Introduction.
In this unit we built a creative product that helps reduce the consumption of energy and natural recourses. We started by identifying a problem in our world today, and then continued by researching the problem deeply and how it affects us.
after much research, we decided that a huge amount of energy in our society is wasted on standby appliances. This energy is often referred to as "vampire energy" or "vampire draw".
after much research, we decided that a huge amount of energy in our society is wasted on standby appliances. This energy is often referred to as "vampire energy" or "vampire draw".
Brainstorming.
After researching this problem thoroughly, we still couldn't come to a conclusion about how to solve it. We initially wanted to use solar panels to charge electronics, which would theoretically eliminate standby energy to chargers, but we soon abandoned the idea because chargers only account for a small fraction of vampire draw. We decided to make a switch that would cut the electric flow in a wire, and eliminate vsmpire draw that way.
building the switch
We started with a five foot extension cord. We then stripped the negative wire complexly, and connected it at its base. We also cut the positive wire in half at the middle and stripped one inch on both sides. After this step but before purchasing the button, we build many various makeshift switches to test our product, one of which was essentially a pair of scisors with the wires coiled around either side. We later added a button in between the striped sides of the positive wire to give a convenient and aesthetically pleasing way to activate the switch. After this step we folded the positive wire in half and wrapped it in electric tape to give it the appearance of an extension cord again.
CONCEPTS
The only concept we used in this invention is electricity which is a form of energy resulting from the existence of charged particles (such as electrons or protons), either statically as an accumulation of charge or dynamically as a current. We disrupted the standby energy by disrupting the current.
Reflections
While working on this project, I think that the most important thing I learned was the importance of communication and perseverance. When calling companies like Bestha, it really was important to present ourselves well and not give up. Some companies instantly rejected us, and others gave us other numbers, bt we really didn't get very far with any company. It did make a difference how we presented the product though, and every company we had a poor presentation with instantly rejected us.