Economic Analysis

Project Costs:

Project Cost
Item	Cost
Sensors	$80.00
Raw Materials	$200.00
Display	$10.00
Electronic Components	$250.00
Additional Costs	$73.00
Total Cost to Complete Project	$613.00

 

Parts List:

Final System
Part	Manufacturer	Contact Information
¼ in. thick, 1 in. diameter Aluminum Tubing	Miller Compressing Company	http://www.millercompressing.com/
¼ in. Aluminum Plate	Miller Compressing Company	http://www.millercompressing.com/
Assorted Nuts, Bolts, Locks & Washers	Ace Hardware	http://www.acehardware.com/home/index.jsp
“Biggest Loser™” Weight Scale	Taylor®, product number 7334	http://www.target.com/
Foam and Fabric	Michaels	http://www.michaels.com/art/online/home
Toilet	Kohler	http://www.kohler.com/
First Electrical System
Part	Manufacturer	Contact Information
4 Strain Gauges	Taylor®, product number 7334	http://www.target.com/
API Sum-000	Absolute Process Instruments	http://www.api-usa.com
Instrumentation Amplifier	Analog Devices	http://www.analogdevices.com
A/D Converter	Maxim	http://www.maxim-ic.com
4 ½ Digit LCD Display	Futurelec	http://www.futurelec.com
Breadboard	Circuit Specialists	http://www.circuitspecialists.com
Batteries	Energizer	http://www.energizer.com
Battery Case	Radio Shack	http://www.radioshack.com
Wires	Unknown	Bookmarq – Marquette University

 

Economic Analysis:

Our original economic goal was to design a working prototype under $2000.00 that could be mass produced at a cost of $100.00 per unit and sold for $200.00. The total cost to design and produce our prototype was $613.00. Since a manufacturing facility would be purchasing the materials in bulk at a reduced price, the cost to produce a single unit will be much less than the $613.00 it cost our team. Therefore, we feel that we have met our economic goals.

The sensors were purchased as a part of a “Biggest Loser” scale that met our requirements for the competition (weight and accuracy). Three of these scales were purchased so that there would be enough sensors in case any were broken or lost. The first two scales were purchased for $39.00 each and the third scale was purchased on sale for $9.00. The raw materials were purchased from Miller Compressing and Ace Hardware for $200.00. Two ¼ in. thick aluminum tubes and a ¼ in. thick aluminum plate were purchased from Miller Compressing to use for the prototype. Screws for the arm rests and sensor mechanism were purchased from Ace Hardware. The display was purchased for $10.00. Electronic components, including an analog/digital converter, a summing board, and resistors were purchased at a cost of $250.00. Additional costs for our project came to a total of $73.00. This went towards materials for the prototype made in December, toward materials needed by the MIAD students, and for prototype improvements.