Overview of Status of Analysis, Design, Fabrication, Tests, etc.
After meeting with the sponsor and presenting our current design, team 3 received approval for the "inverted hook" design using Haydon linear actuators, and chose to proceed with this design.
The 1-dimension stretching prototype was assembled using acryllic and a Haydon linear actuator (similar, not identical to the final components).
Prototype used to test simple command strings sent to the motor from a computer, delivered over USB to ADM controller.
Began fabrication of sample petri-dishes, with materials available in the machine shop.
Successfully assembled and began testing of one PVC prototype, over-sized dish
Began fabrication of acrylic super-sized dish (4/23)
Accomplishments from Previous Week
Significant purchases made including 4 (out of probable 5) motors, as well as a 4-axis motor controller to drive the stretching motions.
Completed petri dish machining, made on lathe on 4/19 out of PVC, then silicone sheet was pressed into it and tested for water-tightness
Petri dish was not made to ideal size, was scaled up to size of available PVC
Assembled and began investigation into 1D stretching.
Tested on microscope with visible-light spectrum optics 4/23
Goals for Next Week (list names after each item). Use specific and measurable objectives.
Begin fabrication of 4-axis stretching device
Make prototype of final petri dish
Determine material of choice
Use and fabricate with final dimensions
Continue research into control and interface options
Sponsor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
There still is great concern in the focus area
Our testing of the 1D prototype, including pictures taken under a microscope was done to address this
Current design of the petri dish reduces sag in the silicone
Instructor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
(via presentation feedback): ND - How stationary does the neuron have to be during stretching?
(via presentation feedback): ND - Consider using MATLAB with image processing toolbox for image feedback
(via presentation feedback): ND - Consider using delrin as motor mount material
(during previous meeting): ND - Get feedback from Steve Roberts before making electronics decisions
Discussed plans for motors and controllers with Steve Roberts prior to presenting our design to the client
Comments from Other Students in the Class (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
(via presentation feedback 4/16): Razi - Find out if the researchers have access to LabVIEW licenses
(via presentation feedback 4/16): Razi - Delrin gears will help us out for the rotational motion
(via presentation feedback 4/16): Sean Whitaker - Recommends the motor driver software over arduino
Risks and Areas of Concern
We'll have a better idea here once we begin assembly of the 4-axis device
Still don't know too much about image processing technology
Resources or Information Required but not Available
Further information about motor driver software
Processing.org
LabVIEW potential?
Implementation of workable GUI
Stand-alone hardware for interaction vs. computer program
Schedule
Upcoming milestones:
Bi-axial stretching of silicone membrane
Production of final petri dish
Deliverable will include a limited supply of dishes as well as drawings to replicate them for further use
Budget (list amount spent and amount remaining)
Total spent: $710
Total remaining $790
(Excludes machine shop funds)
Progress on Report and Webpage
Webpage homepage has been updated
Report portions to be selected?