Vacuum Redesign
Context:
One of my courses at UCSB was WRIT 2E: Writing for Engineers. In it, I was to work in a group of 4 to redesign a product of our choosing. We chose to redesign a Bissell 3-in-1 Lightweight Stick Vacuum.
Learning about the product and its history:
We researched what the product was, what company made it, and how the product has evolved over time since its invention.
Product testing and FMEA matrix:
We thought of some tests to run on the vacuum to determine its effectiveness and what could be improved. We ran the tests and surveyed some users on their experiences using the vacuum. Simultaneously we developed a FMEA matrix for the vacuum.
Disassembly:
Out of curiosity, I disassembled and reassembled the vacuum to see how it was put together. Below are just a few photos I took:
Redesign:
We redesigned the vacuum to improve upon problems found in our tests, surveying, and FMEA matrix.
Link to Final Power Point Presentation Slides:
Some Drawings and Figures I created or helped to create:
Lessons Learned:
-
How to search for patents
-
How vacuums were invented and how they evolved
-
How to make an FMEA matrix
-
How to plan and run tests on a product to learn about its performance
-
How to formulate unbiased survey questions
-
Working in a team of 4 online over Zoom during the COVID-19 quarantine, I learned that if we wanted work done, I would have to take charge and organize meeting times outside of class and designate tasks for people to get done each week or we would all slack off and procrastinate the work that needed to be done.