Design and construction of improved braking system of a pushcart (Mukokoteni).

Abstract

This project report consists of five chapters: Chapter 1 - Introduction, Chapter 2 - Literature Review, Chapter 3 - Methodology, Chapter 4 - Results, and Chapter 5 - Conclusions and Recommendations. Preceding these chapters are the title pages, which include the cover page, declaration, approval, dedication, acknowledgment, and this abstract. The introduction chapter provides the background information, problem statement, objectives, scope, significance, and justification for this project. The background presents a comprehensive overview of the problem in a broader context, addressing related issues. The problem statement focuses on the limitations of the current Mukokoteni braking system. Objectives guide the project, while the scope defines the boundaries. The significance highlights the reasons for selecting this project stressing the relevance and importance of post-accomplishment of the project, and the justification discusses the potential outcomes if the objectives are not achieved and properly highlights the limitation that will come along. The literature review chapter explores explanations, theories, and principles presented by various authors regarding braking systems, including an in-depth analysis of the existing braking system of the Mukokoteni pushcart. The methodology chapter outlines the methods, techniques, and approaches employed to achieve the set objectives. It describes the procedures for collecting raw data, including the types of data and the methods of recording this information. The chapter also explains the process of converting the collected data into needs statements and finally to target specifications. Additionally, it details the concept generation, selection, and embodiment of the new braking system architecture. The results chapter provides comprehensive details of the parametric design and electronic analysis of the braking system components. It further describes the process of prototype construction, including the tools and workshop operations involved. A table of materials with corresponding costs for each of the materials is also presented. Additionally, it provides an overview of the physical prototype testing and a comprehensive discussion of the test results. The conclusion and recommendations chapter offers technical comments on the process and the results. It presents recommendations as a way forward for the project, addressing the identified gaps and suggesting areas for further research and improvement. It also summarizes the key findings and highlights the significance of the project's outcomes. The appendix and References are the last contents of this report. The appendix provides supplementary content such as pictures of the Mukokoteni pushcart. References are provided to acknowledge the sources of information and literature used in the proposal, including websites, books, and other relevant documents.