Design Matrix

Specifications	Alternate Solution 1 Horizontal Claw System	Alternate Solution 2 Modified Horizontal Claw System	Alternate Solution 3 Vertical Claw System
Must create as little friction through the water as possible	10 Small surface area; only the two claws as opposed to the cage	8 Larger surface area due to cage design	10 Small surface area; only the two claws as opposed to the cage
Must be able to pick up and place objects throughout the pool at the competition site	8 Can pick up objects successfully, but may not be able to carry as effectively as the cage design.	10 Better able to pick up, carry, and relocate items with cage design	8 Can pick up objects successfully, but may not be able to carry as effectively as the cage design.
Must be confined to one power source	10 Pneumatic	10 Electric motor	10 Electric motor
Power must be electric, pneumatic, or hydraulic	10 Pneumatic	10 Electric motor	10 Electric motor
Manipulator must be able to transport objects without damaging the manipulator/object	7 Can transport object, but the object is partially exposed.	10 Transports the object within the safety of the cage design.	7 Can transport object, but the object is partially exposed.
The manipulator must be able to open to 4 inches	9 With just the two claws and no cage this design can easily open to 4 inches.	8 The cage design may inhibit the claws ability to open as wide as the other two designs.	9 With just the two claws and no cage this design can easily open to 4 inches.
Must be able to complete all assigned tasks	8 Meets all specifications, but not as successfully as the cage design.	9 Overall, best meets the specifications of the design.	7 Meets all specifications, but not as successfully as the cage design.
Must be able to carry objects around the pool, without dropping the items	8 Can carry object; not as efficient as cage because the object is not encased within anything. Only held of by pincers of the claw.	10 The cage design most easily allows for transportation of items around the pool.	8 Can carry object; not as efficient as cage because the object is not encased within anything. Only held of by pincers of the claw.
Totals	70	75	69