Entry 19: Prototype Construction Completed

23 June 2012

Our prototype has finally been completed and we collected it today. Though we did not administer the construction of our project (left it to Frankie), we planned the entire process as well as materials to be added out.

Hence, with a few new improvements, the prototype looks like this:

Without being attached to planks yet.

Attached to all 3 planks (1 usual, 2 add-ons), maximum length.

The 2 new improvements are as follows:

1. The "screw and plate" method has been slightly improved. From the pictures, the blackish, long parts at the sides of the base are actually steel clips, which "clips" into the screws on the side of the planks to ensure that the planks are fastened into position. Hence, this makes expanding the base much more convenient, though with a slightly higher charge.
2. There are additional steel reinforcements between the connection points of the C-shaped part of the prototype. This provides added help for the support plank to support the tray base and remain upright at the same time. This also adds to the cost, but makes the stand a lot stronger.

Hence, the tray will be placed on the tray base while the fish tank will be placed on the base, creating an aquaponics system (of course, with the water pump and tubes for connection). All that is required now is to be sanded, then painted and surfaced to ensure that the wood does not decay when it comes into contact with water. That being said, our first prototype is finally completed!