component for design 3. From the table, it could be seen that a copper
plate is used for measuring the intensity of the Earthquake.
Project Design
Figure 3.5(a) illustrates the design of Motion-Based Earthquake Alarm Device, Figure 3.5 (b) illustrates the
Design 3 using copper plate together with its Charger, and Figure 3.5(c) illustrates the Motion-Based
Earthquake Alarm Device with its buttons and drill.

Copper Plate

Charger
Figure 3.5(a) Motion-Based Earthquake
Alarm Device Design 3

Figure 3.5(b) Copper plate together

with its Charger

The designers constructed a Design of Motion-Based Earthquake Alarm Device using Copper Plate. Figure
3.5(a) show the structure of the device using Copper Wire to hold the copper plate in its place and its
Charger.

14

Its features:

Figure 3.5(c) Motion-Based

Earthquake Alarm Device with its
buttons and drill
The designers constructed also the buttons features of the device such as button turning on, and off and
Drill. Figure 3.5(c) show the locations of the buttons.

15

CHAPTER 2.

DESIGN TRADE-OFFS

Design Trade-offs
Starting up the design trade-offs, the designers consider the functionality that can satisfy the economical,
manufacturability, and sustainability.
Based on the constraints articulated previously, the various decision criteria were derived. Using the model
on trade-off strategies in engineering design presented by Otto and Antonson (1991), the importance of
each criterion (on a scale of 0 to 5, 5 with the highest importance was assigned and each design
technologys ability to satisfy the criterion (on a scale from -5 to 5, 5 with the highest ability to satisfy the
criterion) was likewise tabulated.
Below is the computation of ranking for ability to satisfy criterion of materials:

%difference=

(Higher ValueLower Value)

Higher Value

Equation 4.1

Subordinate Rank=Governing Rank( %Difference ) x 10 Equation 4.2

The governing rank was the subjective option of the designers where in the value for the criterions
importance and its ability to satisfy the criterion would be chosen by the designers. Unlike subordinate
ranking, governing rank does not require any calculating.
Three AutoCAD designs have been considered for the trade-offs to be used. The three schematic designs
have different capabilities of being the most acceptable and most efficient motion-based earthquake device
alarm. Design 1 used Footwork Pressure Plate, Design 2 used Motion Sensor and Design 3 used Copper
Plate. In order to find the best component, it was rated using the designers criterion. Each design has been
discussed previously.
After considering the design constraints, the designers came up with the initial rankings on the MotionBased Earthquake Alarm Device. Table 4-1 shows designers raw ranking based on economical,
sustainability and manufacturability.

16

Table 4-1 Designer Tabulation Form

Decision Criteria

Economic (Cost)

Manufacturability(Availability
)
Sustainability(Life Span)
Overall Rank

Able to satisfy the criterion

(On scale from -5 to 5)

Criterions
Importance
(On scale of 0 to 5)

Design 1
(Footwork
Pressure
Plate)

Design 2
(Motion
Sensor)

Design 3
(Copper Plate)

5
4

2
3

4
5

5
4

5
48

2
51

3
49

Reference: (Otto, 1991)

http://www.design.caltech.edu/Research/Publications/90e.pdf on March 11, 2013.

In determining the trade-offs for the designs, the designers assigned respective importance values for each
criterion shown in Table 4-1. The economic constraints or the cost of the device was given importance by
ranking it into the highest value, which were given a five since the device must be low-cost. The designers
had also taken into consideration the importance of functionality or the sensitivity of the device and it were
considered to be the second on the highest value such as four since the device used to detect the
earthquake in terms of motion. The sustainability or the life span of the materials used as the third on the
highest value such as three since the materials has its own capability to stay longer.
TRADE-OFF #1: Economical
Initial Cost Estimate for Design of Motion-Based Earthquake Alarm Device
Table 4-2 shows the over-all cost of the Design 1, 2 and 3. The ranking, stated in the tradeoff table would
be based on the formula that is computed. The total cost for each specific component to be used was
tabulated previously.
Table 4-2 Initial Cost of each component
Design Category
Design 1(Using Footwork Pressure Plate)
Design 2(Using Motion Sensor)
Design 3(Using Copper Plate)

Total
PHP5,506.00
PHP6,562.00
PHP5,013.00

Table 4-2 represents the price of the device in the industry and its quantities when manufactured. The
equations mentioned above were considered to calculate for the values of the ability to satisfy the criterion.

17

Computation for Trade-Offs #1:

To compute the value of the ability to satisfy the criterion the designers need to determine the value of the
subordinate rank. As for the Design 1 (Footwork Pressure Plate):
%difference=

( Footwork pressure plateCopper Plate )

( Footwork pressure plate)

To get the percent difference, subtract the value of the first design that consists of Footwork pressure
plate to the value of the third design that consists of Copper Plate and divide it into the value of
Footwork pressure plate.
55065013
%difference=
(5506 )
%difference=0.089
Subordinate Rank=Governing Rank( %di fference ) x 10
Subordinate Rank=5 ( 0.089 ) x 10
Subordinate Rank=3.95

Figure 4.1 Subordinate ranking of Footwork pressure plate in economic cost

Figure 4.1 represents the subordinate ranking of the device, Footwork pressure plate, to satisfy the criterion
from Table 4-1. The value calculated signifies the importance of a device in a design project. As the Figure
shows, Footwork pressure plate has the significance of -3.95 which means that it was one of the main
components of the device.

18

The value calculated from the subordinate rank would be tailing in the Table 4-1. To calculate the value of
the criterion of Design 2 (Using Motion Sensor), use equations 2.1 and 2.2:
%difference=

Motion Sensor Footwork pressure plate

( Motion Sensor )
%difference=

65625506
( 6562 )

%difference=0.16
Subordinate Rank=Governing Rank( %difference ) x 10
Subordinate Rank=5 ( 0.16 ) x 10
Subordinate Rank=3.4 3

Figure 4.2 Subordinate ranking of Motion Sensor in economic cost

Figure 4.2 represents the similarity to the Footwork pressure plate; Motion Sensor criterion was tailed under
Table 3-2. This shows that Motion Sensor has a higher criterion that it acquires during the calculations. This
was due to the affordability of the device in the market. Considering the value of the Figure 4-1, it shows
that in Figure 4-2, Copper Plate has a higher importance than Motion Sensor having a value of 3.4 for the
economic cost criterion.

19

TRADE-OFF #2: Manufacturability

Table 4-3 shows the estimated number of days in order to acquire the sensors used for the three designs.
The table is used as the basis of the ranking on Trade-offs in accordance with the computations.
Table 4-3 Availability of the Sensors
Design
Design 1
Design 2
Design 3

Sensors
Footwork Pressure Plate
Motion Sensor
Copper Plate

Days(s) to Acquire
7
1
5

As stated on the previous chapter, manufacturability was one of the most important design constraints
because some of the components may not be available within the country and thus needed to be bought
outside of the country. The estimated days to acquire the desired component are 1 day since the
component is available within the country.
Computation for Trade-Offs #2:
Footwork Pressure Plate has similarities to Copper Plate when it comes to the availability of the materials.
Though the Footwork Pressure Plate that needed in the device can also be found outside the country,
copper plate is indeed hard to find compared to Footwork Pressure Plate. Using the equations 4.1 and 4.2,
the value of manufacturability criterion can be calculated.
%difference=

( Footwork Pressure Plate AvailabilityMotion Sensor availability )

( Footwork Pressure Plate availability )

%difference=

( 71 )
(7)

%difference=0.86
Subordinate Rank=Governing Rank( %difference ) x 10
Subordinate Rank=3( 0.86 ) x 10
Subordinate Rank=5.6 5

20

Figure 4.3 Subordinate ranking of Footwork Pressure Plate in manufacturability

Figure 4.3 shows the computed value acquired for the manufacturability of the Footwork Pressure Plate
considering the time it takes to assemble the device. From the calculated value, -5.6 represent the ratio of
availability of the material to be used to complete the device.
Using the same equations, the value of the Copper Plate can be calculated as follows:
%difference=

( Copper Plate availabilityMotion Sensor availability )

( Copper Plate availability )
%difference=

( 51 )
(5 )

%difference=0.8
Subordinate Rank=Governing Rank( %difference ) x 10
Subordinate Rank=3( 0.8 ) x 10
Subordinate Rank=5

21

Figure 4.4 Subordinate ranking of Copper Plate in manufacturability

Using the same equation used to compute the value of manufacturability on Iron Ball, Figure 4-4 represents
the computed value for the String. Considering the value of 5, it represents the ratio of the availability of the
device in the market.
TRADE-OFF #3: Sustainability
Table 4-4 shows the life span or sustainability of each component depending on their quality. The designers
considered another method of computing the sustainability criterion. The criteria were ranked from 1 to 3
wherein 3 are the highest which means it was the best. 2 mean better and 1 means good. The ranking was
based upon the sustainability of the materials that is being used on the design device. The basis of these
criteria was taken based on the components accuracy, sensitivity, stability, time it would response, linearity
and their life span.
Table 4-4 Sustainability of components
Criteria
Accuracy
Sensitivity
Stability
Life Span
Fast Response Time
Linearity
Total

Design 1 (Footwork
Pressure Plate)
3
2
3
2
3
2
15

Design 2 (Motion
Sensor)
1
1
2
3
1
3
11

Design 3 (Copper
Plate)
2
3
1
1
2
1
10

The designers chose the Footwork Pressure Plate to obtain the highest rank due to its availability and
sustainability to be used in the device. To calculate the values of the ability to satisfy the sustainability
criterion, it was required to determine the value of the subordinate rank.

22

Computation for Trade-Offs #3:

By using the same equations from before equations 2.1 and 2.2, the designers were able to compute the
value needed for the said criterion.

%difference=

( Footwork Pressure PlateCopper Plate )

( Footwork Pressure Plate )
%difference=

( 1510 )
(15 )

%difference=0.33
Subordinate Rank=Governing Rank( %difference ) x 10
Subordinate Rank=4 ( 0.33 ) x 10
Subordinate Rank=0.70 0

Figure 4.5 Subordinate ranking of Footwork Pressure Plate based on sustainability

Figure 4.5 shows the acquired values for the subordinate rank for Footwork Pressure Plate depending on
the designers chosen device to work on the device. The calculated value of 0.70 represents the
sustainability of the device according to the designers.
The same equations would be used to compute the said criterion for Motion Sensor.

( Motion Sensor Copper Plate )

( Motion Sensor )
( 1110 )
%difference=
(11 )
%difference=0.33

%difference=

Subordinate Rank=Governing Rank( %difference ) x 10

23

Subordinate Rank=4 ( 0.26 ) x 10

Subordinate Rank=1.4 1

Figure 4.6 Subordinate ranking of Motion Sensor based on sustainability

The calculation in Figure 4.6 shows that the Motion Sensor design takes advantage in terms of its
sustainability. It has the quality that was needed for the device to be completed among other designs
presents. The calculated value of 1.4 shows the sustainability of the Motion Sensor according to the
desired of the designer.
Summary of Trade-Offs:
Based on the constraints articulated previously, the various decision criteria were derived. Using the model
on trade-off strategies in engineering design presented by Otto and Antonson (1991), the importance of
each criterion (on a scale of 0 to 5, 5 with the highest importance was assigned and each design
technologys ability to satisfy the criterion (on a scale from -5 to 5, 5 with the highest ability to satisfy the
criterion) was likewise tabulated. Table 5-5 shows the tabulation of the criterion for the design project.
Table 4-5 Tabulation of Trade-offs
Decision Criteria

Economic (Cost)
Manufacturability(Availability
)
Sustainability (Life Span)
Overall Rank

Criterions Importance
(On scale of 0 to 5)

5
3
4

Able to satisfy the criterion

(On scale from -5 to 5)
Design 1
Design 2
Design 3
(Footwork
(Motion Sensor)
(Copper Plate)
Pressure Plate)
2
4
5
3
5
4
5
39

4
51

3
49

24

The designers ranking section depends on the importance of the constraints. The economic criterion was
set to five (5) because the client wants it to be affordable. The sustainability was ranked as the second
highest with the rank of four (4) because the client wants it to have a long life at the same time, the
functionality of the sensors used is accurate, last was the manufacturability criterion which rank as three ( 3)
because the designers wanted all the components to be available in the country and it also considers the
time to process the device.
The Table 4-5 shows the values taken from the computation that the designers came up with in order to find
the satisfying value for the trade-offs of each component. The one with the highest value would be chosen
for the design. As seen in the Table 4-5, Design 2 using Motion Sensor has the highest overall value among
the other two components based on the computations considering the cost, availability and its sustainability
that was suited for the design.
The designers based the cost of each component depending on the prices of the sensors in the market.
The Design 3 (Copper Plate) obtained the highest value since it has the lowest price among others; it was
then followed by Design 1 (Footwork Pressure Plate) and Design 2 (Motion Sensor). As for the
sustainability of each sensor, Design 1 (Footwork Pressure Plate) obtained the highest value due to its
sustainability while the rest of the sensor does not, however, even though Design 1 has the highest value of
sustainability the designer still choose Design 2 due to other reasons such as availability. The designers
also need to consider the time and availability of each sensor and based on the manufacturability criterion,
Design 2 using Motion Sensor has obtained the highest value since the device was available within the
country. And since Motion Sensor has second to the lowest value when it comes to cost, the designers
preferred to use it due to how it fitted for the design.
Influence of Design Trade Offs in the Final Design
The constraints, trade-offs and standards contributed in the production of this design. In accordance with
the multiple constraints that the designers stated, choosing the right component depends on the
affordability of the materials; the numbers of years that the component may be used without being
replaced; and the availability of the materials in order for the production of the design to meet the deadline.
These constraints became the criteria for the tradeoff table where the comparisons for each sensor to be
used were expressed.
The standards stated in the chapter 2 have been considered when measurement for each specific
component and process were taken. The standards stated previously become one of the contributing
factors towards the success of the design.
Design Criterion 1: Economic (Cost)
The costs of each component have been taken into consideration in the development of the design. The
designers anticipated the over-all cost based on the price of each component. The tradeoffs of the sensors
were conducted through calculations to determine the right component to be used. As calculated from the
previous chapter, Table 4-1 shows that Copper Plate has the highest scale due to its low cost, however,
even though the Copper Plate has the lowest cost, Motion Sensor was still chosen for the completion of the
device since its available in the country.

25

Design Criterion 2: Manufacturability (Availability of Materials)

The availability of the material has been taken into consideration for the success of the design therefore the
chosen component must be available to meet the deadline of the production. Table 4-3 shows the different
availability of each component used for trade-offs. The use of Motion Sensor has the highest scale due to
its availability within the country.
As calculated in the previous chapter, the Motion Sensor is more advisable to use compared to Copper
Plate and Footwork Pressure Plate. The designers have chosen Motion Sensor knowing that the cost is
affordable, sustainable for the design project and since the device was available in the country. The
standards have been the basis that needs to be considered upon the use of each specific component and
process taken by the designers.
Design Criterion 3: Sustainability (Life Span)
The life span of the component was also taken into consideration to make the device last a long time. Table
4-4 shows the life span of each component. The component with the highest value was Design 3 which
consists of Copper Plate and this was due to the fact that Copper Plate was more expensive and therefore
has the quality to last longer than the rest. However, the chosen component to complete the device was
Design 2 which consists of Motion Sensor because of how affordable it was compared to Copper Plate and
due to its availability in the market. Also Design 2(Motion Sensor) was ranked second for lasting longer
unlike Footwork Pressure Plate.

26

CHAPTER 3.

FINAL DESIGN

Final Design
Figure 5.1 shows the final design of the Motion-Based Earthquake Alarm Device. The designers chose the
Motion Sensor for the detecting the intensity. The selection was made based on the different constraints
discussed in the chapter 4. The Motion Sensor is the most affordable device and is available in the country
among the 3 designs. Connecting Motion Sensor to the Motion-Based Earthquake Alarm Device is easier
by detecting the intensity of the earthquake through the Iron Ball as it was moving above the sensor. The
Motion Sensor sends the data to the circuit then it interprets the data. After that, the interpreted data send
to the multi-colored light bulb. The multi-colored light bulb will produce the color corresponds to the
interpreted data.

Figure 5.1 Final Design

The designers design an alarm device for making not only Filipinos but all over the world to be ready and
aware if there is an Earthquake occurring. In making this design, the designers are based on the standards
of ISO or International Standard Organization to have a basis if the design would be made into a reality.

27

As a additional information for this device, the designers design an alarm device for earthquake warning
having different colors for every intensities. For intensity 1-3, the multi-colored light bulb produces yellow
color while in intensity 4, it produces green. In intensity 5, it produces blue while in intensity 6, color purple.
For intensity 7, it produces orange, and in intensity 8, it produces red. For intensity 9-above, it produces
color white.
The designers also took consideration of the economic (cost), manufacturability (availability) and
sustainability (life span) of each devices. The device chosen of the designers are affordable and can be
bought within the country.
Conclusion
The designers concluded that based on the tradeoffs result made, the objective was met. The designers
were able to complete the design considering engineering standards, multiple constraints and tradeoffs.
To iterate, the designers had taken consideration of the computation and decision made in trade-offs in
order to come up with a good design. Among the multiple constraints that was used for the completion of
the design were economics, manufacturability and sustainability. In the final design, considering the
availability and sustainability of the material, the designers used Motion Sensor for detecting the intensity of
the Earthquake through the movement of the Iron Ball above of the sensor. Another benefit of the material
used was that, Motion Sensor was second place among the three designs when it comes to cost.

28

REFERENCES

http://www.mar-systems.co.uk/pressure-plates/footwork-pro
http://www.iso.org/iso/iso_catalogue/catalogue_ics/catalogue_ics_browse.htm?
ICS1=17&ICS2=140&ICS3=20
http://www.ready.gov/earthquakes
http://www.vtaide.com/png/George/earthquake.htm
http://engineering.missouri.edu/mae/files/realistic_constraints.pdf
http://faculty.cua.edu/kellyw/teachstandard/Standards%20and%20Design
%20Constraints-slides.pdf
http://www.geo.mtu.edu/UPSeis/intensity.html
http://www.berkeley.edu/news/extras/earthquake/experts.html

29

APPENDICES

Appendix A
Footwork Pressure Plate

30

Appendix A
Footwork Pressure Plate
Footwork Pressure Plate

Footwork Pressure Plate used accurately records and displays barefoot plantar pressure data for clinical
examination. It can record a multitude of samples displaying the results as an 'average', greatly improving
accuracy and interpretation.
Footwork Pressure Plate supports diagnosis and mode of treatment. It simplifies the understanding of foot
loading, timing and symmetry instantly. It's uniquely intuitive to use with fast data processing and excellent
graphics.It's inexpensive, robust and simple to use and all backed up by excellent customer service.

31

Appendix B
Motion Sensor

32

Appendix B
Motion Sensor
Motion Sensor

A motion detector is a device that detects moving objects, particularly people. A motion detector is often
integrated as a component of a system that automatically performs a task or alerts a user of motion in an
area. Motion detectors form a vital component of security, automated lighting control, home control, energy
efficiency, and other useful systems.
An electronic motion detector contains an optical, microwave, or acoustic sensor, and in many cases a
transmitter for illumination. However, a passive sensor only senses a signal emitted by the moving object
itself. Changes in the optical, microwave, or acoustic field in the device's proximity are interpreted by the
electronics based on one of the technologies listed below. Most inexpensive motion detectors can detect up
to distances of at least 15 feet (5 meters). Specialized systems are more expensive but have much longer
ranges. Topographic motion detection systems can cover much larger areas because the radio waves are
at frequencies which penetrate most walls and obstructions, and are detected in multiple locations, not just
at the location of the transmitter.

33

Appendix C
Copper Plate

34

Appendix C
Copper Plate
Copper Plate

Copper plate, or English round hand, is a style of calligraphic writing, using a sharp pointed nib instead of
the flat nib used in most calligraphic writing. Its name comes from the fact that the copybooks from which
students learned it were printed from etched copper plates.[1] Copperplate script was prevalent in the 19th
century, but was used as early as the 16th century in Europe. As a result, the term "copperplate" is mostly
used to refer to any old-fashioned, tidy handwriting.
This style of calligraphy is different from that produced by angled nibs in that the thickness of the stroke is
determined by the pressure applied when writing, instead of nib angle in relation to the writing surface. All
copperplate forms (minuscule, majuscules, numbers, and punctuation) are written at a letter slant of 55
degrees from the horizontal.

35