Overview of Status of Analysis, Design, Fabrication, Tests, etc.
Came up with a method of constraining helicopter during independent measurements.
Limited design to one load cell for all force/torque measurements to minimize coding/cost.
Incorporated counterweight back into design plan.
Decided with sponsor on type of shaft/bearings.
Accomplishments from Previous Week
Did not order parts as planned, because we have yet to receive an index number. Also, we are not quite prepared to order the parts due to some of the design decisions made in the sponsor meeting on Tuesday, 4/10.
These decisions include the selection of the type of shaft/bearings (precision steel with linear ball bearings), motor control (now one direction), and slip rings (now not needed).
Goals for Next Week (list names after each item). Use specific and measurable objectives.
Erik: Select shaft and bearings for purchase. Get estimate of the weight of the shaft to help in motor selection.
Quintin: Based on shaft and helicopter weight, select motors for purchase (and possibly motor drivers).
Daniel: Select encoders for purchase.
Htin: Order materials for prototype stand.
As a Team: Begin prototype fabrication and draft report.
Sponsor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
Sponsor Comment: Decide where translation-measuring encoder will be and include it in the CAD model (during meeting Tuesday 4/10).
Team Action: We are fairly sure the encoder will run along the same wire that holds the counterweight.
Sponsor Comment: Incorporate counterweight back into the design, due to the weight of the shaft and mounting assembly (during meeting Tuesday 4/10).
Team Action: Returned to original idea of countering the weight of the shaft and helicopter mounting assembly, such that the helicopter will be lifting only its own weight.
Sponsor Comment: Simplify design by limiting rotation to one revolution. This eliminates the need for a slip ring.
Team Action: Will add a physical stop to CAD design to allow only one rotation.
Instructor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
It was suggested that we look into integral fans for the helicopter blades and motors.
We, along with our sponsor, decided that the fans and motors should be separate components.
Comments from Other Students in the Class (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
None
Risks and Areas of Concern
As of right now, we don't foresee any major problems. Our design is simple, but we will likely run into some problems as we progress.
Resources or Information Required but not Available
None
Schedule
Describe upcoming milestone
Update Gantt chart.
Budget (list amount spent and amount remaining)
0 spent, $1000 remaining.
Progress on Report and Webpage