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EDSGN 100: INTRODUCTION TO ENGINEERING DESIGN

Section 008: Team #5

FOLDABLE SHOPPING CART PROJECT

Submitted By:

Charles Bobby

Sam Deptula

Jasmyn James

Soyeon Lee

Submitted To:

Xinli Wu

Submitted October 23, 2017

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Abstract

This purpose of this project was to design and build a folding shopping cart prototype for

people without cars or people that need to carry groceries longer distances. The design selected

was a simple pushing cart that folds 180 degrees for storage and is able to hold a weight capacity

of 100 pounds.

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Table of Contents

Cover Page i Charles Bobby, Jasmyn James

Abstract ii Charles Bobby

Table of Contents iii Jasmyn James

Introduction 1 Charles Bobby

Design Task Description 2 Jasmyn James

Design Approach 3 Charles Bobby, Jasmyn James

Final Design and Prototype 9 Charles Bobby, Sam Deptula, Soyeon Lee

Design Features 13 Charles Bobby

Engineering Analysis 14 Charles Bobby

Conclusion 16 Charles Bobby, Jasmyn James

Acknowledgment 16 Jasmyn James

References 17 Charles Bobby

1

Introduction

The first project for Dr. Xinli Wu’s Fall 2017 Introduction to Engineering Design class

was to design and build a prototype of a folding shopping cart for people without the proper

means of transporting goods from the store back to home. This report represents a solution to the

problem at hand, covering the design of an innovative, collapsible shopping cart. Contained in

the report are various descriptions, costs, sizes, and other features present in the model. It is an

in-depth analysis of the group’s progress, from beginning to end.

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Design Task Description

Problem Statement:

Many people need an easy way to transport groceries, or other materials, when they don’t have

access to vehicles or are simply travelling considerable distances. The solution to this problem is

a easy to use, foldable shopping cart that has a weight capacity of 100 pounds and costs no more

than $50 to make.

Mission Statement:

Our mission is to design a durable, affordable, and easy to use shopping cart. The cart will allow

people to transport goods with ease and without the limitation of what they are able to carry.

Design Specifications:

The shopping cart must be able to transport up to 100 pounds of groceries/materials, fold for

easy storage, assemble easily, cost under $50 to make, and durable enough to not break down

after just a few years.

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Design Approach

Gantt Chart

Task Name Start

Dates

# of

Days

8/28 9/4 9/11 9/18 9/25 10/2 10/9 10/16 10/23

Information

Gathering

8/28 21

Brainstorming

8/28 21

Customer

Needs

Assessment

9/18 7

Design

Selection

9/25 14

Working

Drawings

10/2 21

Building

Prototype

10/2 14

Presentation

10/16 1

Project

Report

10/23 14

Table 1: Gantt Chart showing time frame for each stage.

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Customer Needs Assessment

Q: What features make for the best shopping cart?

The majority of the students claimed that the best shopping cart would be durable, able to

hold a lot of goods and fold tightly (compatibility), and easy to use.

Q: What is your biggest problem when using the standard shopping cart at the store?

Most of the students said that leaving the shopping cart at the stories an inconvenience

because they have to bring their groceries home in bags.

Q: What is the maximum price you would pay for a shopping cart?

The students average maximum price was about 35 dollars.

Q: On average, about how much do you think your weekly groceries weigh?

The average student’s grocery weight was approximately between 15 lbs – 35 lbs.

Q: Out of the five shopping carts presented to you today, which do you think has the best

design?

The students interviewed were very opinionated towards the Folding Hamper Design (1)

and the Folding Basket (5). The student’s votes ended up steering us in the direction of the

Folding Basket Design.

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Concept Generation

Each team member came up with at least one idea for the foldable shopping cart and

made a drawing of it. The final design that was settled on was selected through a design matrix,

where each design was scrutinized under different criteria such as durability, safety, ease of use,

etc. The highest-ranking design was selected, this design consisted of a cart that folded 180

degrees, a bottom frame for stability, and a removable, foldable box as the compartment for the

groceries.

FIG. 1. Folding Hamper (Jasmyn James)

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FIG. 2. Bag Carrier (Charles Bobby)

FIG. 3. Multi-level (Sam Deptula)

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FIG. 4. Wagon (Soyeon Lee)

FIG. 5. Folding Basket (Charles Bobby)

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Design Matrix

Concepts

Selection

Criteria

Folding

Hamper

Bag Carrier Multi-Level Wagon Folding

Basket

Ease of

Handling

0 0 0 − +

Ease of Use + + 0 0 +

Durability 0 0 0 0 0

Ease of

Manufacture

+ 0 − − −

Portability 0 0 − − +

Safety 0 0 0 0 0

Capacity 0 − + + +

Sum + 2 1 1 1 4

Sum 0 5 5 4 3 2

Sum − 0 1 2 3 1

Net Score 2 0 -1 -2 3

Rank 2 3 4 5 1

Continue No No No No Yes

Table 2: Design Matrix showing the process of selecting which idea to execute.

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Final Design & Prototype

FIG. 6. Full Prototype

FIG. 7. Folded Prototype

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FIG. 8. Prototype Multiview Drawing

FIG. 9. Labeled Three-Dimensional Drawing

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FIG. 10. Multiview Frame

FIG. 12. Multiview Basket

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FIG. 13. Multiview Wheel

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Design Features

• Compatibility

• Optional box for item-containment purposes

• Ability to function as a dolly

• Lightweight frame and solid base

Operation Instructions

The shopping cart basket can easily be made flat by removing it from the frame and

pushing either end in the opposite direction. It can then be laid onto the frame. The handle can be

lowered into a 180-degree position by simply pushing the handle toward the basket side of the

cart, while holding the frame stable. To reconstruct, simply pull the handle back into its original

position and set the basket onto the frame.

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Engineering Analysis

Working Mechanism

Two different portions of the shopping cart are able to fold, allowing for the most

capacity, ease-of-use, compatibility and efficiency deemed possible. The use of a removable

basket will allow the space where the items are placed to act as either a cart or a dolly. The

basket can be removed and placed back onto the frame. The frame itself is able to fold inward at

a 180-degree angle for ease of storage, and the inflated wheels will allow the cart to transport

easier up the stairs, and anywhere else in general. To reopen, simply pull the handle back into its

original position and set the basket onto the frame. Rounded handlebars add comfortability to the

mechanism. The chosen plan is the most efficient and sensible mechanism for the functionality

of this shopping cart.

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Cost Analysis

No. Part Name Quantity Part Number Cost Total Cost

1 Mighty-Lite Caster with

Rubber Wheel

4 sets 2406T33 $3.64 $14.56

2 Aluminum Tubing Frame

(“1 inch)

12 feet 89965K431 $16.67 $16.67

3 Wood Sheet Base 4 feet 85655K12 $1.29/foot $5.16

4 Clear PVC 90° Angle

Basket Holders

3 8659K37 $1.31 $1.31

5 Polished Metal Hinges 2 1603A2 $1.43 $2.86

6 Rounded Head Screws 1

(50/package)

92949A052 $3.38 $3.38

7 Basket/ Handle Fabric 5 feet 8814K61 $0.40/foot $2.00

8 Plastic Connector Piece 1 3161T11 $2.91 $2.91

Total Cost:

$48.85

Table 3: Cost Analysis showing the expected cost of each part to equal the total cost

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Conclusion

By working through the design process and coming together as one, Team 5 was able to

successfully design and build a prototype of a foldable shopping cart that is easy for everybody

to use. This first project portrayed how to work as a team, think creatively, solve problems, and

meet a deadline. The group met all of the requirements and was able to keep the cost of the

design under 50 dollars ($48.85). Xinli Wu suggested to add wheels capable of climbing stairs if

the cart were to be recreated. The team was able to make a slight modification to the design by

adding rubber/inflatable wheels. Overall, each individual learned new ways to compromise, lead,

contribute, and play to their own strengths, as well as other’s.

Acknowledgments

The team would like to thank Dr. Xinli Wu for this challenge and guidance throughout

the entire process of the assignment.

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References

“McCaster-Carr.” McCaster-Carr. McMaster, n.d. Web. 23 October, 2017.