39-245
Carnegie Mellon University
Spring 2000
Matthew McGuire
Description:
In this exercise we were asked to
design a soda can holder out of cardboard without using any tape, adhesives, or
fasteners. Secondary requirements such as light weight and a minimal use
of cardboard were also given to supplement the initial design constraints.
Finally, the container also had to stand up to the physical tests of being
loaded as well as surviving being swung both forwards and sideways. Above is a
picture of the design which I submitted.
What I Learned:
I thought this particular exercise was an interesting one. It dealt with the packaging of a rather simple object, yet the actual task was slightly more complex than it seemed. It was a little tough to balance such considerations of material use and effectively securing the can. This two issues seemed to oppose each other in their natures, thus a compromise had to be made to choose a mid point which combined the best of both traits. I also realized how much harder it becomes to have a functional object made of a material without the used of fasteners. Geometry played a large part in the design with such features as slots and bends becoming crucial to the designs integrity.