[ a s s i g n m e n t 1 ]

design and model a solution to a problem from thinkcycle.

[ p r o b l e m : ]

SWING FOR TRANSPORT OF MATERIALS
As a project for the students of a village, our group is experimenting with a simple swing for transport of materials (say stones, sand-bags,etc.). A tripod of appropriate height is erected and a coir swing with a basket at the bottom is attached. One person loads the materials and swings the basket, which is caught by the other man at the other end and the basket is emptied and sent back to the first man. Thus the material transfer is completed and continues.. We would like to add an automatic mechanical locking system at either end to stop the basket till filling / emptying.. The village group is enthusiastic about this crude idea and set up. This devise helps the villagers in their day to day work..reducing physical strain. Can any one help ?

http://www.thinkcycle.org/tc-notes/show-note?tc_note_id=34651

[ s o l u t i o n : ]

My initial reaction to the problem would be to use some kind of a rope or other tethering device to tie the bucket either to the person emptying or loading it or to tie it to the ground. However, tying it to the person working with it might make it more difficult for them to load or unload the bucket (it would be moving around as they moved. Additionally, it seems like the bucket would be more easily handeled if the downward force on it was removed, creating slack in the rope. So, I've created a solution which involves essentially creating a portable platform for the bucket.

The structure involves 3 sticks or poles (found or manufactured) inserted into a holder (modelled at right) to create a tripod structure which would hold the weight of the bucket. I see the holder as being made of rubber or a similiar material so it would be rigid but also somewhat flexible. The 3 poles could also possibly be held together with rope and a special knot although this would involve more set up time.