User:MikeBertrand6/ENES-100/Project 0/Design

Requirements for each element or component derived from system level goals and requirements
There needs to be a sphere shape in the center in order to attach fins to. The fins also need to flap like the original fin ray.

The initial design
The initial design is a 5 inch styrofoam ball with 11 inch paper fins glued to it. The fins have oval shapes glued at the ends. Lastly, there is string coming from the center of the oval and up to the base of the ball. From there, the string goes through the hook and down.

Experiment prototypes and tests need for design
Once the first prototype is constructed, the initial testing is on the string. From my design, pulling the string down from the hook should cause the fins to come towards the center of the ball, and releasing the string should allow the fins to spread out again.

Operations
The initial fin ray is just to serve as a model for the real thing. Once the model is built I can figure out where to go from there.

Maintainability, reliability, and safety
The maintainability and safety of this fin ray are fairly simple. It isn't dangerous, so safety is not an issue, and the maintainability will be nonexistent. The prototype is going to be made out of cheap, durable household items. So nothing will be easily damaged. Reliability, however, may be less than par. Since this is only built from paper, styrofoam, and string, the capabilities of this fin ray will be no where near those of an actual fin ray.

Robustness, evolution, product improvement and retirement
After the initial testing, I will be able to observe the issues with the prototype and make tweaks to make things better, such as the fluid flapping motion.