This week, I focused primarily on researching the feasibility and technical requirements of the individual components needed for our product. I spent time analyzing the torque requirements for the motor to ensure it will be capable of handling the expected load, including estimating forces and mechanical constraints involved in the system. In addition, I worked on calculating the battery capacity we will need by considering the power consumption of the motor and other electronic components, as well as estimating the desired operating time to ensure the system can function reliably without frequent recharging. I also researched the umbrella-related mechanical components, including possible mounting mechanisms, structural support, and how the opening and closing mechanism could be integrated with our motorized system.
Alongside this research, I continued coordinating with my team to share findings and help refine our design decisions. This research was important in helping us better understand the technical feasibility of our design and in identifying appropriate components that meet our performance requirements. While much of this week was focused on research rather than physical implementation, it was necessary to ensure that our design choices are realistic and achievable within the project timeline. Moving forward, I plan to use this research to help finalize component selection, begin sourcing parts, and support the transition from conceptual design to prototyping.