Problem Statement (pdf)

Mr. Burns has hired your design team to protect his favorite treasure: the trillion-dollar bill. Since being reclaimed from Fidel Castro, the trillion-dollar bill has been safely encased in a crystal block. Mr. Burns will display his treasure at the Springsonian Museum in order to awe the masses.

Your team will design a secure display stand for the trillion-dollar bill. Mr. Burns has provided these specifications:

• You may not modify the crystal block in any way. It is already excellent.
• If a hooligan removes the crystal block, the security system should trip two switches: release the hounds and start the video recording.
• The display stand surface should not move appreciably. That might give the thieves a head start on the hounds.
• No wires, springs, levers, etc. may be visible. These would diminish from the spectacle of a crystal-encased trilliondollar bill.
• You are to design the system, not build it. Include part drawings, circuit diagrams, part numbers, etc. A proof of concept demonstration may be provided to help sway Mr. Burns to select your design.

System Diagram

General Instructions

• This is a TEAM project, not an individual exercise.
• Each team is to submit ONE final report.
• For final report, use the lab report format with the following additions:
  • How often did you meet, and how did you communicate between meetings?
  • Did you divide tasks among team members or work on all aspects as a group?
  • What did you do to prevent/resolve disagreements or roadblocks?
  • What was the most challenging part of this project and how did you overcome it?
  • Outside resources with citations in text.
• Each team member will complete confidential, individual peer evaluation surveys.
• Seek help as needed. I will be happy to meet with any group of two or more team
  members to review what you’ve done and offer guidance and suggestions.
• Plan ahead with your teammates on how you can work together most effectively. Do not procrastinate!