TTolerance.

Timeline

From concept to functional prototype.

A 16-week development process from concept to functional prototype.

  1. Weeks 01–02

    Project kickoff

    Team formation, problem definition, and initial research into residential winter maintenance challenges.

  2. Weeks 03–04

    Concept generation

    Exploration of distribution methods — spinning disk, auger, drop-spreader — and selection of the spinning disk approach.

  3. Weeks 05–06

    Design iteration

    Refinement of hopper geometry, fin profile, and agitator integration through multiple design cycles.

  4. Weeks 07–08

    CAD modelling

    Detailed 3D modelling of all components — hopper, disk, housing, and motor mount — for 3D printing.

  5. Weeks 09–11

    Fabrication & assembly

    3D printing of housing components, motor integration, and wiring of Arduino-based control system.

  6. Weeks 12–14

    Testing & validation

    Outdoor spread pattern testing, coverage measurement, and iterative adjustments to disk speed and feed rate.

  7. Weeks 15–16

    Final prototype

    Assembly of final working prototype and preparation of documentation and demonstration materials.