Idea Representation
Before we even decided to model anything using 3D CAD, we wanted to all get on the same page of what the components of our design were. We wanted a detachable self defense piece, and a way to wear it. To demonstrate this quickly, we put together some pipe cleaners and rolled up some foam to demonstrate what we wanted to see.
Initial Prototyping Round
After we had created concept sketches and brainstormed to narrow down on a general concept, we started to create more technical physical prototypes to see our ideas in person. We started by 3D printing the models that we created in Fusion 360 and seeing how the shapes and sizes felt. The first image shows the caps and blades that we printed and the second shows the three first ideas we came up with for deploying a blade while having it be comfortable to grasp as a potential weapon.
Unfortunately, materials are not always ideal when creating prototypes, so we wrapped a wire that was magnetic around the 3D printed plastic so that it would act as we wanted. We also wrapped magnetic tape on the insides of the jewelry caps so that it would attach the same way. This lead to our first complete prototype shown in the last image fully attached to a necklace chain to show our proof of concept.
Unfortunately, materials are not always ideal when creating prototypes, so we wrapped a wire that was magnetic around the 3D printed plastic so that it would act as we wanted. We also wrapped magnetic tape on the insides of the jewelry caps so that it would attach the same way. This lead to our first complete prototype shown in the last image fully attached to a necklace chain to show our proof of concept.
Further Trial Rounds
The first prototype was a good start to show how the size and shape would work, but the material of the attachment and the magnetic strength was not sufficient. We changed direction to manually twist aluminum wires in the shape of the jewelry we wanted using tools. We also tried using steel wire, which would make the entire attachment magnetic, but much heavier and harder to work with. In this stage, our prototypes were different lengths to see which worked best. We were still working with 3D printed blades, but had started to incorporate small plate magnets that fit into the jewelry caps to ensure a stronger connection. This lead to us gluing magnetic material onto the ends of the 3D plastic.
Final Prototypes
In the end, we still wanted a more reliable magnetic connection and decided that for the prototype, we would use screws that we wrapped into the wire to create the best strength of our prototype. We added in more magnets and tried this strategy across the necklace, bracelet, and keychain.
We also added in the programmed NFC stickers into these prototypes. These NFC's were adjusted using an iOS application, allowing the user to tap their phone to the sticker and have it initiate a series of events on the user's phone. We programmed ours to get the current location, send it to a set trusted contact, set off an alarm, and flash the phone's flashlight for added distraction and defense. This can also be programmed to call authorities, but we left this feature out of the prototype.
We also added in the programmed NFC stickers into these prototypes. These NFC's were adjusted using an iOS application, allowing the user to tap their phone to the sticker and have it initiate a series of events on the user's phone. We programmed ours to get the current location, send it to a set trusted contact, set off an alarm, and flash the phone's flashlight for added distraction and defense. This can also be programmed to call authorities, but we left this feature out of the prototype.