Revised+Design+Documentation+-+March+22

CCT333H5S Prof. Mike Jones March 22, 2010
 * Final Project - Documentation**

The Water-Bed Prototype Prototype/model image at Home Page Our design concept uses the same material as the Q Drum: a durable and already tested material to create our concept of the "Water-Bed". The "Water-Bed" is a multipurpose foundation that has three functions: 1) provide an affordable and easy setup foundation for a home; 2) a water storage facility; and 3) serve as an A/C and floor cooling. The concept is similar in design to an egg carton, in that the wavy bottom creates rigidity. Thus, the weight of the “Water-Bed” can be low. This very simple design concept has a few dimple like holes around the inside of the 4 * 4 meter structure; providing the ability to place sticks (and other type of metallic objects) or support beams to raise walls (and other wall elements). The water storage facility is perfect for many of the African and Indian villages that need some sort of cheap water storage while providing the home with a personal low maintenance and cheap A/C.

Furthermore, our design focuses on the use of strong and durable materials that would not need often repairs; as well as have the ability to withstand the conditions present in Africa and other continents. Durability is of utmost importance when the product will support people's homes. Thus, durability of an object such as the “Q Drum” is an example of just how much damage the support system would have to endure. Although the types of stresses are different on both products, the “Q Drum” provides insight because of its circular design that can support massive weight.

An existing product that provides developing countries with cooling systems is called the Promethian Power System. The system uses ice that is delivered to people's homes and solar power to keep water cool. Combining the Promethian system with the Water-Bed (actively cooling of the water stored under homes), would also allow users to have access to the water. Keeping cool water underneath homes would provide some level of relief in the heat since the water would lower the temperature of the surrounding area.

The base of the homes we are designing could be made by the MoneyMaker Block Press. Their building blocks made from cement and soil would provide the sturdy base required to support housing or any other project as well. The advantage of the Water-Bed is that it allows the construction of any structure on top of it. Thus, there are virtually no limits: people can build whatever fulfills their needs on our solid design.

The Water-Bed is intended to be durable, unbreakable, and inexpensive. Basing ourselves in the Q Drum, our product would also be made of low-density polyethylene (or LDPE). LDPE is a plastic made from petroleum and its composition makes it almost indestructible. It can withstand very high temperatures (up to 80oC) and is commonly used in containers and storage objects. Thus, this material would be optimal to store water and at the same time provide support to a structure constructed above it. The sustainable characteristic of this material is being recyclable and have a low cost of production, since the price for LDPE is around CAD$1.51/kg.

Basing ourselves around the Q Drum's proportions and supposing that our design is 4m x 4m x 0.5m, with a thickness of 4mm, we can estimate the cost of the LDPE for each product design. This product would weigh around eight times more than the Q Drum (since the drum's proportions are around 0.5m x 0.5m), thus being around 36kg (dry weight). Adding the material used for the inner pillars, we can estimate that our design would be around 40kg (dry weight). Thus, to produce this LDPE base would be around CAD$60.40 (because LDPE price is CAD$1.51/kg).

Lastly, we would have to add the price of a manual water pump (attached to an opening inside the structure) so users can input or retrieve the water. A small manual water pump would be sufficient to draw water by using vacuum to its advantage. Therefore, if taking Rintoul's Guzzler400H Series Hand Pump, which can be connected with any garden hose, the cost is CAD$72.95 per pump. Being made of aluminum and stainless steel, this product would be sufficiently durable and cost effective. A Water-bed would total in around CAD$133.35. Including taxes, our product would cost less than CAD$150, which is inexpensive considering it is a product with three purposes (water storage, structure foundation, and cooling system).

It is important to note that as humans, our decisions affect the health of the the natural world. In turn, our behaviors towards nature would affect our own health and well being. This is the main reason to implement sustainability in design in today's society. Sustainable design begins with an understanding of this universal feedback round; as well as the connections between hydrology, geology, topography, climate, soil, and habitat. Sustainable methods must also account for environmental stewardship, social responsibility and economic viability.

Our project, the “Water-Bed” is designed by keeping in mind that it could be used by any person in different part of the world. Also, our design is intended to be long-lasting, and thus, cost effective. For example, developing countries would be able to afford, maintain and repair the product at a very low cost. Our product is designed as simple as possible, from the material to its functions and usability. Most importantly, it is an inexpensive way to store water so underdeveloped communities can have water for daily use.

In conclusion, the “Water Bed” is intended for the needs of the rural people in the developing countries. Water is very important for survival around the world and those living in poverty find it hard to find accessible clean water. Therefore, our design project is very effective for dry humid areas, such as African and Indian villages. Our design helps store water cheaply and cools the floor in such hot, dry areas. It improves the basic needs of people living in poor communities and third world countries. The design minimizes the costs, so that it is not only affordable, but cost effective. Furthermore, it minimizes the chance of incurring diseases from undrinkable water while providing them with a safe environment – whatever the construction on top may be. An alternative to organizations that would buy and distribute the “Water-bed” (like NGOs), donations could be collected so this design project can be installed in rural communities that cannot afford it.