PLTW Egineering Design and Development
 

Hey all,
I'm taking PLTW's Engineering Capstone class and I could use your input.
To begin with, here's our problem statement:
Weed fragments float up on shorelines affecting Minnesotan lakefront property owners. Many lakefront owners remove the fragmented weeds from their beaches because they rot, look bad, and leave a smelly muck. As current methods ineffectively remove these fragments, there needs to be a more efficient method of appropriately removing these fragments.

We've been brainstorming ideas for this device for several weeks but have reached a point where we need some fresh input. Please reply with any suggestions, ideas, or thought's towards what you would look for in such a device.

Thanks!

Re: PLTW Egineering Design and Development
 

The most efficient way would be with a method that fuels itself from the weed fragments, does not require maintenance, and is self-assembling. I'm thinking ducks, rabbits, horses, goats...

Re: PLTW Egineering Design and Development
 

When you say "their must be a more efficient way", are you talking energy efficient, less human effort, or more time efficient?

I would think that using the properties of the debris floating could lead to some sort of waters edge cross between a roomba and a pool cleaning robot.

Re: PLTW Egineering Design and Development
 

Also consider crossing a self-cleaning litter box with that device, if sand is involved.