Test 1
Our first test was to create washers with different size holes to regulate the amount of water that the timer would release. We needed to create these washers as a solution to the mass amount of water that was released from the timer, this happens because our timer's minimum amount of time is one minute and the large hole releases too much water. Our solution was to create a replaceable washer that would regulate it, therefore we created and tested 3 different size holes (6 mm, 4 mm. 1 mm).
We created each washer by cutting out a circle from a plastic folder to then hot gluing it on to the water filter that fits inside the timer shaft. After we had glued the plastic circle in place we cut out the interior hole. We then reconstructed our prototype and filled the vase with water, set the timer and watched as different amounts of water streamed into the graduated cylinder. We completed this process for all three of our washers and discovered that, the 1 mm hole was the most effective size because it released the least amount, therefore our prototype would not run out of water too fast.
We created each washer by cutting out a circle from a plastic folder to then hot gluing it on to the water filter that fits inside the timer shaft. After we had glued the plastic circle in place we cut out the interior hole. We then reconstructed our prototype and filled the vase with water, set the timer and watched as different amounts of water streamed into the graduated cylinder. We completed this process for all three of our washers and discovered that, the 1 mm hole was the most effective size because it released the least amount, therefore our prototype would not run out of water too fast.
Test 2
Our second test was to compare the amount of time it would take for our prototype to run out of water vs. the Aqua Globe, a patented product. On April 6th, I filled and inserted a full Aqua Globe into a plant, for the next two weeks I checked on it daily to see how much water it was releasing to the plant. However, during the entire two week period the Aqua Globe remained full, when it should have been empty, meaning it was releasing water to water the plant. This is because the stem of the globe was full of dirt and water which made the Aqua Globe unable to release the water to the plant. However, after just 10 days of observation our prototype was releasing water on a timed schedule successfully and our waterer was out of water. This is because our prototype's stem does not get clogged with wet dirt, because the timer's valve limited the released amount of water so the stem does not fill up and clog.
Test Reflection
Our tests have showed us the correct size washer to use in our prototype. The 1 mm hole washer regulates the flow to release an amount that is sufficient for the plant to live on (150 mL). We discovered that this amount of water (or less) will release on average 10 times (10 scheduled days) before becoming empty during our second test. This proves that our prototype is successful in comparison to the Aqua Globe and will effectively water plants automatically on a schedule.
Individual Summary
Our testing process was very productive and helped us to discover improvements within our design. The washer test helped us regulate the amount of water released from the vase through the timer and to the plant. The Flower Shower vs. Aqua Globe test showed us the effectiveness of our design vs. other patented products, and it also showed us the "life span" of the water reservoir.
When we consulted with our advisor, Mr. Hill he was very impressed with our project and said it looked very comprehensive. He thought our creation of a washer as a solution for the excessive amount of water being released was very creative and a great selling point. For example, if a larger plant requires more water you the consumer, can change out the different type of washer to coincide with the plant! He also said it was very impressive that our product could outlast a famous product like the Aqua Globe. He did request that we should add more information to our background information, but that our brochure looks very professional and marketable. Overall, I am very proud of our testing and how far our product has come, and can not wait to present!
When we consulted with our advisor, Mr. Hill he was very impressed with our project and said it looked very comprehensive. He thought our creation of a washer as a solution for the excessive amount of water being released was very creative and a great selling point. For example, if a larger plant requires more water you the consumer, can change out the different type of washer to coincide with the plant! He also said it was very impressive that our product could outlast a famous product like the Aqua Globe. He did request that we should add more information to our background information, but that our brochure looks very professional and marketable. Overall, I am very proud of our testing and how far our product has come, and can not wait to present!