Mechanical Engineering Project: Mouse Trap Powered Vehicle Design

This project outlines a design proposal for a mouse trap powered collision avoidance vehicle. It begins with an introduction highlighting the importance of safety and efficiency, then proposes four conceptual designs differing in wheel powering and braking systems. The selection process emphasizes safety, material, redundancy, ergonomics, size, weight, and performance. The chosen design is then discussed in terms of manufacturing techniques, focusing on environmentally friendly materials and a simple construction approach. The project concludes by emphasizing the design's focus on safety and material economy, and the potential for further development and model creation. The assignment provides a detailed analysis of the design considerations and the selection process, along with the manufacturing aspects.

PROPOSAL ON DESIGN ON THE MOUSETRAP POWERED COLLISION AVOIDANCE
VEHICLE SYSTEM
INTRODUCTION
Many a driver have been critical of the current accident avoidance vehicle system. However,
continuous researching by engineers have uncovered critical issues that are worth addressing.
The solution to be adopted must at least meet all the expectations in the field. Top in the list, is
the aspect of safety and efficiency. Safety guarantees confidence in the use of the system and
ensures driver is in full control of the system. Now, the proposal presents a number of simple
solution to the said problem from which models can be built and tested to confirm their usability
and effectiveness. Certainly, the derived solution will greatly contribute to the development of
redundant system. However, in this case, all electronics components are deliberately eliminated
so that the focus is on the mousetrap mechanism.
PROPOSED CONCPETS
Product Definition and Feasibility of Initial Concepts
Selection of the mousetrap concept is a simple yet fundamental process by considering various
operational and design parameters such as materials, size, versatility and redundancy. Therefore,
four conceptual ideas are presented. In the first idea, the mousetrap is to be configured such that
powering is on both wheels but with no brakes; in the second case, there is a segmental
configuration of the mousetrap so that in each wheel powering is done differently from the other
wheels and brakes are integrated. In the third case, mousetrap powering is done to the wheels
both front and back wheels but no brakes are there. Lastly, in the fourth idea, the mousetrap
powering is done in all wheels with brakes in both wheel, that is, front and back wheels.
PRODUCT DESIGN SELECTION
The selection criteria is used where evaluation is performed to choose the best solution given the
product requirements and functionalities. In a nutshell, the criteria are based on the following:
safety, material, redundancy, ergonomics, size and weight, Performance (speed, traverse
deviation & braking capacity),
Therefore, after a thorough evaluation process, the selected idea for further consideration is
number 4 on the attached hand-drawn concepts.

MANUFACTURING TECHNIQUES
The product manufacturing techniques depend on the materials to be used and the expected
performance level of the device. Being that the product eliminates the electronic portions,
expectedly, therefore, the configuration of the device will follow a simple approach. Notably, the
materials to be used will have to be environmentally friendly so that waste management system
can be integrated in the entire supply chain management of the product.
CONCLUSION
The conceptual design proposed above stems from the very design considerations. The aspect of
safety and material economy were the main points of consideration. Certainly, therefore, the
selected design concept will further be developed and a working model established.