Introduction:
The goal of this project was to design a custom helmet for Formula One racing with the knowledge that we learned from the Fusion 360 design tutorials. We spent the first half of the project designing a practice helmet where we learned how to use the Fusion 360 software and what components to consider in a helmet.
After becoming experienced enough in Fusion 360, we set out on our own venture and created a custom helmet. Because our group is really into music, we decided to add multiple speaker modifications to the helmet.
We finished the project with a helmet that didn't only pass the requirements for formula racing; it also had a touch of our style. We had four different modifications for the helmet along with decal that matched our brand: allegro. 3D modeling is extremely important, especially for our capstone projects. This design task allowed us to learn the basics of 3D design, test our creativity, and build our brand.
The research report, design explanation, paper sketches, and 3d models are all in the document below:
After becoming experienced enough in Fusion 360, we set out on our own venture and created a custom helmet. Because our group is really into music, we decided to add multiple speaker modifications to the helmet.
We finished the project with a helmet that didn't only pass the requirements for formula racing; it also had a touch of our style. We had four different modifications for the helmet along with decal that matched our brand: allegro. 3D modeling is extremely important, especially for our capstone projects. This design task allowed us to learn the basics of 3D design, test our creativity, and build our brand.
The research report, design explanation, paper sketches, and 3d models are all in the document below:
Content:
Listed below are the key concepts from the STEM website and how they directly apply to our project.
Acceleration - a change in speed over a period of time; the higher the acceleration, the faster the change in speed. Acceleration is an important variable to consider when designing any kind of helmet. We have to consider our helmet at various accelerations before finishing it. Also, we noted the acceleration of our custom helmet if it was theoretically dropped onto an anvil. The acceleration due to gravity is a constant 9.8 m/s^2.
Coefficient of Friction - the measurement of the level of friction embodied in a particular material. This coefficient is also an important factor to consider when designing a helmet. Specifically, Formula One helmets have to be responsive to real-world friction in order for them to be safe for people to wear.
Crumple Zones - areas of an object designed to deform and crumple in an impact or absorb the energy of a collision. Its purpose is similar to an airbag. We had to consider what parts of the helmet would be crumple zones (the front shell) when designing the helmet.
Drag - air or fluid resistance. Friction can easily affect or determine drag. We have to be cautious of a helmet's drag when designing it and how that can overall affect the drag of the person wearing it.
Inertia - the resistance of a physical object to change in its velocity. Helmets are designed to stop that constant flow of inertia, so a designer must understand the concept of it in order to restrict it.
G Force - a force acting on a body as a result of acceleration or gravity. This G Force relationship is directly referenced when considering the relationship between the helmet and the head of the person wearing it. The pressure that the helmet puts on the head due to its G Force has to be small enough for the user to be comfortable wearing the helmet.
Friction - a force that resists motion when two objects or surfaces come in contact. Just like the coefficient, friction measurements are made by helmet designers to ensure the most safe product possible within the limitations of the designer.
Force - influences that cause a change of movement, direction, or shape. For example, how much force does a crash exert on a motorcycle driver's head? Now, how much force would that same crash exert on the motorcycle driver's head if he were wearing a helmet? When force is considered, stronger and safer helmets are created.
Kinetic Friction (or dynamic friction) - occurs when two objects are moving relative to each other and rub together. The purpose of a helmet is to respond well to contact; kinetic friction is considered when choosing the material, weight, and more qualities of the helmet.
Definitions were rooted here.
Acceleration - a change in speed over a period of time; the higher the acceleration, the faster the change in speed. Acceleration is an important variable to consider when designing any kind of helmet. We have to consider our helmet at various accelerations before finishing it. Also, we noted the acceleration of our custom helmet if it was theoretically dropped onto an anvil. The acceleration due to gravity is a constant 9.8 m/s^2.
Coefficient of Friction - the measurement of the level of friction embodied in a particular material. This coefficient is also an important factor to consider when designing a helmet. Specifically, Formula One helmets have to be responsive to real-world friction in order for them to be safe for people to wear.
Crumple Zones - areas of an object designed to deform and crumple in an impact or absorb the energy of a collision. Its purpose is similar to an airbag. We had to consider what parts of the helmet would be crumple zones (the front shell) when designing the helmet.
Drag - air or fluid resistance. Friction can easily affect or determine drag. We have to be cautious of a helmet's drag when designing it and how that can overall affect the drag of the person wearing it.
Inertia - the resistance of a physical object to change in its velocity. Helmets are designed to stop that constant flow of inertia, so a designer must understand the concept of it in order to restrict it.
G Force - a force acting on a body as a result of acceleration or gravity. This G Force relationship is directly referenced when considering the relationship between the helmet and the head of the person wearing it. The pressure that the helmet puts on the head due to its G Force has to be small enough for the user to be comfortable wearing the helmet.
Friction - a force that resists motion when two objects or surfaces come in contact. Just like the coefficient, friction measurements are made by helmet designers to ensure the most safe product possible within the limitations of the designer.
Force - influences that cause a change of movement, direction, or shape. For example, how much force does a crash exert on a motorcycle driver's head? Now, how much force would that same crash exert on the motorcycle driver's head if he were wearing a helmet? When force is considered, stronger and safer helmets are created.
Kinetic Friction (or dynamic friction) - occurs when two objects are moving relative to each other and rub together. The purpose of a helmet is to respond well to contact; kinetic friction is considered when choosing the material, weight, and more qualities of the helmet.
Definitions were rooted here.
Reflection:
Honestly, this was one of the most unorganized projects I have ever done in the STEM program. However, this perfectly covers the goal of this year; we have to figure things out ourselves. The pit of this project was the first two weeks because our whole team was confused with the assignment and we weren't completing tutorials at the rate of our schedule. During the last week of the assignment, we finally understood what we needed to do and delegated tasks with our team to get the project finished. Because of this, we were able to go above and beyond with the display of our helmet and finish our report on time. This was the peak.
One thing that I did very well in this project was face the problems I was dealing with and find a way to solve it. An example of this was the tutorials; we were watching Fusion 360 tutorials made for an older version and my group and I began to notice discrepancies in the program. Instead of loathing in self-pity, I did all I could do with the tutorials and ended with a decent 3D model helmet. Because I struggled through it, I was able to help my group create their helmets. I was also very creative during this project. I was surprised with how many ideas I was able to come up with; the allegro decal and the 180 degree speaker strip are the best examples. My persistence and creativity shined during this project.
However, I still could improve on a few things. For one, I wasn't very empathetic with my group. We were very behind and that made me angry at members of my group for not contributing. I need to be more understanding of them and even if I'm mad, I need to control that anger and communicate it in a productive way so I can solve the problem. Also, I wasn't very organized during this project. I could've created a schedule that spread the tutorials throughout the days that I had. If I did that, I would've been more productive and aware. I will work on my empathy and organization for the next project.
One thing that I did very well in this project was face the problems I was dealing with and find a way to solve it. An example of this was the tutorials; we were watching Fusion 360 tutorials made for an older version and my group and I began to notice discrepancies in the program. Instead of loathing in self-pity, I did all I could do with the tutorials and ended with a decent 3D model helmet. Because I struggled through it, I was able to help my group create their helmets. I was also very creative during this project. I was surprised with how many ideas I was able to come up with; the allegro decal and the 180 degree speaker strip are the best examples. My persistence and creativity shined during this project.
However, I still could improve on a few things. For one, I wasn't very empathetic with my group. We were very behind and that made me angry at members of my group for not contributing. I need to be more understanding of them and even if I'm mad, I need to control that anger and communicate it in a productive way so I can solve the problem. Also, I wasn't very organized during this project. I could've created a schedule that spread the tutorials throughout the days that I had. If I did that, I would've been more productive and aware. I will work on my empathy and organization for the next project.