For my Grade 12 Engineering Design Capstone course, I was given free rein to conceptualize, design, and develop an engineering project. I wanted to explore a human factors application on everyday life after taking a course on it the year prior. After a few weeks of deliberating, I decided to focus my efforts on clothes hangers. Clothes hangers are a staple in everyday life, but they perpetually come with many complaints. There are so many different types of clothes hangers for specific types of clothing, but not one that encompasses a wide variety.

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To fully understand clothes hangers, I extensively researched what products already exist, the standardized dimensions and measurements of clothes and hangers, and manufacturing considerations. From the research, I developed essential criteria and constraints for this design.

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The ideation process began with creating full concept sketches for each hanger element. I then expanded on four viable solutions by modeling the assembly with dimensions in AutoCAD. After analyzing the options with design matrices, ranking charts, and user surveys, I chose the design with telescoping arms. I digitally modeled the parts in Fusion360 to refine dimensions and joints, deciding to 3D print the central magnetic hook from TPU for flexibility. The prototype was mostly 3D-printed, with a custom base in acetal plastic for rigidity in the telescoping portion.

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The final product was successfully created from the model, not including the square attachable hooks because the sizing didn’t work out the first time and I ran out of 3D printing resources. However, the prototype successfully changed size with a range of about 8 inches in width, showing proof of concept.

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This project was the first full-length individual design project I ever completed. It showcased my knowledge of the engineering design process as well as my technical modeling skills. I was able to expand on my manufacturing skills and truly understand the importance of iteration in design. If I had more time and resources, I would have made multiple full iterations of the prototype to improve the mechanisms. Still, I learned how to research and design with a universality focus, and I was able to bring my idea into reality.

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