TARGETS AND METRICS
When undergoing the
design process, there are targets and metrics that need to be established for
the accomplishment of the specified functions.
These metrics are distinguished by three categories: performance,
subjective and objective. Performance metrics are directly quantifiable and
reproducible such as physical measurements like length. Objective measurements
are similar to performance but have some level of instrumentation and
validation while subjective measurements use user preferences in order to
indicate performance.
The metrics initially focus on the specific
function of the project being designed.
The budget and time are a part of the metrics as well. The target is a
qualitative measure that the design metric would be based upon. The metric
allows the engineers to support the specific functions. The critical targets
and metrics directly relate the most important functions from customer needs.
The non-critical targets and metrics would be based on measurements that would
be needed for the parade float.
Synthesis
To determine the
specific targets and metrics, a span of research was conducted to figure out
the most restrictive requirements of Tallahassee parade routes, types of
trailers and types of trailer hitches. The measurements given in the table
could be considered the minimum requirements that the parade float is needed to
be able to withstand. Within the movement function, the kinetic structures will
be initiated by human force. This was decided so that when undergoing the
concept generation process the team is not limited by identifying how the
sculptures placed on the parade float would work or how they will be powered. When the sculptures are powered, a human will
be needed to start and stop the power. Regarding the support function, the
usual length of Tallahassee based parades is at least three hours to display
the float but travel time to the specific parade and set up time must also be
taken into account. From this information gathered in research, the parade
float will need to be able to operate in outside weather conditions for at
least four hours. The average weather in Tallahassee in October is 83 degrees.
The factor of safety will need to be calculated. This needs to be done because
the homecoming parades that take place in Tallahassee tend to run into the
middle of the day which is typically when the weather fluctuates the most.
For our critical
targets, we combined user preferences and parade float rules and regulations in
order to indicate performance conditions. The most critical targets are weight
distribution, turning, branding, and size. These were all established based on
their frequency in the cross-reference table used in the functional
decomposition and sponsor meetings. Weight distribution is critical due to the number
of components that will be used to help represent the College of Engineering.
The weight needs to be placed with 60% of it on the front and 40% on the back
of the trailer axles. This would allow
for the parade float to maintain stability and resist failure. Turning was deemed critical as well to reach
the desired turning radius which was found from the parade routes. Branding is
important for this project because the objective is to accurately represent
Florida A&M University (FAMU) and Florida State University (FSU) as well as
the engineering disciplines at the FAMU-FSU College of Engineering. To combat that and make sure the culture of
FAMU was displayed well and the other disciplines offered at the College of
Engineering, a survey was created to ask which would aid in the design on the
parade float. Lastly, size was
significant because it needs to be reusable. It should be able to be utilized
in multiple parades.
To verify our targets
have been met, different tests and measurements will be taken. For size
specifications, the target will be verified using a measuring tape. Because the
target weight is large, individual parts of the float will be weighed prior to
construction, then combined. Velocity will be measured and controlled depending
on the power source to the float itself, most commonly of which is equipped
with a speedometer of some kind. Protecting and sustaining the final design
through sunny weather conditions can be tested and prototyped by sampling the
specific materials used in the elements. Many guidelines such as turning radius
will be specified in the base trailer that is chosen. The weight distribution
on the trailer is another target that can be validated with the use of
prototyping; using weights that are scaled down from the actual weight of
combined elements and testing the ability to turn and stay stable during
movement.
Target Catalog
|
Need |
Target |
Metric |
|
Size |
Max length |
10-20 ft |
|
Max width |
8-10 ft |
|
|
Max height |
<12 ft |
|
|
Weight |
<26000 lbs |
|
|
Movement |
Maintain velocity |
5 mph |
|
Minimum turn radius |
≤110° |
|
|
Kinetic elements
can be initiated by human force |
Yes/No |
|
|
Support |
Percent of weight
supported by front of trailer |
60% |
|
Percent of weight
supported by front of trailer |
40% |
|
|
Number of
passengers |
4 |
|
|
Hours of operation |
≥4 |
|
|
Elements are secure
when traveling |
Yes/No |
|
|
Visual Elements |
Number of college
logos |
1 |
|
Number of
engineering disciplines represented |
8 |
|
|
Number of college
statistics are displayed |
3 |
|
|
Number of kinetic
structures on float |
≥1 |
|
|
Visual elements can
be removed and replaced |
Yes/No |
|
|
Protection |
Min operating
ambient temperature |
92°F |
|
Hours exposed to
direct sunlight without harm |
~4 |