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WGU C389: PFRA – ZPT2 Science, Technology, and Society
Task 2 |Latest Update with Complete Solution
Engineering Process
Kirsten Nearman
SID: xxxxxxx
Assessment Code: PFRA – ZPT2
C389: Science, Technoloy, and
Society Suzanne Metlay
A1: Description of Problem
After going grocery shopping for my family, I commonly have a bunch of bananas. I leave them
on the counter, but I find that the bananas sitting on the bottom of the bunch start to show
bruising. After doing a bit of research I found the North South Wales Department of Primary
Industries describe the bruising as “[occurring] when enough impact or compression forces are
applied to fruit.” This meant the weight of the bananas was causing the bruising.
A2: Discussion of Problem
Everyone in my family has an issue with the bruising because it causes a mushy texture. This can
cause an issue of food waste as the mushy parts of the banana usually get thrown out. This is
likely an issue for other families as well. If six families threw away the equivalent of one banana,
that would be an entire bunch of bananas that would be wasted. Preventing bruising could help
prevent waste.
A3: Constraints and Specifications for a Solution
Solution should successfully prevent bruising on bananas while they are still in a bunch.
, 2
Constructed objects should be small, easy to clean, and stow when not in use. Access to a 3-D
printer, 3-D printing software, and 3-D printing filament are required to print new project
designs. Other items used may need to be purchased.
A4: List of Possible Solutions
Create a hook using the 3-D modeling and printing that can hold a bunch of bananas
by the stem and can be attached to the bottom of a cabinet or a wall.
Create a free-standing hook using the 3-D modeling and printing that can hold a bunch
of bananas by the stem.
Using a bowl that can be found in the kitchen, place a folded towel in the bowl and
place the bananas on top of the towel.
Use a Command™ hook that can be attached to the bottom of a cabinet or the wall.
B1: Explanation of Solution
I will design a hook that can be attached to the bottom of a cabinet. The hook will be 3-D printed
with Polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) to ensure endurance. Measurements of the
smallest possible size of the final product will need to be taken into account during the design
and modeling of the hook. The hook will be designed using the 3-D modeling program, Blender.
The design can be uploaded on 3-D print sharing websites to be used to print copies on any
compatible 3-D printer.
B2: Justification for Solution Selection
When considering solutions, I took multiple items into account. First, was cost; hooks that attach
to a hard surface would use the least amount of material. A free-standing hook would require
much more material to allow suspension of the banana bunch than a hook that attaches to an
object. The bowl with cushioning requires the use of two sources of materials. Another issue
with the cushioned bowl solution is there would still be pressure put on the bottom bananas from
the weight of the bunch, putting them at continued risk for compression bruising. The second
WGU C389: PFRA – ZPT2 Science, Technology, and Society
Task 2 |Latest Update with Complete Solution
Engineering Process
Kirsten Nearman
SID: xxxxxxx
Assessment Code: PFRA – ZPT2
C389: Science, Technoloy, and
Society Suzanne Metlay
A1: Description of Problem
After going grocery shopping for my family, I commonly have a bunch of bananas. I leave them
on the counter, but I find that the bananas sitting on the bottom of the bunch start to show
bruising. After doing a bit of research I found the North South Wales Department of Primary
Industries describe the bruising as “[occurring] when enough impact or compression forces are
applied to fruit.” This meant the weight of the bananas was causing the bruising.
A2: Discussion of Problem
Everyone in my family has an issue with the bruising because it causes a mushy texture. This can
cause an issue of food waste as the mushy parts of the banana usually get thrown out. This is
likely an issue for other families as well. If six families threw away the equivalent of one banana,
that would be an entire bunch of bananas that would be wasted. Preventing bruising could help
prevent waste.
A3: Constraints and Specifications for a Solution
Solution should successfully prevent bruising on bananas while they are still in a bunch.
, 2
Constructed objects should be small, easy to clean, and stow when not in use. Access to a 3-D
printer, 3-D printing software, and 3-D printing filament are required to print new project
designs. Other items used may need to be purchased.
A4: List of Possible Solutions
Create a hook using the 3-D modeling and printing that can hold a bunch of bananas
by the stem and can be attached to the bottom of a cabinet or a wall.
Create a free-standing hook using the 3-D modeling and printing that can hold a bunch
of bananas by the stem.
Using a bowl that can be found in the kitchen, place a folded towel in the bowl and
place the bananas on top of the towel.
Use a Command™ hook that can be attached to the bottom of a cabinet or the wall.
B1: Explanation of Solution
I will design a hook that can be attached to the bottom of a cabinet. The hook will be 3-D printed
with Polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PETG) to ensure endurance. Measurements of the
smallest possible size of the final product will need to be taken into account during the design
and modeling of the hook. The hook will be designed using the 3-D modeling program, Blender.
The design can be uploaded on 3-D print sharing websites to be used to print copies on any
compatible 3-D printer.
B2: Justification for Solution Selection
When considering solutions, I took multiple items into account. First, was cost; hooks that attach
to a hard surface would use the least amount of material. A free-standing hook would require
much more material to allow suspension of the banana bunch than a hook that attaches to an
object. The bowl with cushioning requires the use of two sources of materials. Another issue
with the cushioned bowl solution is there would still be pressure put on the bottom bananas from
the weight of the bunch, putting them at continued risk for compression bruising. The second
