Intro to The Problem

The Philippines faces significant challenges in sweeping using traditional

sweepers, which are often inefficient, ineffective, and labor-intensive
(Department of Public Works and Highways, 2019). Traditional sweepers,
such as brooms and dustpans, struggle to collect debris, particularly in large
areas or areas with heavy foot traffic, leading to poor sanitation and
environmental pollution (Department of Environment and Natural Resources,
2020). Moreover, the use of traditional sweepers can cause user fatigue,
back and joint strain, and limited accessibility, particularly for persons with
disabilities (International Labour Organization, 2018; Philippine Standards
Association, 2018). These problems are intensified by the country's rapid
urbanization, growing population, and limited resources, highlighting the
need for improved sweeping technologies and strategies in the Philippines
(National Economic and Development Authority, 2019). The researchers had
observed these struggles of the maintenance team of Brokenshire College
Toril while sweeping by addressing this issue; the researchers will develop an
improved push sweeper that will ease the burden on the maintenance team.

The existing design of push sweepers poses several problems, including

inefficient sweeping mechanisms, heavy and bulky designs, limited
adjustability, and poor ergonomics, leading to user fatigue, back and joint
strain, and limited accessibility for users with disabilities (Kuo, 2019; Lee,
2020; World Health Organization, 2018; International Labour Organization,
2018). These design limitations result in poor debris collection, frequent
clogging, and reduced effectiveness in maintaining clean and sanitary
environments, highlighting the need for innovative and user-centered design
solutions to improve the effectiveness, efficiency, and usability of push
sweepers.

Globally, the need for effective and affordable street cleaning solutions is a
pressing issue, particularly in developing countries where resources are
scarce (World Health Organization, 2018, p. 12). According to the World
Bank, "waste management is a critical component of sustainable urban
development" (World Bank, 2018, p. 3). The United Nations Habitat
emphasizes the importance of waste management in achieving sustainable
development goals (United Nations Habitat, 2019, p. 5).
 Nationally, the Philippines faces significant challenges in waste
management, with many cities struggling to provide effective waste
collection and disposal services (National Solid Waste Management
Commission, 2019, p. 10). The Department of Environment and Natural
Resources (DENR) has implemented programs to improve waste
management practices, including the development of low-cost waste
management technologies (DENR, 2020, p. 5).

Locally, Davao City has implemented various initiatives to improve waste

management, including the establishment of a waste-to-energy facility and
the implementation of a city-wide waste segregation program (City
Government of Davao, 2020, p. 10). However, despite these efforts, the city
still faces challenges in maintaining clean streets and public spaces,
particularly in densely populated areas (Davao City Environment and Natural
Resources Office, 2020, p. 5). The development of a low-cost push sweeper
could help address these challenges and improve waste management
outcomes in Davao City.

To address these factors, this study aims to develop a low-cost push sweeper
that has multiple functions in our community, particularly in Davao City.

City Government of Davao. (2020). Davao City Solid Waste Management Plan.
Davao City Environment and Natural Resources Office. (2020). State of the
Environment Report.
DENR. (2020). National Waste Management Strategy.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources. (2020). Philippine
Environmental Report.
Department of Public Works and Highways. (2019). Philippine Infrastructure Report.
International Labour Organization. (2018). Decent Work Country Profile: Philippines.
International Labour Organization. (2018). Decent Work Country Profile: Philippines.
Kuo, C. (2019). Development of a Street Sweeper with an Effective Sweeping
Mechanism. Journal of Mechanical Science and Technology, 33(10), 4531-
4538.
 Lee, S. (2020). Ergonomic Design of a Push Street Sweeper. Journal of Ergonomics,
10(2), 1-9.
National Economic and Development Authority. (2019). Philippine Development
Plan.
National Solid Waste Management Commission. (2019). National Solid Waste
Management Status Report.
Philippine Standards Association. (2018). Philippine Standard for Sweeping
Services.
United Nations Habitat. (2019). Waste Management: A Critical Component of
Sustainable Urban Development.
World Bank. (2018). What a Waste 2.0: A Global Update on Waste Management.
World Health Organization. (2018). Global Health Observatory.

Input- Process-Output

Input Process Output

 Design  Research and development: Low-cost push sweeper: A
requirements: User Gather data, and analyze functional, efficient, and
needs, sweeping previous studies. environmentally friendly
mechanism,  Design and prototyping: sweeper that meets user
durability, and Create visual design, needs.
environmental develop prototypes, and test
impact. their performance.
 Materials: Low-cost  Material selection: Source
materials, such as low-cost materials such as:
recycled plastic, scrap metals and etc.
aluminum, or  Manufacturing and
stainless steel. assembly: Produce
 Manufacturing components, assemble the
process: Design for sweeper, and conduct
assembly, and quality checks.
testing.  Testing and evaluation:
 Financial resources: Conduct performance tests,
Budget for gather user feedback,
materials, discuss the data and write a
manufacturing and recommendation.
testing.
World Health Organization. (2018). Global Waste Management Outlook.
Objectives:

The main objective of this project is to design and develop an enhanced push
sweeper that is more accessible, low-cost, easier to use,
and incorporates innovative features.

1. How long does the low-cost push sweeper maintain its durability and
cleaning effectiveness in terms of:

1.1 Functional lifespan of the components?

1.2 Efficiency in collecting debris across various surface types over time?

2.What is the level of efficiency of the low-cost push sweeper in terms of:

2.1 Debris collection rate and size range of particles captured?

2.2 Ease of use and maneuverability for the intended user?

3.Is there a significant difference in performance and cost-effectiveness

between the developed low-cost push sweeper and commercially available
push sweepers?

Theoretical framework
The development of a low-cost push sweeper can be guided by the Design
Thinking theory, which emphasizes a human-centered approach to problem-
solving (Brown, 2009, p. 2). This approach involves empathizing with the
needs and challenges of street cleaners, defining the problems they face,
ideating solutions, prototyping, and testing (Brown, 2009, p. 3). By applying
Design Thinking, the developer can create a low-cost push street sweeper
that is effective, efficient, and easy to use, ultimately improving the lives of
street cleaners and contributing to cleaner, healthier communities (Brown,
2009, p. 5).

Reference:

Brown, T. (2009). Change by Design: How Design Thinking Transforms

Organizations and Inspires Innovation. HarperCollins Publishers

Methodology
Advantages and Limitation of the Project

Advantages

Small and Lightweight

The push sweeper is designed to be easily maneuverable and portable,
making it convenient to use and store.

Recyclable Material
The push sweeper utilize scrap metal that promotes sustainability and
reduces material costs, making it an environmentally friendly choice.

360 Degrees Wheels

The push sweeper includes a 360-degree wheels that allows for easy
maneuverability and direction in tight spaces.

Multipurpose
The push sweeper can be used for cleaning tasks, both indoors and outdoors,
offering versatility and value.

Low-Cost
The push sweeper avoids battery power and utilize scrap materials to make
the product cost significantly reduced, making it an affordable option.
Limitations

Not Suitable for Uneven Surfaces The design may not be effective on rough
or uneven terrains, limiting its usability in certain areas. Limited to Particles
That Are Not Heavy The sweeping mechanism may struggle with heavier
debris, making it more suitable for lighter materials like leaves, dust, and
small debris. Limited Storage of Particles Collected The sweeper might have
a limited storage for collected debris, requiring frequent emptying depending
on the capacity of the garbage bag and sack.

Needed Resources
Materials

Frame and Handle

1. Steel or aluminum tubing (for durability and low weight)
2. Wooden or PVC handle (for comfort and grip)

Sweeping Mechanism
1. polypropylene bristles (for effective sweeping)
2. Steel or aluminum rod (for bristle attachment)
3. Rubber or plastic blade (for dust and debris collection)
Wheels and Mobility
1. Solid rubber tires with 360° rotation (for smooth movement)
2. Steel or plastic wheel axles (for durability)
3. Ball bearings or bushings (for smooth wheel rotation)

Debris Collection
1. Sack and garbage bag(for collecting dust and debris)

Fasteners and Hardware

1. Bolts, nuts, and screws (for assembling the sweeper)
2. Wire or cable ties (for securing cables and hoses)

Optional Features
1. Adjustable handle height (for ergonomic comfort)
2. Detachable debris container (for easy emptying)

Sustainable Materials
1. Recycled plastic or metal (for reducing waste and environmental impact)
Project Development Procedure

The project "Developing Low-cost Push Sweeper" will commence with a

research and planning phase, which will take place during the first week.
During this phase, a literature review will be conducted to gather information
on existing push sweeper. The requirements and specifications of materials
needed will be identified, and the budget and timeline for the project will be
determined.

In the second and third week, the design and prototyping phase will take
place. The layout will be designed, and the necessary components, including
the scrap metal, 360 degree wheels, screws and volts, will be selected and
obtain. The push sweeper will be assembled, and testing and debugging will
be conducted. By the end of the third week, a functional prototype of the
push sweeper is expected to be completed.

In the final week, the testing and evaluation phase will take place. The
performance of the push sweeper will be tested, including its efficiency,
capacity, and efficacy with multiple testing . The push sweeper durability
and reliability will also be evaluated. By the end of the fourth week, the
project is expected to be completed, and a fully furnished low-cost push
sweeper will be demonstrated.

Project Instrument

The project instrument for developing a low-cost push sweeper will

commence with a multiple testing to maintenance team and co-researchers.
The multiple testing aims to gather vital information on current sweeping
practices, challenges, and needs, providing a comprehensive understanding
of the existing situation.

To further inform the design of the low-cost push sweeper, an observational

study will be conducted, where maintenance team will be observed in action.
This will enable the research team to note their techniques, challenges, and
interactions with existing equipment, highlighting areas for improvement

Finally, prototype of the low-cost push sweeper will be developed and tested
with maintenance team to gather feedback on its performance, usability, and
effectiveness.

Data Gathering Procedure

The data gathering procedure for the project "Developing Low-cost Push
Sweeper" will start with a literature review and experimental design phase,
which will take place during the first week. During this phase, relevant data
on existing push sweeper will be gathered from various sources, including
academic journals, research papers, and online resources. The experimental
design will also be developed, outlining the procedures for testing and
evaluating the push sweeper performance.

In the second and third week, data will be collected through experimentation
and testing of the push sweeper prototype. The push sweeper performance
will be evaluated under various area conditions, including different storage.
Data will be collected on the power efficiency, capacity and effectiveness
with multiple testing. The push sweeper's durability and reliability will also be
evaluated through accelerated life testing and environmental testing.

By the end of the fourth week, all data will be collected and analyzed. The
results will be used to evaluate the push sweeper's performance, identify
areas for improvement, and make recommendations for future development.
The data will also be used to create a comprehensive report and
presentation, which will be used to demonstrate the project's outcomes and
results.

Data Analysis

The following were used to evaluate the performance and cost-effectiveness

of a newly developed low-cost push sweeper.

The mean. Which is also referred to as the arithmetic mean, is determined by

dividing the sum of all values by the total amount of values given (Eads,
2023). It can assist in making well-informed decisions, like recommending or
setting priorities for further research, can be assisted by it. The researchers
can determine the performance better on average through evaluating the
mean ratings of the various aspects of the sweepers performance.

The Likert scale. A psychometric scale that is often utilized for assessing
views, opinions, or perceptions in questionnaires and surveys (Simply
Psychology, 2023). The researchers will utilize an adapted version of the
standard Likert scale to evaluate the effectiveness of low-cost push sweeper.
The effectiveness of the push sweeper will be determined by the Likert
scale's standards, which can be determined by carefully developing the scale
and rigorously evaluating their performance every three days. From the
researchers' perspective, this is used to gather important information about
the individual effectiveness of the push sweeper.

This data analysis plan will provide a thorough evaluation of the low-cost
push sweeper, enabling informed conclusions about its performance,
durability, and cost-effectiveness. The results will be used to refine the
design and inform potential future development.