SAMPLE APPLICATIONS OF DE BONO THINKING TOOLS WITHIN

physics

You want to design and construct a robot to take part in a competition called Robot Wars, in which remote controlled robots fight it out to the death. Do a CAF and think of all the factors one would have to consider.

The materials to use. The size of the robot
The weight of the robot The weapons to use
Shall we use wheels, tank style tracks or legs? Shall we focus on strength or speed?
The availability of the components to be used. The system of propulsion
The cost of the materials to be used. The stability of the robot
What type of wheels shall we use? The steering system to be used.
Are there any components we can scavenge from other machines? How many wheels shall it have - 2, 3, 4 or more?
What weapons shall we use? What shape is it going to be?
What is the outside body going to be made of ? Where can we find information to help us in our design?
What tools do we need? Where are we going to construct it?
Where are we going to test it? How are we going to test it?
Who is going to drive it? What shall we call it?
Can we recycle something for the outside body? Do we know the regulations of the competition?
Are there any limitations set by the organisers on the design of the robots? Does the outside shell provide adequate protection to the delicate mechanical parts?
If it breaks down can it be repaired quickly? Is it going to be water proof?
Is it going to be fire-proof ? Is it going to be anti-magnetic?
The system of control. The reliability of the control.
Flexibility of robot Adaptability of robot

 

Do an A.P.C. and think of  the weapons you could have on your robot.

A large magnet on a rod and line which clamps onto the enemy robot and drags it against the walls of the arena. The magnet weapon could also be fitted with a crane like mechanism which lifts the enemy and drops it to cause it damage.
A swinging axe. A water jet to short-circuit the enemy.
A large wedge shape for the exterior to flip the enemy over. A rotating saw blade.
A strong and heavy shell so the enemy can be rammed hard. Pointed spikes on the outside to ram enemy and pierce shell to get at the interior.
A hydraulic vice to grab the enemy and squash it. A heavy ram mounted on a strong spring
A heavy mallet held vertical by a spring. When the enemy is rammed against the walls of the arena, the momentum brings the mallet down on the enemy. Heavy robot with large wheels which can climb onto smaller robots and squash vital parts.
Weapons can be interchanged depending on the characteristics of the adversary. A rotating spoon-like arm which picks up pellets (pebbles, ball-bearings, cream-cakes!?) from a container and then catapults them towards adversary.

Make drawings of your robot and label its parts.