Before continuing with the practical tasks, I sketched out a plan of the materials I will need and the procedures I will take. Here is my sketch:
MATERIALS
Popsicle sticks x 12
Wire nodes x 12
PROCEDURES
Step 1: I will begin with the fundamental building. Prior to all, I need to drill my sticks, with three drill holes on each stick. This skill has already been practiced on our previous project, so it won’t be laborious. Some reminders for this step in the process is to ensure I gained enough materials, and that all sticks have a consistent dimension (so it’ll be balanced). I will be putting together the popsicle sticks by using a wire node: On each side, I will be using three sets of crosses, meaning 6 on a side, and 12 in total. For the wires, I will be using 14 of them, seven on both sides.
Step 2: This step requires me to use a new material, the long sticks. I will cut them shorter for better balance and strength on my lift. The length of the stick should be constant on all sides, most preferably to be stuck at the same parts of the popsicle sticks (depends on drilling.)
Step 3: The practical part of making this project is to put it all together, this step mainly focuses on sticking everything together onto a piece of board. The essential part is the syringe, and how it can affect the lift (shown in model below):
I will be using two syringes, one that is larger in size, and another that is relatively smaller. The reason why I will be using two syringes of different sizes is because it will create a larger output force with an imbalance of area. For instance, another example in real life is the balloon and nail(s) experiment. A balloon will be easily popped with one nail underneath, due to its concentration of area. However, with multiple nails, the pressure is spread across the area of the balloon, which creates less force. Thus, the different sizes of the syringes would be crucial to determine how force would change when testing out the device.
As you can see, I have labelled a brief model of the Pascal’s law. At one end, the force is applied from a relatively large area. Because water (liquid) isn’t compressible, the pressure stays constant throughout. However, because the other end has a smaller area, the output would be different. Calculations based on the formula: P = F/A.
Anyhow, I will be connecting the two syringes with a thin tube that can convey the liquid. For the smaller syringe, the end of the plunger should be attached to the lift to fix them. When using the device, the operator should push in on the larger syringe.
Potential Timeline I will follow (on hand tasks):
Day 1 (2.17) : Finish planning, start drilling
Day 2 (2.21): Finish drilling, finish connecting all the popsicle sticks together
Day 3 (2.23): Add in the longer sticks, complete step 3 of procedure, possible add syringes
Day 4 (2.27): If haven’t completed on previous day, add syringes.
Day 5 (3.1): Finalizing, project due date.
Success Criteria:
- Create a device that serves the function of lifting objects by using the knowledge of area and force – the device should hold objects such as a filled cup, scissors, a pen container, and other objects of similar weights.
- follow the timeline to ensure that my final project is finished by the deadline
- The device should show some sort of energy transfer – hydraulic to mechanical
*Hydraulic: a type of energy that takes advantage of the movement of water
*Mechanical: energy of either an object in motion or the energy that is stored in objects by their position.