156B Week 3
Overview of Status of Analysis, Design, Fabrication, Tests, etc.
Redesigning liquid container after obtaining feedback from Chris Cassidy on cost of 3D printing
Conducted research into viable components to be used with the new liquid container
O-rings for sealing both adapter as well as stopper
Nuts
Containers
Extensive research into thread design for 3D printing
Began fabrication of solid dispensing mechanism
Finalized overall assembly layout
Accomplishments from Previous Week
Finalized design for the stirrer - decided to implement it as part of the lid mechanism
Entered into final design phase of the liquid container adapter
Inspiration from automated espresso machine liquid containers
Took a trip to Bloomingdale's to check out the high-end espresso machines for ideas
Adapter designed to conceivably fit on any fluid container
Finishing up CAD for another sponsor meeting on Thursday
Discussed and agreed upon final overall assembly layout
Began creating 3D CAD assembly for the prototype
Usage of aluminum extrusions as a frame for its modular capability
Decided to include a fan to aid in steam re-direction
Began fabrication of solid dispensers
3D print of solid containers
Goals for Next Week (list names after each item). Use specific and measurable objectives.
Completely finish the design of the liquid container adapter (Howard)
Order necessary parts (O-rings, nuts, springs)
Fabricate two liquid containers before the next sponsor meeting
Completely finish the piping system necessary for pumping fluid from the liquid containers into the carafe as well as implementing a route for easy cleaning (Edwin)
Note: Cleaning of the milk route to be accomplished by switching the water container onto the milk container's slot
Fabricate two solid dispensers (Michael)
Fully assemble the components
Begin testing of the solid dispensers (Pablo)
Hook up the motors to the microprocessor and try to control it as per intended
Verify that all functions work
Easy cleaning
Reliable measuring
Assess need to re-fabricate out of higher quality material
Sponsor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
NOTE: Meeting with sponsors (in-person) on 4/13/15
Scheduled yet another meeting for Thursday with following intentions:
Lock down the design for the stirring mechanism
Finalize design of the liquid adapter
Begin to decide upon the final assembly layout
Try to have a working prototype as soon as possible due to the accelerating pace of the StartR accelerator
Check out Nespresso machines
Keep ease of cleaning in mind constantly throughout the design phase
Get physical components in the queue as soon as possible since problems always arise during testing and the need for redesigns is a high possibility
Instructor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
NOTE: This is the meeting with Dr. Babcock (in-person) on 4/7/15
Investigate the viability of a magnetic stirring solution
Different placement perhaps
Collected old espresso machine from Dr. Babcock to examine and possibly implement some of the ideas / concepts used
NOTE: Presentation with Dr. Delson on 4/14/15
Remake the slides for greater ease of understanding
Slides were remade
Comments from Other Students in the Class (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
Consider auger design for the solid dispenser (4/14/15)
Risks and Areas of Concern
Aggressive timeline
Stirrer implementation
Electronics power integration (temporary solution might be to use power strip)
Induction effects on magnetic stirrer
Thread implementation on a 3D printing setup
Resources or Information Required but not Available
Steam's effect on IR sensor
Feasibility of hacking into the induction cooktop's electronics
Schedule
Finalized designs to be completed and fabrication to begin by next Monday (4/20/15)
Budget (list amount spent and amount remaining)
Spent: $118.01
Remaining: $881.99
Progress on Report and Webpage
Updated webpage
Continuing to compile relevant and poignant pictures of CAD assemblies and testing setups to be used in future reports