So when thinking about an engineered object that is used in many unique ways, I began to think about what everyone recommended to bring to college. Surely college students find really unique uses for objects. One item that stuck out on that list was duct tape. I didn't really think that people used it too much, but I've been told when you have a problem duct tape can usually fix it. Its original use is to adhere objects together particularly when exposure to the elements is a concern, according to Wikipedia. It has lots of unique uses today. For example there is a scholarship for individuals who make their prom dress and tux out of duct tape.
Duct tape is just a soft flexible tape made to be waterproof. Here it is used by layering different colors of tape to make a dress or tux durable enough to be worn. You basically stick tape to mold to the form of your body or clothing form that you want. Seeing this application makes me think of how uncomfortably stiff that would be. I think if you wanted to improve duct tape for this function, you would have to make the duct tape a bit more breathable, flexible, and soft. When wearing a prom dress or tux you would want your outfit to be able to breath so that you don't get too hot. For this reason it would be essential for the duct tape to allow air to flow. I would also think having a softer feel would make the duct tape tux and dress much more comfortable as well. I would maybe add a soft texture to the surface of the duct tape, but you could only apply this to the outer layer. The duct tape would have to be supple and have lots of fun colors and patterns to be better engineered for this use.
Duct tape is also used to make wallets.
This is another unique use for duct tape very different from its original purpose. I've seen quite a few people with these and know it does take a while to make. You have to layer tons of duct tape to make it sturdy. Knowing this, I would improve the duct tape to be thicker and tougher in order to endure the wear and tear of a wallet. Wallets have to withstand being opened and closed a lot as well as sat on and flattened. This means that the duct tape has to be much sturdier for this application. I would also make the design and color to appear as though the wallet were made of leather or a very unique material or pattern.
As you can see these aren't the usual uses for duct tape, but it certainly can be engineered to improve the quality of these products.
Hey Stephanie!
ReplyDeleteIt's true. Duct tape fixes everything. Oddly, it's the one thing i DIDN'T bring with me to college.
This was a really interesting blog, I'd heard of people making clothes out of gum wrappers and what not but I hadn't seen the duct tape ones before. That's pretty cool... and innovative hahaha.
I liked how you determined that there were two different situations in which duct tape needed to be modified. I guess in the spirit of labeling, it definitely would be helpful to have different types of duct tape with different textures while still remaining duct tape... and well labels would be vital so i didn't make my wallet out of fuzzy duct tape :P
You did a good job determining the problems with duct tape and what you could do to modify it ( I imagine it must feel soooo weird to actually WEAR it??) and your post was really informative, good job! :D
HAPPY HALLOWEEN/FRIDAY!
Stephanie,
ReplyDeleteThis is really cool. I did not know that duct tape could have so many uses. Even though I would not quite like to wear something made up of duct tape, I find it to be really innovative.
You pretty much mentioned almost everything needed to improve the design of duct tape. To make the clothes less stiff, the duct tape could be made from a stronger material so that the dress would not need so many layers. This kind of tape would also help in making the wallet stronger. Your idea of manufacturing duct tape with different textures is also very good.
Lastly, I would say that I enjoyed reading your blog post because you described the problems and possible solutions very well. Also, I really want to get one of these for Halloween! :-D
Shivam Kundan
You make a true point that duct tape is used as the end all and be all solution to all problems. the ideas you presented for improving the duct tape are very good in my opinion and might be quite effective. On the other hand, while making improvements to duct tape is a good idea, perhaps some interesting things can come from a different perspective. Why do people make clothes and wallets with duct tape? what is it about duct tape that inspires this? What if, instead of changing the duct tape, we took existing materials used for these purposes and modified them to give them the properties of duct tape that people find useful for such tasks? For example, take normal fabric used to make clothes but sell it in such a way as to allow people to easily design and make their own clothes and things. eg make assemble-able fabric
ReplyDeleteGood job!I didn't know duct tape have so many uses before! I was wondering is that weired to wear a cloth made by duct tape?(No offense,but the duct tape cloth is more like a halloween costume.)
ReplyDeleteI also want to know the reason we make duct tape cloth(is that just for fun)?Since it is hard to understand why we need duct tape cloth when we can have cloth that more breathable,flexible,more comfortable and cheaper?
But I do love the duct tape wallet since it is so cool!I don't even know in the picuture you give the wallet is made of duct tape before you told me!I think what makes duct tape wallet more resonable is because it can be maded by used duct tape.For environmental protection purpose,we need to recyle duct tape after used since it is hard to break down.Also,the duct tape wallet is waterproof. I hope one day I can see the duct tape wallet with silk fabric.
Good job!