A BOXy Problem March 8

Now that we have gone over the design process, each one of us must design a box that meets the following requirements:
1. each side must be 2'' long
2. 2 fixed sides
3. 2 movable joints

     - free

     - friction

  *bonus if you do both*

4. consider potential materials, manufacturing, performance, and appearance of the box

In addition we must document the process (ideas, testing results, changes in design). Although a box is a simple object, designing one that meets all the requirements is not as easy as. My initial idea for making the box was to have the fixed sides cross like a puzzle. I sketched the sides on Inkscape but left out the bottom (image below).

My idea for how the box will open. (Credited to Hype Beast Gallery)

The more I thought about building the box, the more I thought about what type of materials I would use. Even though I personally like wood, plastic would be more durable. If I do make my box plastic my next question would be how thick do I want the plastic to be? I would then ask myself how will the sides stay together? Would I use glue, tape, or screws? I know for a fact that I must test out my first design in order to see if it will work. If not, I must make changes to the design. Once I decide how to put the sides together, I will figure out a way to make it open. Oscar said that it is okay if the box opens side ways instead of up and down so I would like to try making a box that opens like the image above.