This week we aimed to reach our MVP requirements. With this, we were able to get the speaker and amplifier components working together. The robot chassis was built, and the imaging model was able to detect different fires that we set up well. The most significant risk that could jeopardize the success is the what if case on not being able to extinguish a fire. More specifically, even with the speaker built, it was not able to extinguish the fire. However, we are currently still working towards the idea that using a collimator will be able to put it out. On the other hand, increasing the power would also be able to be tested.
There are changes to the existing design of the system that could or may not remain the same. That would be the existing RC filter that was initially implemented. We thought that this would help with getting rid of any noise and distortion, however, with testing this week, the amplifier itself was able to fine tune the signal so there was no need for the filter. Although, if needed in the future, it is still in consideration. Cost-wise, this doesn’t change in particular as all parts were able to be found in TechSpark and such.
Part A:
This product will meet the consideration of global factors as fires exist globally. No matter the country or continent, fires, especially at home and not wild, are found commonly. This product will be able to help individuals who live in an home environment extinguish fires with ease. Furthermore, it helps for those of all ages. Whether old or young, in different stages of life, tech or not technologically savvy, this device is easy to use and requires little to none involvement on the user’s end. Governments and international organizations all emphasize the importance of fire safety regulations, which is why this further fits with in consideration of global factors.
Part B:
This product does not apply with consideration of cultural factors. It does not apply as it has no part in beliefs, values, traditions, language, etc. Since it is a technical product for a technical use, it does not take part in any cultural factors. The purpose is for safety which is designed for a universal functionality which is why it considers global factors. It relies on scientific principles of fire extinguishing which makes it universal and independent of cultural factors.
Part C:
This product applies with consideration of environmental factors as one of the main reasons as to why we are using acoustic waves, is to eliminate harmful environmental consequences that traditional extinguishing methods dispose of. For example, the powder extinguishing method continues many different types of chemicals that have proven to be harmful to bodies of water, the ecosystem that takes part in the cycle of water, and the soil and ground around as well. It is hard to throw out the extinguisher as it is then considered hazardous waste, and furthermore, it would then have to be rebought to fight more fires. Our product is reusable and does not contain any harmful chemicals and does not damage any parts of the environment that it is used in.
Part A was written by Cole MacSwain. Part B was written by Kushaan Misra. Part C was written by Stephanie Mao.