The Solution that was most able to satisfy the problem statement was the "Yard Mess Eraser." A description of the critical aspects are described below: 

 

Function: The function of the yard mess eraser is to assist the user in the cleaning of areas contaminated by organic waste in a rapid and efficient time, without causing significant physical strain to the user. The prototype is designed to receive remote-control 27MHz frequency from the user – controlled radio, and respond in movement accordingly. The functional prototype is very similar to a high-powered RC car, able to move in the forward, backward, and angular directions. As the device moves, a drum mechanism located on the front of the system is able to pick up waste such as leaves, grass clippings, and other forms of yard-waste. It then transfers those waste products from the lawn/ground onto the storage compartment. 

 

Form: The prototype model consists of a largely metal/ Plexiglas chassis, of approximately 40” by 30”. Connected at the front of the 40” side are two approximately 12” diameter wheels, both fully motorized and capable of turning left and right. These wheels are controlled by radio signal. Attached to the same end of the system is the approximately 15” diameter, 26” length drum mechanism designed to pick up the leaves. The specialty tracks on the inside of the drum allow the leaves to be swept up when driven over. This drum is designed to be replaceable, with different variations of drum available for different variations of terrain that the device may face. A single drum type was used for the prototype stage, although it is modular and easily replaceable. In addition, on top of the main chassis rests a pre-shaped container area for collecting the leaves that are picked up by the drum. In addition, the model contains a radio frequency signal receiver, a battery to power the motors, and the appropriate wiring, resting on top of the main chassis.  

 

Ergonomics: The user never directly interacts with the prototype; instead, the prototype is designed to receive user input directly from a remote that transfers along the 27MHz signal wavelength. With this medium, the user is precisely able to determine the movement of the prototype, and control the prototype’s interaction with the ground and leaves. The controller is developed to be both comfortable to hold, easy to understand, and capable of communicating with the prototype for a maximum distance of up to 100 ft. 

 

Aesthetics: The device is created to be aesthetically pleasing given its function. A minimalist and streamlined design language is utilized, with only the necessary functions, such as the drum, wheels, and chassis being visible. All other items, such as batteries and wiring, are not hidden, but are integrated directly into the system and its components. This establishes a “safe”, finished product look for the prototype. As a result, consumers will be more likely to purchase the device. 

 

Ease of Maintenance: The Yard Mess Eraser is designed to be highly efficient, and very low- maintenance, relative to other devices. The only action required to be taken by the user during normal usage regards charging the product before use. The device is designed to be very durable due to the nature of the work that it will be tasked with completing (driving over rough terrain, picking up solid items). A majority of the parts used are intended to be custom made/cut.  However, due to the modular design of the system, many parts, such as the leaf-pickup drum and the leaf collection bin, are easily replaceable, making potential repairs and replacements very simple, involving just the change of the broken part.  

 

Standardization: Many of the devices used will consist of pre-made and readily available parts, such as the motors, radio transmission chips, leaf-collection drum, and available batteries. However, numerous items, such as the chassis and the leaf-collection bin, are intended to be custom – made, due to their specific shapes and purposes. The raw materials, metal piping and wood, can be purchased from locations such as the Home Depot. Other pre-designed materials can be purchased from trader or hobby stores, such as GPA Hobbies. In addition, custom motors can be ordered from sources such as Amazon.com. 

 

Durability: The product is built from a series of durable materials, such as a metal frame, because it must survive difficult and rough terrain conditions during daily use. As a result, the final product is rugged, and very difficult to damage (aside from aesthetic items such as scratches). In addition, the device is modular, so if certain aspects of the prototype, such as the leaf pick-up drum, are damaged, they can easily be replaced. This greatly increases the longevity of the product. 

 

Cost: With the initial prototype, a cost of approximately $400 is expected. Approximately $250 will cover the expensive costs of all associated motors and batteries, as well as the price for internal wiring and the establishment of a radio communication system. The rest of the initial developmental cost will be used to gather and modify the raw materials of metal and wood.