Name:

Date Started:
Group Members:
Foundations of Technology
Pringles Experiment Design Brief
1.

Period:

Date:

Due Date:

Define the Problem

What need or want must be met by the solution?
The pringle has to go through the US mail system without breaking. We must make something to
keep the chip from breaking.

2.
Brainstorming
List/sketch possible solutions that might be used in your final design.
each of these ideas relates to the problem statement.

Clearly identify and describe how

2013 International Technology and Engineering Educators AssociationFoundations of Technology, Third

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Technology, Engineering, and Design

3.

Research and Generating Ideas

In the space below, document your research. Be sure to include proper citations at the end of your
notes.

Notes

The lighter and smaller the package is in the better

Make the package tighter but also with no sharp edges
Compact package
Make sure the chip does not fall out of the package
Cut straws short as possible

Citations/References
http://www.arcamax.com/knowledge/trivia/s-1187598
http://www.brooksschool.org/podium/default.aspx?t=204&tn=The+Pringle+Challenge
%3A+An+Engineering+Project+in+Packaging&nid=581292&ptid=51725&sdb=False&pf=pgr&mode=0&v
cm=False

2013 International Technology and Engineering Educators AssociationFoundations of Technology, Third

Edition /
Technology, Engineering, and Design

4. Identifying criteria and specifying constraints

What are the criteria and constraints of the design problem?
Criteria
Transport a single pringle through the
mail
Take photo before it is shipped
The pringle must be in the same shape
it was when the picture was taken

Constraints
2 feet of tape
6 straws
5 index cards

5. Exploring possibilities
Reflect on your brainstormed ideas and research notes and describe the plusses and minuses of each
design approach you have considered.
Brainstorming Idea
Make a cage like
design out of the
cards and straws
Make a box out of
the cards
Make a tube like the
pringle case with the
straws and cards

Pluses
It will keep the chip inside

Minuses
It might take longer to build

Easy to make, the chip will

stay inside

Wouldnt be as secure or cushiony

Easier to make, pringles are

usually packed in them so it
might work better

Might be loose or not as secure

2013 International Technology and Engineering Educators AssociationFoundations of Technology, Third

Edition /
Technology, Engineering, and Design

6. Selecting an Approach
a. Enter the constraints and criteria of the project in the first column.
b. Score your brainstorming ideas against each constraint or criterion and indicate how well the idea
meets the criteria and constraints.
3 pts = easily meets, 2 pts = somewhat meets, 1 pt. = does not meet
c. Total the columns and circle the highest score to indicate your best design idea.
Constraint/Criterion

Efficiency

time

stability

design

Pringles tube design

Cage design

Box design

Total

looks
1

2013 International Technology and Engineering Educators AssociationFoundations of Technology, Third

Edition /
Technology, Engineering, and Design

7. Developing a Design Proposal

Based on the evaluation of your ideas, develop a design proposal for the highest scoring idea. Include
working drawings (sketches with dimensions, so that you could build your project). Attach your
working drawings to this sheet. Determine the materials you plan to use based on your design. List
the material and quantity below.
Material to be Used
Index cards

Qty
6

straws

One pringle chip

tape

2 feet

8. Making a model or prototype

In the space below, document the construction of the model/prototype. Be sure to include
sketches/pictures as appropriate.
Construction in-process

Construction in-process

Construction in-process

Final Product

2013 International Technology and Engineering Educators AssociationFoundations of Technology, Third

Edition /
Technology, Engineering, and Design

9. Testing and Evaluating the Design, using specifications

As you create your solution, you will perform tests to make sure that the solution is meeting the needs
of the given problem. If your solution does not work, you may need to repeat the previous steps of the
Engineering Design Process, until you find a functional design. In the space below, document the type
of tests you conducted and the results.
Test Performed

Test Results

10.Refining the Design

Based on your tests, what design refinements should be made to the prototype to ensure that it can
satisfy all of the criteria and constraints of the design problem.
Refinements

11.Creating or Making It
Modify your model/prototype to incorporate the design refinements you identified in section 10. What
additional steps would be necessary to produce the final product for the customer?

2013 International Technology and Engineering Educators AssociationFoundations of Technology, Third

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Technology, Engineering, and Design

12.Communicating processes and results

a) Demonstrate the operation of your Crane Strain device to the class. As part of your demonstration,
describe the steps involved in creating your device.
b) Complete the Crane Strain Efficiency calculations (

Efficiency=

weight held

weight of boom

and present your

data to the teacher.

2013 International Technology and Engineering Educators AssociationFoundations of Technology, Third

Edition /
Technology, Engineering, and Design