More complicated is better???

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- eromlignod
  
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posted
18 years ago

Wed, Mar 15, 2006 4:08 PM

Gentlemen:

Did anyone else get an e-mail today from GlobalSpec touting their "Brain Strainer"? Here's what they say:

"Yes, it is rocket science - it's the new Brain Strainer! Put your superior knowledge of physics to the test as you build a complex device that lights a fuse to launch a rocket. The more objects you use - and the more complex your invention - the more points you score."

Why on earth would you score more points for overcomplicating a device? Is this a joke? I take it the goal is to see how much of a Rube Goldberg monstrosity you can create.

Gentlemen, start your squirrell cages!

Don Kansas City

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- Fred Klingener
  
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posted
18 years ago

Wed, Mar 15, 2006 5:51 PM

Must be kind of an "Apprentice" show that NASA's using to recruit designers for the shuttle follow-on.

Just a guess, Fred "Simplicate and Add Lightness" Klingener

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- eromlignod
  
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posted
18 years ago

Wed, Mar 15, 2006 8:26 PM

I know what you mean about NASA. The travelling Smithsonian exibit came here a few years ago and the lunar splash-down capsule was one of the items on display. The capsule door was swung open and the hinge on it was one of the damnedest most elaborate, complicated, Mickey Mouse contraptions I've ever seen in my life! It must have had 200 custom-machined parts in it. I realize that it has to withstand high pressures and temperatures and blow open quickly in case of an emergecny, but wow! It's a damned hinge, for crying out loud!

I've always said that you can solve virtually any problem by overcomplicating it. I guess that's the design you end up with when you have almost limitless amounts of money and very little time.

"Simple is hard".

Don Kansas City