Alex Cooke A2

Pacer Project
Candidate name: Alex Cooke
Candidate number:3090
Centre number: 65155
Centre name: Hurstpierpoint College

Introduction
Problem:
My cousin is a high performance athlete over long distance running who uses a standard running watch to record his PB times
but cant physically see how fast he must run to beat his PBs and target times whilst training. He also finds it difficult to pace
himself throughout a race.
Solution:
I am therefore going to design a device that travels around the track with him at his PBs/target times and will enable him to
pace himself effectively over long distance running, to optimise his performance in competitions. The device could also be
used to aid short distance runners over 100-400 metres.
Consumer purchases of sporting good in the U.S from
2002 to 2014 (in billion U.S dollars)
Most popular sporting brands 2013/14
Introduction: In this project, I have decided to design and manufacture a ‘runner’s pacer’. On this page I will identify the
problem and potential solution to the problem, investigate the expanding running industry and create a moodboard to
inspire me with ideas. Throughout the project I will take steps to ensure my product is designed and manufactured to the
highest quality. To begin, I will gather research by interviewing and questioning my client and other high performance
athletes/coaches, making product comparisons with similar products by visiting shops and speaking to manufacture’s,
collecting catalogues and magazines and searching the internet. This research should supply me with data aiding me in
deciding which materials I may wish to use. I will also visit a number of running tracks to look at how the device will operate
around the track, visit an athletics competition to gain market research and interview a sports psychologist to study the
science behind goal setting. Following on from product research, I will produce a specification, form my initial ideas, develop
the idea, manufacture the prototype and finally evaluate and test the product.
The running industry:
The sports industry is escalating at an unprecedented rate. According to Sport England, running is the second most popular
sport in the England (in 2013 running overtook football) with 2.2 million people participating at least once a week. Whilst
the majority run purely for enjoyment and to get fit, a large proportion enter competitive running. There are just under 1,400
running clubs across the UK with 650 tartan tracks. There are also a number of young competitive athletes training within
school around the UK, increasing the target market. The potential for the product is further increased with a number of
disciplines making up running. On the track there are 16 running disciplines (from the 100m hurdles to the 10,000m) and
racewalking also exists as an Olympic sport. On the road typical distances run are the marathon, half marathon, 10km and
5km and cross country is commonly a race over 4km. Although it may be possible to make a device for the road and cross
country (such as a drone device for cross country), I have decided to focus on designing my product for all track events
because there is a larger market and demand from this field. The pacer could also cater to athletes with disabilities (such as
wheel chair races) and may need features added to the device for the visually impaired for example—although
unfortunately there is not such a large market for particular disabilities and I will look at whether it is worth adding these
features within my product research and development.
Conclusion: With a high quality product and good promotion, I am targeting school athletics depart-
ments, running clubs and individuals to purchase my product. However, initially I will design a prototype
for my client and with developments to that prototype, I see my product having real potential within the
running industry.
Moodboard
Weeks 1-7 Weeks 8-9
(Half term)
Weeks 10-15
Nov 3-Dec 12
Weeks 16-19
(Christmas)
Weeks 20-26
Jan 5-Feb 15
Weeks 28-33
Feb 23– Mat 29
Week 27
(half term)
Research
Specification
Initial ideas
Evaluation of initial ideas
Development
Plan of manufacture
Manufacture
Proof of manufacture
Evaluation and testing
Gantt Chart Action
Plan
Research includes: client interview, existing products within and outside of running, track visit, psychology behind a Pacer and
competition visit
Development includes: shape, size, product features, product components, final designs, testing and materials and
construction methods

Athlete Profile
Competed in the
Olympic Games, World
Championships,
European
Championships and the
Commonwealth
Games.
Runs 800m and 1500m
National 800m
champion (2010)
Athlete Profile
Competed in the World Championships,
European Championships and the
Commonwealth Games.
Most recently came 7th for 10000m at Glasgow
2014.
Runs 3000m, 5000m, 10000m and the
marathon.
Analysis of conversation with Sonia Samuels
All the athletes gave positive feedback and ideas. However Sonia Samuels was particularly interested in the
idea and suggested that it may be beneficial if the device could adjust in speed if she was running faster than
her target times. Similarly to my client, Sonia suggested that it would be best if the device travelled on the
rail as ‘there is no risk of it getting in the way’ and also put forward the idea of lap splits showing on the
display of the product.
Athlete Profile
Competed in the
Glasgow 2014
Commonwealth
Games for 1500m.
Analysis of client interview:
The extract above shows just a small section of our conversation. My client has put forward a
number of features that he thinks the device should have (such as it being portable and being able
to track your times as well as acting as a Pacer) but has also revealed to me that the inside rail on
the track does not always extend entirely around the track– therefore if I was to use the rail to
guide the device around the track, I may need to supply a few meters of extra rail with the device.
Client Interview Contacting famous athletes:
To gain further understanding and to find out whether the
‘pacer’ really will work and be practical, I tried to contact a
section of my target market who would use the product daily.
They have more experience than my client and would
therefore be able to provide me with more ideas and a better
understanding of what they device must be able to do.
I began to contact athletes including Mo Farah and Dame Kelly Holmes through sending letters to them with
my proposals for my idea and whether they thought the idea was valid. This method did not prove very
effective so I decided to create a twitter account to contact them. However, this process proved more
effective and I received messages back from athletes who were intrigued by my idea. Responses came from
Jemma Simpson, Sonia Samuels and Lee Emanuel.
Introduction: On this page I will interview and question my client thoroughly. I will also try to contact other high
performance athletes to gain more viewpoints and ideas to contribute to the design of the product. My client and other
athletes have a greater knowledge than me in the world of athletics, particularly running, and by interviewing them, I
should have a greater understanding of the ins and outs associated with running. I will also discuss with them various ways
the product could travel around the track and special features that could be integrated into the design.
Client profile:
My client is my 14 year old cousin called Ollie Sewell who lives in Cambridgeshire
and represents his county and is high on the national rankings for his age group in
long distance running. He began competitive running just a few years ago but in
this short time he has entered countless competitions and taken part in even
more training sessions. He runs in both the cross-country format and on the track
over 800-5000 meters and spends the majority of his training time on the track, although he does
also train on a treadmill at the gym and in the woods at his local park. He has specifically told me
that there is a gap in the market for a physical device that travels around the track at PBs and target
times, that can be used to help pace himself when training. Therefore he is an ideal client who has
knowledge of current devices on the market and will guide me towards his favourite ideas/concepts.
Jemma Simpson
Lee Emanuel
Sonia Samuels
Conclusion: Expert opinion is invaluable and I will take the ideas from my client
and Sonia and embed them into my initial ideas, compare them against other
ideas from further product research and decide within the development processes
whether to include them in my final design.

GPS watches range from £70 to
£235 with the best products
including route navigation, GPS
based speed, pace and distance,
real time, average and max heart
rate, a calories burned count,
heart rate graphs, manual and
autolaps, a countdown timer, an
interval timer, and a GPS track analysis. Some of these features
could be included within my design/app for a smartphone,
although some will not be necessary, such as route navigation,
because my device is designed just for track use. The basic
stopwatches have a price tag of £8 to £30 with many having a 60
lap memory and a countdown timer.
Nutritional products for
athletes have just
recently hit the market
and they are becoming
increasingly popular to
supply that extra burst of
energy and to decrease
recovery time. Like
having a storage space for
running shoes, my device could store these products and could
also hold water bottles—although this extra weight may affect the
speed of the ’pacer’.
Existing products within running
I have decided to make product comparisons so that I can investigate: how my product will
function (how it will travel around the track and features that could be included (with features being the main emphasis
on this page)) and which materials my device could have. After comparing each product I will take each feature, material type and
transport method and decide which will work best with my product and try to mould the best ideas into one to form a unique initial idea. In addition,
these comparisons may also inspire me with new and original ideas that could be used for my product. I began my product comparisons by visiting shops
and speaking to the owners about the details of products, materials and components and which products sold the most and why. I then took photos of
the products to remind myself of thier aesthetic appearance/shape for the analysis process. In addition, I searched the internet, magazines, books and
catalogues inspecting sizes, materials and different functions whilst thinking about future possibilities for my product. Further research included
going to the Olympic Park in Melbourne and its National Sports Museum to investigate how running and its various equipment has evolved over time.
Introduction: After much research, I have not found a device that has the same
concept as mine (a physical Pacer for runners) and it is therefore difficult to make
comparisons between products. However, I have decided to look at some products
that are used as training aids for runners and therefore have a similar objective to
my product. I have also studied products that may work in a similar way to my
product, even though they are not sold within the running market (next page). These
include radio controlled cars, running accessories such as GPS watches, greyhound
lures and moving cameras that follow athletes around the track.
Running shops:
Foot Locker
Rebel
Running Shoes
Treadmill
Accessories
GPS watches and Stopwatches
Nutrition
High quality running shoes/
spikes are extremely important
for two reasons: to avoid the
risk of injury with shoes that
have a tailored, snug fit with a
cushioned sole and to improve
running times with shoes that
are lightweight. My device
could incorporate a storage
space for shoes.
Treadmills can provide a convenient method of training
but they also have a number of features that I may look
to integrate into my design. For example, target times,
distances and calories, along with speed interval training.
Some also include heart rate monitoring and MP3
connectivity.
Armbands are regularly used for running
so that music from smartphone players
can be played. I have thought about
using smartphones on my device for the
display and possibly to record the
athlete as they run so that running
techniques can be analysed. The phone
could be wirelessly connected over
Bluetooth to allow runners to listen to
music whilst running.
Running track camera
Camera tracking systems are used and specifically designed for a
wide range of sports, including athletics. Designs vary, but the
majority of systems work by mounting a camera on a dolly which
uses either rack and pinion or belt and pulley systems to drive
the dolly around the track. The belt and pulley system could be
used, but rack and pinion would be extremely expensive and
difficult to make. However, if I were to use a track/rail method to
guide my ‘Pacer’ around the track, both of these systems would
not be necessary because I could use the inside rail that already
exists on the track (with rotating wheels either side of the rail) which would
be cheaper, simpler and more convenient for the user as extra track would not
have to be layered down before use. I will investigate how the wheel on rail
system could work during the development process.
The history of running and its equipment:
Melbourne’s Olympic Park
National Sports Museum
Competitive running begun 2700 years age at the first Olympic
games and since then the sport has evolved quickly, with faster,
world record breaking times each year.
In the last 20 years the sport has developed at a rapid pace with
advancements in technology supporting athletes when training
and when competing. For example, the image on the right depicts
the evolution of shoes, from Shirley Strickland's (closest) at the
1948 Olympic Games, to Steve Moneghetti at the 2000 Olympics.
The other image also illustrates the use of technology to develop
running with Catherine Freeman’s skin tight ‘swift suit’ used
when she won an Olympic gold medal in 2000. The suit was designed to reduce
the air resistance/drag that could be seen in conventional running apparel.
Rack and pinion
Belt and pulley

Introduction:
Existing products outside of running
Model shops:
The Sussex Model Centre
RC cars
As a form of primary
research, I visited and
contacted a number of model shops, including the Sussex
Model Centre in Worthing, asking experts their thoughts for
how my product could function (which will be mentioned in
the development process) and also enquiring about RC cars.
RC cars are highly relevant for my product because it is likely
that in the development, I decide to use a similar system to
power the Pacer around the track (such as a motor, esc,
battery and wheels). I therefore looked at a number of
model cars, comparing the maximum speeds they could
travel at and the specific components they used. Some were
also designed for off road whilst some were for on road. My
design may need to be in-between this bracket if I decide I
want the device to travel on the ground with four wheels
(rather than on a rail or like a drone in the air, for example)
as the track, particularly a grass track, will feature bumps
and mud, but will be much smoother than the route an off
road RC car will have to cope with. Therefore, during
development, I may decide to buy wheels that are designed
for both on road and off road purposes.
Because an RC car may be very similar to my Pacer in the
way that it works, I began some initial research into the RC
cars even further studying exactly how they work, and the
image to the right gave me my first initial insight—although
these are just the first steps in understanding them and
much more research will be carried out within the
development process.
Although the above image seems to suggest simplicity in the
way it works, from further research I realised that getting my
device to work in the exact way my client and I desire would
be a much tougher test and I will need to leave a lot of
research time for this (such as finding a motor that will be
compatible with the battery and getting the pacer to travel at
the exact target times). There are also more differences than I
initially thought between an RC car and my Pacer with the
pacer requiring a huge amount of programming so that It can
change speed at a set time without a radio controlled
handheld device and the receiver on-board an RC car.
Moreover, the RC cars that travel at the speed I would like my
pacer to travel at (10m/s) are extremely expensive and the
initial idea of dismantling an RC car to find components that
all work together for my pacer may no longer be applicable.
Greyhound lures
£99
£199 RC car component parts RC car magazine
Line Tracking Sensor system
Lego MindstormsDoodle track Cars
The Doodle Track Car is a children's toy that uses ‘optical sensors that read a bold
black line drawn on a white background’. Similarly Lego Mindstorms are purposely
designed for kids to learn how to programme, and it is possible to build a line
sensored device such as the one above that follows a black line. Unfortunately
the device will not travel at fast enough speeds for my pacer and it is therefore not
possible to use the Mindstorm parts for my pacer. However, sensors can be bought
cheaply for around $6-$20 as shown in the image below but the accuracy of the
sensors at high speeds is questionable, even with
expensive and advanced line tracking devices
featured at the ‘Robotic Games’ in Singapore.
Fast Line Following Robot
from the ‘Robotic Games’
How my sensors
could work
Rail Guiding system
Also used by running track cameras, greyhound lures use a rail to guide the
original ‘rabbit’ but now foam bone around the track. The lure is pre-set at a
speed (using a rheostat) just faster than the maximum speed of the greyhounds so
in contrast to my product, the lure does not determine the pace the dogs run at.
Conclusion: By investigating products within and outside of running, I have been inspired with a number of options for the way the device could travel around the track and this will set a
foundation for my initial ideas. Moreover, I have been exposed to many features the pacer could incorporate to provide maximum benefits to the user (such as speed/distance graphs used on GPS
watches). Finally, I have begun research into how the pacer will work, depending upon the navigating system which sets me up for the development process.
Further research (secondary)
There are many other products outside of running which are worthwhile
studying because of the similarities they may have with my product. The previous RC car research was
greatly related to the idea of a pacer that has 4 wheels. However, whilst an RC car uses a handheld control
system to navigate it in the desired direction, my device should ideally not use this method as there will be
inaccuracies in the line it takes around the track, thus slowing or speeding the pacer, making for
unreliable targets. In addition, it would mean that someone else beside the runner would have to control it
so that the runner always has to rely upon someone else during their training. These problems could be
eradicated by programming the car to travel around the track by itself when switched on. This could either
be done setting the car to complete the desired distance and programming it to turn to the correct degree
at a set distance autonomously (which would be possible it the car starts in exactly the correct position as
all 400m tracks are the same dimensions), by programming it to follow the white lines along the track
using sensors (which can be done and is done on products such as Lego Mindstorms and Doodle Track Cars)
or by using a rail to guide it around the track (which may prove to be the best option when evaluating my
initial ideas) because it eliminates more external problems such as bumps on the track and different track
surfaces that may speed or slow the Pacer’s finishing time—greyhound lures and running track cameras
(researched on previous page) use this system).
By illuminateing the track
with infrared light, the
sensor follows the white
line because it will reflect
more radiation that a red
tartan track/green grass.
However it does not
follow the line directly
(shown below) which
could further cause
inaccurate target times.
Both the sensors
detect the line.
Hence the robot
moves forward.
The right sensor
detects the line.
Hence the robot
moves right.
The left sensor
detects the line.
Hence the robot
moves left

Athletics track visit
Whilst at Tonbridge, I investigated the dimensions and details regarding the inside rail
of the track (also known as the kerb) because, after product research and speaking to
Sonia Samuels (a 10,000m runner at the 2014 Commonwealth Games), there was
good evidence suggesting that using the rail would be an ideal way of guiding the
Pacer around the track.
The kerb is used primarily to ensure that runners stay inside the inner lane, although
kerbs are also rarely used for the outside lane. During athletics meetings, as pointed
out by my client, small sections of the kerb are removed to
allow Javelin throwers to have a run up. Therefore, when
using my device, if I were to use the kerb to guide my
device around the track, the parts of the kerb removed
from the track will need to be replaced—which may add
some inconvenience.
Although some kerbs (very few) incorporate a drainage
system within them (rather than draining water to the side of the kerb with the kerb slightly lifted off the ground to allow water to pass
through, which is done at Tonbridge), this will not affect the device as all kerbs are set at a regulation size of 5cm in width and height (as
shown in the above image) and are made from aluminium or PVC.
Introduction: The Tonbridge School athletics track was used by the Australian Athletics team in the run up to the London 2012 Olympics,
and was also used by two time Olympic Gold Medallist Dame Kelly Holmes. As shown in the pictures, it is a state of the art tartan track,
similar to those used around the country and globe by high performance athletes. It is therefore an ideal site to visit, where I could take
measurements and investigate the running track to look at the potential methods of mobility for my device.
I also examined the grass athletics track at Hurstpierpoint College and spoke to the athletics team and staff studying how grass tracks vary
to tartan tracks and how my product may need to adapt to a track which is not completely flat, and a track without an inside rail.
Tonbridge Athletics Track
The inside rail
The running lanes
Dimensions and angles of a running track
Hurstpierpoint Grass Track
A running track generally has 8 running lanes although smaller tracks can have 6, whilst
larger track have up to 10 lanes. The 400m track comprises two parallel straights at 84.39m
long and two semi-circular bends at a length of 114.67m each, with a radius of 36.50m,
making the inside line of the track 398.12m in total (36.5m x 2 x π + 84.39m x 2). Therefore,
if I were to use the inside edge/kerb of the track, the device would not need to travel the
full 400m.This is because the running line of the athlete in the inner lane is considered to
be 0.30m from the inner kerb, increasing the length of the track to the full 400m. The
outside lanes obviously have a longer distance with, for example, the 2nd lane being
407.04m in length. Consequently, a stagger is required and if the user of my device wanted
to practise running on an outside bend (sometimes mandatory for races of up to 400m), the
Pacer should begin at the correct staggered starting position and will need to be
programmed differently for each lane— this is of course assuming that I will not use the
inside kerb method but the line tracking method, or other methods suggested in previous
research, to transport the device around the track.
A grass track as opposed to a tartan track
may prove to provide difficulties with my
device, and the Pacer may just have to be
specified to tartan tracks. This is principally because grass tracks do not have a kerb on the
inside lane, but just have a 5cm white line, so the method of using the kerb to guide the
product around the track would not be possible. On the other hand, a kerb could be bought
by the athletics department for the grass track at a price of £1750 (with 170m of straight
aluminium kerbing and 230m curved—to a radius of 36.5m) so that the product could be
used, but this extra price may not fit within the school’s budget. In addition, if I were to use
the line tracking system on the grass track, there would be difficulties with setting the speed
of the Pacer as on the track there would be greater friction with the grass than a tartan track
and the bumps within the track may slow it down, hence not providing accurate target
times. In contrast, the line tracking system would be more convenient for those using grass
tracks because they would not need to buy in the rail.
As indicated in the research of existing products, the Pacer may travel around the track through following the white lines on the running
lanes. Like the kerb, the lines are 5cm wide and the device could either lock onto the line and travel directly over a line or travel between two
lines in a lane (lanes are 1.25m wide so the device should be no wider than this).
Drainage Kerb
Removed Kerb
5cm
Conclusion: By visiting athletics tracks and studying various movement methods for the
pacer, I have realised a number of limitations it may have depending upon the transport
method chosen (such as a grass track not having an inside kerb to guide the pacer around
the track). However there are also many benefits associated with each method (such as all
kerbs coming in a set size making my Pacer universal to all kerbs) and the advantages and
disadvantages must be weighted up when evaluating my initial ideas.

Introduction:
Further athlete interviews
Speaking to the athletes at the Sainsbury’s Games gave me another source of opinion regarding
ideas for my Pacer, particularly when I spoke to 800m Wheelchair racer Labrooy Dillon, who was
representing England at the games. He suggested that the product would be equally beneficial for
wheelchair racers where it is still vitally important to pace yourself throughout a race. However, he
indicated that the device may need to be adapted for those in wheelchairs, so that the display is on his
eyelevel and so that it is high enough for him to access whilst he is in his wheelchair.
This was something that I had not thought about in great detail and it has revealed to me that the product may
need some adjustments so that those of all disabilities can use it. For example, when setting the time, visually
impaired athletes will need to have a voice calling out the different target times for the athlete to
set.
Technology used during competition
Whilst at the games, I also looked at the technology used, including: lap
counters; PhotoFinish timers; WindSpeed counters and scoreboards. All
these products were located to the side of the track and my design could include these
features, showing exact lap and finish times, windspeed (which can effect the speed and
timing of sprint races) and further features mentioned on previous pages, on the display.
An electric gun sound, possibly powered by a smartphone, could be added to the device
to simulate the start of a race for the athlete.
Integrating all of these features, and others (such a calorie counter) onto a
display would be best done by creating an app and using a smartphone for
the display. Most smartphones also incorporate a camera which can be
used to film the running technique of the athlete as they run behind the
Pacer, and could also be used to gain accurate timings using photo finish. A photo finish app
already exists (image on right) on the app store called SprintTimer that ‘employs the same
techniques as the timing equipment used at the Olympics’. This app could be used on my device, or a similar concept could be coded into an
app specifically designed for my product with the features mentioned above also included. I will investigate the potential for an app and a
smartphone in the development stage of my project, studying the tilt and dimensions of the smartphone on the product.
Sainsbury’s Games Athletics
The sports psychology behind targets and competition visit
Introduction: When we set goals, we seem to have an extra desire to achieve these
goals. To gain knowledge of the scientific reasons behind this theory I interviewed Jack
Emmerson (a sports psychologist) to see whether this perceived extra ambition really
exists and whether target setting will improve results for my client. In addition, to get an
insight into a competitive running environment, I travelled to Manchester to watch the
Sainsbury’s 2014 School Games. Elite young athletes competed at the regional athletics
centre, representing England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. I also had the chance
to talk to some of the athletes about my idea, inspect the track and study the technology
used during the competition.
Sport’s Psychologist Interview
When speaking to Mr Emmerson, he gave me a list of reasons why my
product will encourage athletes to run faster over long and short
distances. The underlying reason is motivation and other factors listed
will supply the athlete with this extra motivation.
Intrinsic motivation: This involves running because of
personal satisfaction. It is rewarding and enjoyable in its
own right. In this case, the athlete will chase the pacesetter
because he/she enjoys the challenge.
Extrinsic motivation: This is slightly different from intrinsic motivation. It is where
the runner chases the device in order to earn a reward or avoid punishment. This
does not relate so much to my device although, if I were to make an app, I could
programme it to encourage extrinsic motivation by telling the runner that if they
achieve a certain time, they will reach a new level and avoid press ups as a
punishment.
SMART goal setting: My device is in essence a SMART goal setter.
SMART stands for Specific, Measureable, Achievable, Relevant and
Time-bound. Therefore, by setting these ’smart’ goals, my client will be
motivated to achieve is target times.
Feedback: Providing relevant feedback (terminal and continuous) will also motivate
my client further. My product has the potential to do this. Continuous feedback is
when the feedback comes during the race. This could be done through showing the
runner the time he has left to complete the race on the display, or maybe by the
coach instructing the runner with encouragement (either on the display or through
audio output). Terminal feedback could occur at the end of the race where my
device shows statistics and graphs that could be analysed by the athlete
or coach so that they can find areas to improve on before the next
competition.
Mr Emmerson
Conclusion: I will now transfer what I have learnt from sports psychology into my product to ensure the
athlete receives maximum motivation. Going to the Sainsbury’s Games has also supplied me with ideas for
features that the product could include.
Analysis of interview: This interview has made me confident that if my product is built
to a high quality and achieves its function, it will inspire athletes to run faster and achieve
their full potential. Moreover, Mr Emmerson was particularly interested in the idea,
saying that it had huge potential and he saw it also being used in other forms of racing
such as swimming and rowing.

Introduction:
Specification
Introduction: On this page I will produce a list of different needs that my product must meet. My client interview;
investigation of inspiring, existing products within and out of running; site and competition visit, along with
speaking to elite athletes/coaches about product features and the psychology behind the device, will all enable me
to produce a set of specific requirements for my design. I will then use my specification throughout the design
process making sure that my product meets each requirement.
Despite the focus being on the ease of use and practicality of the device, it is crucial to
design a product that will be pleasing to the eye and also to incorporate an aesthetic style
that is specific to my client’s taste and that of other high performance athletes. The design
will therefore have to be generic in style catering towards a large target market of male and
female athletes. However, the design will have a modern style with the majority of athletes
being young and appreciating a contemporary, eye-catching appearance (although it must
still be modest with a sleek, simple and not too bulky design).
£16.39 £399.50
£350 £41.89
I am designing my product specifically for my Client and my cousin called Ollie Sewell. He is
aged 14 and competes in national competitions, training 4 times per week at his local
running track. Whilst training on the track he uses a standard running watch to record his
lap times as he tries to beat his PBs. However, he feels that there is scope for a new training
aid on the market, that pushes him further and, similar to a running partner (who are not
always available and does not run at a consistent challenging pace), provides him with a
physical motivation to try and beat. Although my device is a prototype targeted specifically
at my client, there is also a large target market with 2 million people ‘running at least 30
minutes a day to keep fit’ according to the BBC. A large proportion of this market may not
be competitive runners and may not be willing to invest in such a specialised product.
However, running as a sport is growing rapidly (increase of 75,000 in last 6 months in UK)
and there seems to be great possibilities, as I aim for athletes and running clubs to take an
interest in my Pacer.
Taking into consideration similar products that are sold within and outside the
running market I must decide a retail price that is competitive but affordable. Whilst
standard running watches are sold for under £20, the most advanced GPS watches
are sold for over £400. Similar products such as greyhound lures and RC cars vary in
price with the majority of lures costing between £300-£400, the most affordable RC
cars costing below £30, with expensive cars costing £300 because of the extra
speed, control and stability they have. I consider that my device will incorporate all
of the features found within the best running watches, and be able to travel at
speeds of the fastest RC cars. Therefore, I believe that a competitive and
reasonable price will be in the region of £150-200. Meanwhile, it is vital that I
meet my budget which will be £50 and consequently a price tag of £150-200 will
produce a large product margin.
The product is a device that travels on the inside lane or rail of a running track so my client can
physically see how fast he must run to beat his PBs and target times, and can also be used to
help my client pace himself so that he can achieve PBs and accomplish his targets in distance
running.
Depending on the choice of product, I will really aim for the effect on the
environment to be minimal. The main energy consumption will be through manufacture
and I will try to source my materials from local sources to reduce Co2 emissions through
transport. I will try to use materials that can be recycled and integrate maintenance possibilities within the
design to increase the life span of the product. In addition, I will try to reduce the amount of material lost
through wastage, through methods such as tessellation.
The Pacer will function in an outdoor environment, either on a grass or tartan track so
must be able to cope with the elements. It will also be stored in my client’s garage
which has a lot of space to hold the device – although it must not be impractical in size
or shape for storage and take up too much room. In addition, many athletics clubs and athletes looking to
buy my product may not have much storage space for the product, so the smaller the design, the more
practical the device is for the buyer.
The product must be able to fit into the minimum size of car boots so that it can be transported to and from
the track. It must also be portable and possible to carry so that my client can walk from his house to the
running track. It will incorporate either a handle, a strap or a bag will be used to allow the device to be carried
comfortably. The average boot dimensions of a car are 94x86x76cm, so I will make sure that my design is
smaller than these dimensions or, I could design it so that it can fold up/be compactible, making it easier to
store and possible to transport in the car or by carrying it.
Safety is fundamentally important and to avoid injuries the product must not have any sharp edges that could
be of danger to the user, particularly younger children using the device. It is also very important that the
product is structurally safe and has a strong, secure frame so that heavy parts do not fall off the product and
endanger the user and those around the device. I have also considered providing storage within the device for
accessories such as watches and running shoes. Therefore, parts being stored must be safely secured so that
they do not fall out when the Pacer is being used or is being carried. Equally, It must be easy to handle and not
be too heavy so that it could cause back injuries to those carrying it. Moreover, when the product is travelling
around the track, it must not be a tripping hazard and should either travel well ahead of the athlete so that it
does not get in the way, or travel at a safe distance (1.5-2m—the average running stride for males) from the
user on the inside rail or the lane outside of which the user is running.
A sustainable design
Aesthetics
Environment (location) and Size
Target Market
Cost
Safety
Function
Materials
My design will incorporate a variety of materials, particularly polymers such as Acrylic and HIPS. I may also go
on to research materials such as carbon fibre and textiles as another option. The advantage of carbon fibre is
that it is very light, it is durable and it is strong. Materials and construction methods must take into
consideration future methods of batch production. For example, jigs could be used to ensure the frame parts
are all cut to the correct length and a further jig could be used to hold materials together for when they are
joined—saving time and money.
The deadline for completion of the project is Easter 2015 but I will aim to complete it earlier than that so that I
can have time to make slight changes to the project before it is submitted.
Time
Conclusion: Now that I have a list of the specific requirements for my design, I will begin to create
some initial ideas for my Pacer, evaluating them against my specification points.

Introduction:
Line Tracking Pacer
Pulley Pacer
Kerb/Rail Pacer
Flag Pacer
Initial Ideas
Introduction: Now that I have completed my product research, I have a
greater understanding of features that the device must have and the
methods by which the device could travel around the track (such as on
the inside rail). I have taken these suggestions and applied them to my
initial ideas. Moreover, by looking at similar products to mine, but
outside the running market, I was inspired to take some of the ideas and
transfer them to running Pacer ideas (such as the Doodle Tracking toy
car to the Line Tracking Pacer).
Line Tracking Pacer

Conclusion: Despite all of my initial ideas varying dramatically in design, they all seem to
meet the main function of the required product. Therefore, to come to a conclusion of which
design to develop, I will evaluate my initial ideas against my specification to see which idea best
meets the requests of my client, but is also most profitable and environmentally friendly. I will
most likely pick just one idea to develop, but I may look to combine ideas to build the best
possible product.
Air Pushing Pacer
Drone/Hovercraft Pacer
Lighting/Sound Pacer
Initial Ideas
Air Pushing Pacer

Line Tracking Pacer Flag Pacer Lighting/Sound Pacer Drone/Hovercraft Pacer Pulley Pacer Air Pushing Pacer Kerb/Rail Pacer
A modern eye-catching appearance
but also simple (practical), sleek
and not too bulky.
Though technical in operation, the
design is simple and contemporary.
However, developments can certain-
ly be made in terms of shape and
colour (purple is not a generic colour
catering to all).
The flag idea is certainly a unique
idea that would be eye-catching. The
flag stands must remain small to
ensure they are not too ‘bulky’.
The lights/speakers could be devel-
oped further for a more interesting,
aesthetically appealing design—
although whether this is necessary is
questionable.
Drones come in a wide variety of
shapes and aesthetics vary widely.
My drone therefore has many possi-
bilities for development and the use
of a drone, independent of its style,
will surely attract attention.
As with all designs, the device acting
as the Pacer and also holding im-
portant features (such as an iPad
display) has wide scope for changes
to its shape to make it visually im-
pressive. I have also looked at upcy-
cling a watering hose and reel so
paint may have to be applied to the
pulley.
The circular design is interesting and
stands out more compared to rec-
tangular design in other pacemakers.
A floating design is also very different
and eye-catching.
A simple generic design that caters
towards a wide market of runners
around the world. Developments to
the aesthetics could be made but this
may not be necessary for this prod-
uct.
A device that is a physical target
and provides motivation to athlete
to run faster, but can also be used
to help the athlete pace him/
herself over long distances.
The product achieves both of the
necessary functions, acting as a both
a physical motivation (an imperative
function according to a sports psy-
chologist I spoke to) and a long dis-
tance pacemaker. In contrast, the
accuracy of even the best sensors,
when the device is travelling at high
speeds, is the greatest issue as it may
not act as a reliable pacer.
Satisfies both objectives but not as
well as the previous one because the
flags are based on an interval sys-
tem, rather a continuous Pacer that
is easier to track/chase. It would also
be very difficult and time consuming
to accurately set up the flags at the
same interval even if spacers are
provided or the flags are connected
by wires.
Again, this is based on an interval
system so is not as useful as other
Pacer designs. It would also be very
difficult and time consuming to accu-
rately set up the lights/speakers at
the same interval even if spacers are
provided or the flags are connected
by wires.
Using GPS navigation, or by setting a
route for the drone to follow at
different speeds during a race, it will
achieve the target of acting as a
pace setter for the athlete. On the
other hand, it would be very complex
to make in the time given and may
be an overly extravagant form of
pacing an athlete when simpler sys-
tems could carry out the same func-
tion
The design does act as a physical
target but its biggest fault is that the
maximum distance it will work is
over 400m so it is not applicable to
800m runners for example. A limita-
tion with this and the line tracking
Pacer is that the speed the devices
travel at may vary from grass to
tartan track because of the extra
friction/mud on grass tracks.
Like all continuous devices that are
easier to track and chase in a race,
this Pacer accomplishes its purpose.
However, an air system may not be
very accurate in setting target times
and extensive tests would have to be
carried out in development to ensure
the system works.
The design certainly fits my clients
and other athletes requests and it
achieves the purpose/function it
must carry out. However, a problem
is that on most tracks the kerb does
not go all the way around the track
(for javelin) so small sections of kerb-
ing may need to be provided if the
club no longer has the detached kerb.
Grass tacks also have no kerbing.
To aim for a sustainable device,
with minimal negative impacts on
the environment.
It will be powered using an electrical
battery and motor so electrical ener-
gy will be consumed. Measures will
be taken to ensure minimal waste in
production.
energy so electricity will be con-
sumed. Measures will be taken to
ensure minimal waste in production.
energy so electricity will be con-
sumed. Measures will be taken to
ensure minimal waste in production.
production.
production.
energy for high air pressure levels.
Therefore, huge amounts of electri-
cal energy will be consumed.
production.
A portable design that can fit into
the boot of a car (average dimen-
sions are 94x86x76 cm) but can be
carried to and from the track—s
specific request from my client who
cycles to his running club.
Although exact dimensions for the
device have not been decided, the
design is small in size so that it can fit
into a car. To make it easy to carry,
a bag or handle may be a necessary
feature.
Taking an interval between the flags
of 5m, there will need to be 80 flags
around the whole track. A complex
carrying device will have to be made
and it is further impractical because
the flags will have to be accurately
laid out before each use.
Again, like the flags, the interval sys-
tem is flawed in that it is not as port-
able and it takes time to set up the
system for use.
During development, I intend for the
device to be more compact in design
than the above image portrays so
that it is transportable and portable.
I may also need to make it collapsible
if the drone is too large to be effi-
ciently stored.
Both the reel and the device holding
the iPad will be made small and port-
able. The reel and device being
pulled could have a separation sys-
tem to make the product easier to
store.
The pacesetting device itself is cer-
tainly small enough to be carried and
to fit in a car. I would try to use the
current kerb on the track, instead of
making a long kerb that would be
difficult to transport. Although, drill-
ing holes into current kerbs may not
be accepted by athletics clubs.
The design is very small, just larger
than an iPad, and can easily be car-
ried. Also it does not require other
features such as a reel for the ‘Pulley
Pacer’ which maximises the ease of
use for the product.
To avoid injuries the product must
not have any sharp edges, be struc-
turally safe, not be a tripping haz-
ard and have good electrical insula-
tion.
The Ipad, sensors and torches will
need to be well protected and insu-
lated to prevent the chance of elec-
tric shock in wet weather. However,
the torch does mitigate the likeli-
hood of a tripping hazard in dark
conditions
The design has the potential to have
sharp edges and the flag base could
be developed to be circular to pre-
vent any risks. The base must also be
small enough to not get in the way of
runners passing the flags.
The key health and safety issue here
it whether the equipment is well
insulated and can cope in the out-
door elements.
The greatest danger to the user is
that the device loses control in
strong weather conditions and falls
on the athlete or those surrounding
the device. In development,
measures must be taken to ensure
this can’t happen.
The system would be fairly heavy so
a wheelie device may have to be
made to prevent back injuries when
it is carried. The rope connecting the
real and pulley will have to be care-
fully positioned to prevent tripping
hazards.
The greatest danger may arise if the
kerb breaks under pressure from
the fluid and parts fly into the user. If
I were to develop this idea, extensive
tests will have to be made to prevent
the likelihood of this happening.
Guided around the track by the kerb,
the product could cause some danger
as a tripping hazard as it does, like
most designs, extend into the 1st
lane slightly. The product must
therefore not be made too wide to
get in the way of the runner.
Evaluation of initial ideas
Introduction: Comparing my initial ideas against my specification, I will investigate which ideas meet the specific requirement for
the pacemaker and therefore which idea best fulfils my clients needs. It is difficult to estimate manufacturing costs because I have not yet decided the ideal
product components (such as motor type). But, basic (online) estimates indicate that all products will cost below my budget of £50, even with the most expensive components.
Conclusion: The main emphasis on the evaluation section was to decide which system would best motivate runners and be most appropriate in the circumstances—my specification points. Research (such as speaking to sports
psychologists) has suggested that that continuous systems would be the best motivators so this immediately excludes the flag and lighting pacers. All of the continuous devices could be legitimately manufactured, but I have decided that
the kerb system would be the most appropriate, practical and realistic.

Introduction: By comparing all of my initial ideas to the revised specification, I decided that the Pacer
should be fixed to the inside kerb as this would be the most practical and accurate design but also be the
most suitable design for manufacture in the given timescale and budget of the task. I will now begin the
development processes exploring and selecting features the product will incorporate, the shape of the device,
how the Pacer will work, the size and the most appropriate materials and the construction methods.
The relationship between the athlete and the Pacer is vitally important because the ease of use but also
aspects such as safety will be down to the ergonomics of the design (size is also important when providing a
well ergonomically designed product but this will be investigated on the next page). Moreover, whilst taking
into consideration the ergonomics of the Pacer, designing a Pacer that is original and eye-catching in its
shape is equally important to attract the attention of the target market.
I began to sketch out possible shapes for my design and I realised that the simplicity of my original initial
idea was what made the product so attractive. I have therefore built a ‘simple’, but ‘eye-catching’ design in
CAD, with few changes made to my initial idea, to show the shape the chassis will take. Changes are that
instead of having 4 wheels, I have decided to use 2 horizontal rotating wheels, with 2 small vertical wheels
holding the Pacer up and above the rail, as this will allow the device to turn corners without it knocking into
the rail and slowing it down. I have also decided that the shape will be curved at the front to make it more
streamlined and more aesthetically interesting (rather than a square shape used in the initial idea). The CAD
model also includes the features that I have decided to include. The reasoning for the inclusion of these
features is shown in the table opposite.
Shapes (ergonomics)
Product Features
Development: Shape (ergonomics) and Product Features
When examining the existing products within and outside of running I came across a number of
possible features my design could include. Other product research has also inspired me with new ideas and I
will now decide which features will be most appropriate for my design.
Product Feature Yes/No Why?
Increase in speed of Pacer
if ahead of your target.
Although suggested by Samuels,
this feature would defeat the
purpose of the Pacer to finish at
a set target time. Running faster
than the Pacer will boost confi-
dence and the athlete will take
pride in beating their target
Shoe, nutrition, and water
bottle storage.
Storage/extra weight will slow
down my pacer making set tim-
ings inaccurate. Around a 400m
track storage would serve no
purpose as products can just be
left at the side of the track
Wind speed counter Although wind speed does
effect a race slightly, athlete
interviews have not listed this
as a necessary feature
Compatible with disabled
athletes
Disabled athletes make up a
large proportion of my target
market and it must therefore be
possible for those in wheel-
chairs to mount the pacer to the
rail for example. The app must
also have speech recognition
and audio response for the visu-
ally impaired.
Iphone display
Iphone front camera video recorder
Product features
Initial thoughts for the shape of the chassis
Product Feature (included
if I were to make an app)
Yes/No Why?
Display showing times,
speed and calories burnt
during race
Informative data providing moti-
vation during a race. Lap splits
could be shown so runner can
study at which point they slow
down during the race.
Display showing times,
speed and calorie compari-
son graphs after race
To track and analyse data after a
race to see where improvements
can be made. For example, a lap
split graph would show the run-
ner where they tend to slow
down in a race.
Average speed calculated
before race
Gives indication of how fast ath-
lete must run to beat their target
Calorie counter wristband
connected to app
Calories burnt is often an im-
portant measure for athletes
Heart rate monitor wrist-
band connected to app
Allows you or coach to deter-
mine the appropriate exercise
intensities and durations
Wireless (Bluetooth) MP3
connectivity
So the athlete can listen to mu-
sic/get continuous feedback (for
motivation) from the coach via
the smartphone on the pacer
Levels and challenges To provide extrinsic motivation
Electric gun starter To simulate the start of a race
Photofinish Timer An accurate means of detecting
the finishing time and lap time.
Smartphone video recorder Allows coach and athlete to ass-
es running technique
The Initial Idea
Shape of the design
The design is shaped in its curved streamlined form for
both aerodynamics and for an interesting aesthetic
purpose. Moreover, the chassis extends just over the
wheels, and no further so that it is not too wide and does
not get in the way of the runner. The wheels will be
ergonomically designed using a clipping system so the
user knows when the pacer is securely attached to the rail
and the curved chassis allows the user to carry the device
with comfort in the palm of the hand.
Conclusion: I am confident that the shape is ideal for
the Pacers function and aesthetic appearance and I am
now clear on which product features will be used (for
this prototype and if I were to develop the product further) and which will be discarded. I am now in a position to decide
product components, sizes, materials and finally manufacturing techniques
Display
Front screen video camera
Photofinish Timer

Development: Product components
Introduction: Although extra features and an eye-catching shape/design will improve my product and attract
more customers, the primary function is for it to act as an accurate and consistent Pacer. The device must be
intuitive and simple to enter the desired times for the Pacer to travel around a track. I will now study the
components I will need to purchase to allow the product to travel at the desired speed and how the
components will be connected/where they will be located on the chassis.
Initial thoughts
With so many options available for powering the Pacer around the track, I have spent a lot of time researching
for the best option for my project. Having very little experience in electronics, I found it difficult to know
where to start. Should I begin by working out the weight of the pacer so that I know how powerful my motor
must be (but then the motor I chose dictates the other components needed and the overall weight) or should I
begin by deciding which motor to buy and hope it will be powerful enough? With little knowledge in this field I
decided to enlist ‘expert’ opinions from Douglas Brion and Andrew Lea. Douglas being a friend and enthusiast
of electronics and robots and Mr Lea being a computer/electronic engineer. Both suggested very similar ideas
in terms of programming the device to travel at set speeds and both made it clear that the manufacturing pro-
cess would require a lot of prototyping and iteration. I have also received a number of thoughts for how the
product could ‘work’ throughout the project, particularly within my product research of RC cars where I visited
and contacted shop owners (such as from the Sussex Model Centre) and posted questions on ‘Instructables’,
where I received some in-depth and helpful responses.
What motor?
To work out the specific components required for my Pacer, Douglas suggested
that I begin by roughly working out the amount of RPM my motor would need.
The steps taken to do this are listed below:
1. To decide the size of the wheels as they will dictate the amount of
revolutions required for the device to travel all the way around the track. Based
upon my research on the sizes page, I have decided to use wheels that are
66mm in diameter (1:10 of full size car) as they are not too large to get in the way of a passing runner but they
are large enough to provide a satisfactory distance per revolution. In step 2 I have shown how I have found
out the distance the device will travel per revolution.
2. Circumference = 2πr
Circumference = 2xπx0.033m = 0.207m per revolution
3. To work out the number of revolutions the 66mm wheels need to make to go all the way around the 400m
so that I can later work out how many revolutions per second the wheels need to make.
Kerb length ÷ Distance of 1 revolution = Number of revolutions around whole track
398.12m ÷ 0.207= 1920
4. To work out the maximum speed the device must be able to travel. The world record for the mens 400m is
43.18 seconds so I will aim for the device to be able to travel around 400m in 40 seconds so that the pacer can
be used by the fastest athletes as times begin to get quicker. This means that the device will need to travel at
10m/s .
Douglas Brion
5. To work out how many revolutions per second the the
wheels will need to make.
No. of revolutions for whole track ÷ Fastest time = No. of revolutions per second
1920 ÷ 40 secs = 48
6. To work out the required number of revolutions from seconds to minutes, and hence which motor should be bought.
No. of revolutions per second x No. of seconds in a minute = No. of RPM
48 x 60 secs = 2880 RPM
Analysis
I now know that my motor must be able to achieve around 3000RPM (possibly lower if I am to using gearing) and this is a
good start in deciding which motor I should buy. However, there are still many different motors that supply 3000RPM and I
will now compare the different types of motors looking at their pros and cons and more importantly, their ratings.
Motor Type Advantages Disadvantages
DC Brush Motors Simple to control
Excellent torque at low RPM
Inexpensive and mass produced
Brushes can wear out over time
Brush arcing can generate electromagnetic
noise
Usually limited in speed due to brush heating
Brushless Motors Reliable
High speed
Efficient
Mass produced and easy to find
Difficult to control without specialized control-
ler
Requires low starting loads
Typically require specialized gearboxes in drive
Stepper Motors Excellent position accuracy
High holding torque
High reliability
Most steppers come in standard sizes
Small step distance limits top speed
It’s possible to “skip” steps with high loads
Draws maximum current constantly
Ratings: All motors will have values for input and output power and depending upon the brand and type of motor
chosen, these rating will differ. Unfortunately, more powerful motors are more expensive, will take up more battery power
and are usually heavy so will increase the pacers load.
So how do I know which motor to buy?
Going back to my initial thoughts, I asked the question of whether to calculate the load requirements to decide the exact
power I need the motor to require or to just buy a motor and ‘hope it will be powerful enough’. I have come to the
conclusion that, with the advice of Douglas and Mr Lea, I should buy a brushless motor (achieves highest speeds) that has
an RPM of around 3000 and begin by buying a motor that is not particularly powerful/fairly cheap and test it to see
whether it can cope with the load. If it can’t, I will sell the motor and buy a more expensive/powerful motor. This
is the process of trial and error that was advised by both ‘expert’ opinions. In addition, I will buy a motor that
comes with gearing/cogs to increase or decrease the RPM if necessary.

Development: Product components
Other components
Now that I have decided the size of the wheels and know the minimum RPM/type of motor I need to work the Pacer, I will investigate
other components that will be required. There are a few options for buying the other parts, which include:
Getting hold of an old RC car/similar product that has the required motor ratings and upcycling it so that I can be sure that all the
parts work together. The problem is in trying to find a second hand RC car that fits my requirements and even if I were to buy a new
RC car, this would be very expensive and only a few of the parts within the car would be needed making this concept extremely
unsustainable and therefore not complying with my specification. It would also mean that if I were to develop the product/mass
produce on a commercial scale, there would not be enough second hand RC cars to supply me with all the components.
Buying a combo set with the suggested motor ratings, such as the one below which has a number of advantages including the
certainty that all the parts will work with each other and the possibility of connecting the ESC (electronic speed controller) to the
Smart Phone that is on the pacer so the user can enter the time they want the pacer to finish using the app rather than using a dial
or programme box.
Individually buying each part so that I can be sure that each component does exactly what it needs to do.
The ideal solution seems to be to buy the combo set. However, it is fairly expensive compared to the final option and the phone
programming method does not allow me to do as much as an Arduino would. For example, speeding the pacer up in the last 100m of a
race. Therefore, I have decided to go with the last option which may be more time-consuming but will produce a higher quality and
more affordable Pacer. I may have to employ some trial and error methods, as suggested by the ’experts’ if parts do not correspond
with each other and I may even decide to trial out the combo set, but I will begin, as with the motor, by buying the cheapest
components (but also components that are easiest to ’work’ and which are recommended by both Douglas and Mr Lea) to begin with.
Recommended components
Mr Lea recommended that programming an Arduino and attaching it to a motor shield would be the best way to control the speed of
the device. To power all component parts, I will use a standard 9 volt battery which is widely accessible and easy to replace when the
battery runs out. Because I am only using 1 motor to turn both wheels, a band may be needed to connect the spinning wheel to the
wheel that is not attached to the motor. Alternatively, the outside wheel could just be powered, and a band would not have to be
used. This will mean that a differential will not be required to ensure the inside wheel slows down when it travels around the curve. In
addition, I will buy a servo to allow the smartphone on the device to turn for photofinish, an LCD display for the runner to know which
target time they have selected (a smartphone display would be used if I were to develop the prototype and make an app instead) and
wiring to connect the electronics together (although components should come with wiring) . Most components also come with
fittings such as screws to attach the components to the chassis and other fittings that are not supplied will be available for use in the
workshop, such as the necessary equipment needed to construct the phone holder.
Component layout
Now that I have decided which components I will use, I can work out
the size my Pacer can be and where the components will be laid out on the device.
Ideally, the Pacer must be as small as possible so that it is more portable and does not weigh too
much so that an overly powerful motor needs to be bought. Therefore, I will try and cluster the
components close together to reduce the size of the device. The model below illustrates the
component layout and I will decide the final size dimensions in the Sizes page (next page).
I have also made a CAD model of it to show the layout more clearly, in a 3D perspective. All the
components will be connected with wires that are not shown in the model and the chassis will not
be translucent but is only shown in the model like this so that the parts can be seen.
CAD Model Arduino and Motor Shield
Battery
Servo
Front/Back Wheel
Potentiometer
Motor and Gearing
Conclusion: Both product component pages have provided me with a way to express my
reasoning, in a logical order, behind choosing specific components. I now have a clear
understanding of components I need and I will buy them online looking for a combination of the
best and cheapest products that meet my component specifications.

Introduction: A well ergonomically designed product is not only down to the shape, but also to the size. The size
of the device will be based upon anthropometric measurements to ensure the device is ergonomically designed, but
also based upon measurements from component parts and track sizes to allow all components to fit on the device
and to make sure the device functions within its environment.
Size of the kerb
Size of smartphones
Maximum distance the Pacer can extend into the 1st lane
Development: Sizes (ergonomics and anthropometrics)
As discussed when deciding which components I will need to buy,
the size of the wheel will dictate the speed of the device. With a
motor of 3000rpm 66mm diameter wheels, the device will be able to
travel at the maximum speed required of 10m/s. The thickness of the
wheel is also crucial as a thicker wheel will produce more friction, but also make the device more stable. The maximum
height can be no larger than 5cm because the height of the kerb is 5cm and I have therefore decided that the wheels
will be 3cm with a 1cm gap between the top and bottom of the rail so that the wheels are central to the rail.
Size of the wheels
Distance between the Pacer and runner
5cm
Attaching the wheels
to the kerb
As investigated in the track visit research page, all kerbs are 5 cm wide so the wheels must be able to securely lock to
the kerb at this distance. However, to ensure that they lock tightly a mechanism must be used to allow the user to put
the device on and take it off the rail with ease (an important ergonomic feature). I could use a clamp system, but I have
decided that springs will be the best option because they also provide suspension for the device when it turns corners
and travels at high speeds along the rail. The spring will only be attached to one wheel, the outside/non powered
wheel, as the inside wheel will already be fastened tight to the rail because of the forces applied and the outside wheel
will require extra suspension when travelling further distances around the track.
Loose spring
Tight spring
3cm
10cm
The chassis of the pacer must be able to fit all of the components
but it must also not be too wide so that it gets in the way of the runner if they
surpass their target time. The runner will naturally try and take the tightest line possible in the
lane to reduce the distance they have to run. The shape of my design is widest at the rear as I
have tried to adopt a streamlined shape as specified in the Shape page. This also means that
when the runner is approaching the Pacer, they will clearly be able to see the widest part of the
Pacer and be able to negotiate themselves around it. I may use black and yellow danger colours
on the back edge of the pacer to make the device clearly visible to warn the runners not to get
too close to the Pacer as they overtake it. Based upon measurements of components and
wheels, the minimum width of the Pacer can be 188mm, so it will therefore be this size.
However fast or slow the runner
is going will determine the
distance between the runner
and the Pacer. Ideally, if they are
running to the correct speed,
they will not be too far away from the Pacer so the display (with their timings) will be clearly visible. The larger the
screen on the phone, the easier it will be to see the timings on the screen. I wanted to give the potential buyer an
idea of how far away they will be able to see the display so I therefore conducted a test as shown in the 2 images
above on the right, to see the maximum and minimum distances the display could be seen by my class. The greatest
distance was 13m and the smallest was 8m (using an iPhone 4s display). This gives me a good idea of eyesight
differences among my users and I will be able to advise the buyer of the average distance away from the screen
from which they can see the display. However, the test could have been improved if I had taken results from a
greater number of people (rather than just 8 people in my class) from different age ranges so the eyesight distances
gave a more representative result.
Size of the components
Component sizes will be the main dictator for the dimensions of the bodywork. The component
layout has been shown on the previous page and by measuring each component I can work out
the minimum width and height of the final design. The final size may be slightly larger than the
minimum for other reasons listed on this page.
As I plan to have a smartphone mounted to the chassis, I will need to
decide how the phone will sit on the Pacer. The phone will be used for the
display, an app showing results, to video the athlete’s running technique
and find the accurate lap times using photofinish (a servo will be used to
spin the phone at the finish line). Smartphones come in a range of sizes as
shown on the image to the left. I will therefore have to use a clamp
mechanism to accommodate the smallest and largest phones.
Ideal size for carrying the device
The curvature in the Pacer is ideal for carrying the Pacer in the palm
of the hand. The 5th percentile hand length for women is 159mm
whilst the 95th percentile for men is 209mm. Therefore the smallest
width of the Pacer must be no greater than 159mm and should ideally
be smaller to make carrying the Pacer easier. This means that the
design will accommodate the smallest hand sizes within the target
market (but not outside the 5th-95th percentile as the extremities are not possible to design for).
Anthropometrics
of the hand
Conclusion: The sizes for my final design have been calculated based upon the findings above, with the size
of the components making the main difference. The size of the final design, however, is slightly larger than
the minimum size when components are tightly packed together because of other factors listed on this page
(such as to fit the wheels onto the design, increasing the width at the back of the chassis). I will now present a
representation of the dimensions on the Final Design page (next page) in the form of a 3rd angle orthographic
projection.
Scale drawing
Arduino and motor shield
9V Battery
Servo
Side wheelsFront and back
wheelsMotor attached to gearing
The motor is the highest
component so this dictates
the height of the Pacer’s
’bodywork’ (left).

Development: Final Design
Introduction: On this page I will present my final design, which has been produced based upon a
number of earlier decisions made within the development section. I have included Isometric, 3rd angle
orthographic and CAD designs for a number of different purposes which will be highlighted below.
Conclusion: Presenting my final designs using these techniques has allowed me to gain a clear
representation of the design and measurements for the manufacturing process.
This technique has allowed me to get an understanding of the
measurements for the Pacer from different angles. Measurements
were decided on the Sizes page and making the CAD to scale greatly
benefited me when drawing the projection. I will now be able to order
my materials based upon these measurements. In addition, whilst
making the product, the various angles (plan, side and front view) will
benefit me greatly because I will constantly be manufacturing from
these main angles.
I produced this working drawing using grid squares that helped me to
get measurements and angles correct and, after that, I traced over my
construction in black fine liner to produce this drawing In a neater
fashion. Construction lines were made to help me draw the next view
and so that each view would have the same dimensions.
3rd angle orthographic projection
For my CAD design, I used ‘Google SketchUp’ to produce a virtual 3-D image of the Pacer. The great
benefit was that I could make changes as my design progressed to resolve problems (such as changes in
dimensions). I was also able to see how it would look on a track/its environment
before manufacture by importing a track and I could further import components
such as the Arduino to get a visual idea of the component layout/how
components would connect together. Moreover, it allowed me to rotate the
design to view it at various angles so that I could get a clear understanding of its
3-D representation, whilst I was
also able to apply different finishes
and ask my client his preferred
colours and textures. For these
reasons, I included various CAD
models throughout the
development process, although the
finished product is shown here.
Plan View
I decided to present my final
design as an isometric
projection because it gives a
3D representation of the
product. The advantages
are that it has aided me to
draw the product to scale
showing three faces at once.
Therefore, I can get a good
perspective of how I would
like the Pacer to be built.
Scale1:4
Isometric drawing
Scale1:4
CAD Models
188mm
Front View
50mm50mm
0mm
78mm
280mm
Side View
90mm
78mm 6mm6mm
3mm0mm0mm
0mm
54mm
82mm
88mm

Development: Testing and Materials
Materials testing and comparisons
Listed in the table below are a number of possible materials that could be used for the chassis of my
product. Materials vary greatly in their properties and I will make a decisions on the appropriate material from this table. All
will have disadvantages but I will have to compromise, looking for the material with the most advantages and least
disadvantages for my product.
Material DisadvantagesAdvantages
HIPS Scratches easily
Can crack/fracture under high stress levels
Often weaker joint (using adhesive) than the
welding of metals
Can be laser cut and vacuum formed
Comes in range of colours/self finished
Resistant to most acids/weather conditions
Tough and durable
Lightweight
Electrical insulator making for ideal protection
from the components
Aluminium Difficult to join (must have TIG welder to weld)
Can be water stained easily and oxidise
High strength (483MPa)
Lightweight (1/3rd weight of steel)
Resistant to corrosion/durable/polishes well
Cheaper than steel
Mild Steel Tough and high tensile strength (410MPa)
Easily joined– welded and brazed
General purpose material that has many uses
Poor resistance to corrosion (important for de-
vice that functions outdoors)
Much heavier than carbon fibre and aluminium
Quite expensive
Wood (will analyse spe-
cific timbers if I find good
general properties)
Dimensions unstable as water can cause it to
shrink, warp, decay and rot
Strength also decreases in wet conditions
Splits can occur when material dries
Can contain defects such as knots
Can be laser cut
Environmentally friendly when grown from sus-
tainable forests because it is renewable
Electrical insulator
Generally high strength due to low density
Carbon Fibre High tensile strength (3600MPa)
Corrosion resistant
Fatigue resistant
High strength to weight ratio
Brittle
Difficult to join and mould (image below). Alt-
hough you can buy carbon fibre tubes and use
an adhesive to join tubes together.
Very expensive in large quantities
Analysis of materials: Carbon fibre, Aluminium and HIPS stand out the most for me because of the vital property of them all
having a high strength to weight ratio, whilst Steel and Wood are too heavy and susceptible to wet weather. However, I have
decided to go with HIPS because it has an attractive finish and can be vacuum formed and laser cut— a manufacturing
techniques that will prove to be useful when shaping the chassis casing. It also has disadvantages that can be managed (such
as not putting the plastic under stress by having a design that fits well and allows for flexibility). Furthermore, I may use acrylic
for the base (doesn't need to be vacuum formed) which is a similar polymer that is hardwearing, shatter
resistant and will provide the extra strength compared to HIPS.
Front wheel
Side wheel
Lego Mindstorm motor,
connected to the programming
box spins inside wheel Side wheel
Back wheel
Results were encouraging although there were some specific problems that I must
focus on during manufacture. These include: 1. Distributing the weight evenly to
ensure a stable design. 2. Fastening both side wheels tightly to the rail to ensure
the wheels make contact with the rail when spinning throughout the race and do
not ‘bounce off’, reducing the distance the pacer travels. 3. To have a wheel that is
wide and also is not rounded to ensure a greater surface area makes contact with
the rail. The importance of the wide wheel was evident in testing when the 2.5cm
wheels meant the Pacer travelled more quickly, with more grip than the 1.5cm
wheels (images on right/below)
Distance between
wheels is just below
5cm so that Pacer
attaches tightly to
the 5cm rail
Above, I tested the motor and gearing to gain
an understanding of how fast the wheels will
spin with the gears and motor I have.
Conclusion: To fix these problems found
within testing and to show how I will ensure
the wheels are tightly fixed to the rail, for example, I have set out diagrams and descriptions of the
manufacturing techniques on the next page. The page will also show, how my materials will be formed,
cut to size and my Plan of Production.
To ensure the Pacer has an
even weight distribution a
corner weight system used on
SKYRC products could be
bought.
Introduction: On this page I have presented my findings when carrying out tests on a basic prototype of
my product and my reasoning for which material I will use for the main body of the chassis and for
component ‘holders’ (their design and how they will be made are shown on the next page).
Testing
As one of the final stages before manufacture, I decided to make a prototype of my Pacer using Lego
Mindstorm (a product analysed within my Existing Products research). The purpose of the Mindstorm
tests was not to see how the electrical components would work (although basic programming did give me
an insight into programming the Pacer) but to see whether my design would definitely work mechanically.
For example, I was worried about the Pacer travelling straight and not deviating its line on the rail.
Inside wheel
spins, turn-
ing the out-
side wheels
and front/
back wheels
Chassis
bottom
made to
similar
shape as
final
design
2.5 cm wheel
1.5 cm wheel

Constructing methods
Joining the wheels to the chassis
Constructing the smartphone holder
As opposed to the outside wheel, the inside wheel will not move and it will be firmly fixed to the chassis
using nuts and bolts. The holder for the motor and gearing will be cut using a laser cutter, with holes in
place on both the holder and chassis for the bolt to go
through. It will be line bent (acrylic is a thermosoftening
polymer so it can be reshaped) and in contrast to the
diagram above, I will try and make the bends at right angles
to reduce the amount of material used up. It will also
prevent the holder from extending over the curved base
and hence, not allowing the casing to fit onto the base.
Similarly, the servo holder will be made in exactly the same
way. The front and back wheels will attach to the chassis
using a nut and bolt system that runs through the axle with
the lower part of the wheel sticking out under the chassis
through a hole that will be laser cut within it. The nut and
bolt will be locked in place by two acrylic holders that will
be laser cut and stuck to the base using Solvent Cement.
Finally, the outside wheel (which is crucial to the product
because it will determine how tightly the Pacer it attached
to the rail) will employ a spring system to enable the Pacer
to be put on and taken off the rail. The spring will be
attached to another acrylic holder and the end the
horizontal part of a 90° aluminium (high strength to weight
ration compared to steel) tube and the wheel will spin freely
on the vertical part of the tube.
Inside wheel
Front/back wheels
Outside wheel
Plan of Production
Introduction: Now that I have completed my final design, tested a basic prototype and decided the shape,
size, product components and materials I will use, I am almost ready to begin production. But first I will
need to decide the exact manufacturing methods I will use, where some initial thoughts have been changed
due to recent testing. Moreover, on this page a plan of production will be made to set out the steps I must
take during manufacture. This will really benefit me whilst I am making as I can be certain that I have
completed every stage whilst making and it will give me a good perspective of the time I have left to
complete the project and the steps I have left.
Development: Construction Methods and Plan of Production
Step 1: Draw the chassis shape and hole positions on 2D design, using the scale drawing.
Step 2: Print the chassis on the laser cutter.
Step 3: Draw and print out the component holders on the laser cutter.
Step 4: Line bend the component holders (for the inside wheel attached to the motor, the front/back wheels, Arduino/
motor shield and battery) and attach them to the components and chassis using appropriately sized nuts and bolts. Allow
for unanticipated extra time due to problems that may arise such as the holders not being bent exactly 90°.
Step 5: Program and solder the Arduino.
Step 6: Pipe bend the aluminium tube for the outside wheel axle, weld the spring to the axle and glue the other end of
the spring to the acrylic block. Attach the wheel to the axle and use Solvent Cement to glue the acrylic block to the chassis.
Step 7: Print the mould on the laser cutter. Keep printing and gluing the moulds together until the layers build up to the
desired height of the chassis.
Step 8: Vacuum form the mould, trim off excess material and laser cut a circle at the back of the casing for the
smartphone holder, and laser cut holes in the casing for the on/off switch Pacer speed/time control system.
Step 9: Attach the servo to its holder made at step 3 and 5. Then cut out a circle in the casing, which lies directly above the
servo, and attach the servo to the circle (the holder must be bent to the correct height so that circle is in line with the rest of
the casing). Then construct the smartphone holder and attach it to the circle.
Step 10: Join the chassis to the casing using the bolt method below.
Step 11: Finally test the Arduino programming, making sure that the motor travels to the inputted time and speed.
Joining the chassis to the casingThe bodywork will
consist of the
chassis base and
the casing that
goes over the
base. The casing,
as highlighted on
the previous page,
will be made from
HIPS so that it can
be vacuum
formed (image on
the left portrays
this process). The base will be made from acrylic because it is slightly
harder wearing than HIPS, and will be laser cut. Laser cutting the base
may prove to be a meticulous process as holes will have to be drawn
up and cut out precisely to allow the components and component
holders (using nuts and bolts) to line up in position. I will also use the
laser cutter to cut a circular hole for the smartphone holder, where
the circle will attach to the servo that is resting on the base and where
the smartphone holder will be attached on top. I will now present how
the smartphone holder will be constructed.
Constructing the bodywork
This is a complex system that will take time to
construct and the initial circle cut from the HIPS
may have to be replaced with a slightly smaller
circle to reduce friction. Solvent Cement will be
used to join the circle to the holder.
From the 2 options above, I have
decided to use the nut and bolt design.
Despite the first design looking more
practical (as it is a quick clipping
system) for attaching and removing
the casing, during testing (tests
shown on right) I realised that the
acrylic was not flexible enough to fit
into small holes and when the size of
the holes were increased the joint was too
‘wobbly’. Though it may take longer to remove
and attach the nut, it does provide a strong
joint.
Joining other components to the chassis
Holes will be laser cut in the chassis for nuts and
bolts to attach to the Arduino (has pre-cut holes)
and for using Solvent Cement to attach a battery
holder to the chassis.
Conclusion: Following the steps on this page I
can begin manufacture and my next page will be
Proof of Manufacture.

Proof of Manufacture
Introduction: Following details of the sizes, materials and construction methods from my
development of ideas, I was able to construct the Pacer so that it met the requirements of the
specification. In addition, to ensure that the Pacer is made to a high quality and consistency in the
time I have available, I followed my plan of manufacture making sure that I completed each stage of
the design. Moreover, risk assessments and quality control checks were carried out throughout the
process and some adaptations to the original idea were made as I realised steps I could make which
would produce a higher quality product.
The steps listed on this page are from my Plan of Manufacture and although I stuck almost precisely
to it, there are stages such as Step 6 where a change to the original idea was made.
Step 1: Draw the chassis shape and hole positions on 2D design, using the scale drawing
Step 3: Draw and print out the component holders on the laser cutter
The scale drawings and 3rd angle orthographic drawings
were extremely useful when drawing out the
measurements. However, as shown in the picture on
the right, to be 100% sure that components were
positioned correctly on the base and hence, holes were
cut in the in perfect position I checked measurements with the actual
component rather than the dimensions provided by a website which I used for
the scale drawing. Here, I am working out the distance the hole for the inside
wheel must be from the edge of the base. The other images show the step by
step formation of the drawing where I used the line, circular, curve and measurement tools to ensure
that the laser cutter would cut the base to the same size and shape as set out in my final drawings.
Step 2: Print the chassis on the laser cutter
Once drawn up in 2D design, I simply chose my material, placed it in the laser
cutter machine, auto focused it to ensure the laser could cut through the 3mm
acrylic and set the speed and power to that specified on a table provided.
However, the process was not this simple as I soon realised that given the 5° draft
angle on the vacuum formed top casing, the motor was too close to the edge and
would not fit into the casing. Therefore, I increased the width of the base on 2D
design and printed another base.
The laser cutter was ideal for the process in ensuring that all parts were
cut to the exact same size. This was very important as I found that if one component
was out of place or the wrong size, then many other parts of the design would be affected. Component parts
included the front and back wheel axle holder (shown left), components that were stuck to the top casing to
hold the nuts and bolts which held the base to the casing, the motor holder, the servo holder, the
smartphone holder, the LCD holder, the remote control holder and the ’landing gear’ wheel holders (not part
of original design but added to provide support to prevent tipping).
During production, it was evident that line
bending to right angles was not the issue as
a routed (to prevent indent in acrylic) jig
along side a T-square (the check it was 90°-
quality control) could be used to ensure an
accurate bend. However, the main problem
was ensuring that the sides were exactly
the same height so that the holders did not
sit at an angle. In a number of cases, such as the motor holder, the holders had
to be remade.
Also pictured on the right are drills used to:
increase the axle hole to allow the axle to fit;
and to cut out a hole for a nut and bolt to
connect the holders to the pre-cut holes in
the base. A blow torch was also used to lower
a gear on the motor. Safety precautions were taken through this stage, such as wearing safety
goggles when drilling and using heat proof gloves when handling the blow torch and line
bending components to prevent the risk of burns.
Step 4: Line bend the component holders and attach them to the components and chassis using appropriately sized nuts and
bolts. Allow for unanticipated extra time due to problems that may arise such as the holders not being bent exactly 90°
Step 5: Program the Arduino
Heating one s ide
of the motor holder
Bending the side
using a jig
Marking out bending
line on other side
Hegner saw
used to allow
all 4 sides of
remote holder
to be bent
Remote in holder
Hole drilled for
infrared emitter
Ideally I would have done this step much later in the project so that I could focus on the building the
design first and getting an understanding of the weight and size of the design so that, for example, I could
accommodate a heavier design by increasing the RPM of the motor. However, the basic programming
could be started here and realised that this would be a good time to start programming outside of
workshop time. I learnt to program the Arduino by researching similar projects and by finding similar
coding examples on the internet. Code was written to control the motor, the servo and LCD/remote control
(an example of some of the code written can be seen on the right). I also began soldering components such
as the LCD and servo to the Arduino outside of lesson time, increasing the amount of time I had in the
workshop. Once the design was built, I made slight changes to the code, as I will detail further in step 11.
Step 6: Pipe bend the aluminium tube for the outside wheel axle, weld the spring to the axle and glue the other end of the spring
to the acrylic block. Attach the wheel to the axle and use Solvent Cement to glue the acrylic block to the chassis.
As suggested in the introduction, this step changed considerably from my initial plan of manufacture. This is because I realised it
would be extremely difficult to pipe bend the aluminium to exactly 90°. Therefore, I used a simpler and, on reflection, a higher
quality method by which a long bolt and nuts with washers would hold the outside wheel in place and by simply loosening the nut,
the outside wheel could move out and in and by tightening the nut, the wheel can be held firmly in
position, against the rail

Proof of Manufacture
Layers glued using PVA. Before clamping, I check the mould will
be tall enough for the tallest component
(motor).
Layers clamped to ensure sides line
up.
Precise 5 degree draft angel cut using tilting table on
band saw.
Sides smoothed down by
sanding. A draft angle was
also made on the semi-
circular front by hand
sanding, as band saw did not
provide a consistent circular
cut. The sanding process
proved to be the most time
consuming step in step 7.
Step 8: Vacuum form the mould, trim off excess material and laser cut a circle at the back of the casing for the smartphone holder, and laser cut holes in the casing for the on/off switch Pacer speed/time control system
MDF of equal size and thick-
ness, cut to width and height of
pacer, reducing material waste.
Using the same outline for
the base on 2D design, lay-
ers are cut using the laser.
MDF mould place in machine, HIPS
clamped in place and heater pulled
into position
Heater softens HIPS and is removed. Lever then raises the mould and the Pacer shape is formed in the
HIPS. Vacuum is then turned on and HIPS form fully around the mould.
Mould easily removed from HIPS due to draft angle and
a Gerbil cutter is used to remove unwanted excess HIPS.
Step 10: Join the chassis to the casing using the bolt method.
Wet and dry paper is used
to smooth down the edges.
Step 7: Print the mould on the laser cutter. Keep printing and gluing the moulds together until the layers build up to the desired
height of the chassis
To attach the servo to its holder, I drilled a 3mm hole to two of the sides on the servo and
used nuts and bolts to attach it to pre -laser cut holes on the holder. Moreover, to ensure
that the circle was cut precisely in the centre of the vacuum formed casing, I cut out an MDF
slot to the same size of the casing and simply pressed print again. This was also done for the
cut out for the remote control and for the LCD. Finally, I used Solvent Cement to attach
the circle to the servo and to
make sure that the servo sat
in the centre of the circle I
used the compass technique
shown as an image on the
right.
There was another change
during production from my plan of construction methods at this stage, this time for the smartphone holder. I
wanted the smartphone holder to be adjustable so that it could hold various sized phones
and like the adjustable outside wheel, I originally planned for it to use a spring mechanism,
but instead I decided to use a nut and bolt system where the nut is loosened to put the
holder to the desirable size and tightened
in that position. This method proved far
simpler to design, although possibly less
practical for the user (I will evaluate this
further in testing). The images to the
right show how it works.
Step 9: Attach the servo to the holder made at step 3 and 5. Then cut out a circle in the casing, which lies
directly above the servo, and attach the servo to the circle (the holder must be bent to the correct height so that
circle is in line with the rest of the casing). Then construct the smartphone holder and attach it to the circle.
The ability to separate the base from the casing is important so that the battery can be replaced and if electrical
problems occur, the device can be fixed. I used the nut and bolt method portrayed in my plan of manufacture.
Although during production, I realised that ease of use would be increased if instead the screw
was on the outside and the bolt lay on the inside as it is easier to tighten, a more secure joint will
be maintained this way. I therefore cut out a semi-circular 5mm piece of acrylic (with a hole for
the screw to pass through) and stuck it to a filed-down nut. This was done so that when I used
Solvent Cement to glue the nut to the casing, the surface area would be increased, providing a
stronger joint. The nut also had to be filed down because the hole I made on the base for the
screw to pass through was too close to the edge (I will evaluate this further in the next pages).
The most time-consuming part of this method was aligning the nuts with the holes on the base. To do
this I used a spare piece of semi-circular acrylic, attached a thin layer of Blu-Tac to it, and lined it up at
a mirror angle to the hole on the base, on the opposite side of the casing. I was then able to remove
the base and attach the nut/acrylic piece opposite this spare piece using adhesive. The spare piece
with Blu-Tac was then removed and used to align another hole and nut. Finally, I attached the base,
with its components on, to the casing by screwing the bolts in place. This was a quick and simple
process, providing ease of use to the user, although I did find that the motor and its holder were
slightly too tall to provide a neat fit. Therefore, a dremel was used to reduce the height, not damaging the motor or its holder.
Dremel reducing
height of motor.
Nut/acrylic joint
Screwing the bolts
in place/aligning
the nut to the hole
on the base.
Step 11: Finally test the Arduino programming, making sure that the motor travels to the inputted time and speed.
This was a successful final step and the motor consistently responded to the code, varying the RPM for the given time the motor spun and for
the given distances (100m-3000m). Now that the programming is successful, in the testing/evaluation pages I will see what speed the Pacer
travels around the track given that the RPM at this testing stage was not affected by external factors such as torque and weight. It is therefore
likely, as suggested in step 6, that I will need to make changes to the code, increasing the RPM so it travels to the inputted distance and time.
Conclusion: Despite problems throughout the process, manufacture proved to be successful as modifications were often made to the plan
of manufacture so that the problems could be eradicated and so that the device looks very similar to the final drawings within development.
The main issue that I have learnt is the importance of planning because I found in this project that if a slight mistake
was made in one part of the design, it would affect the rest of the design considerably.
Filing the nut

Alex Cooke A2

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