156B Week 6
Overview of Status of Analysis, Design, Fabrication, Tests, etc.
Finishing up fabrication of solid and liquid dispensers
Code for components currently being developed
Stirrer concept fully developed and tested
Accomplishments from Previous Week
Completed re-print of liquid dispenser on Projet 3510
Assembled 2nd prototype version of liquid dispenser
Tested prototype and identified issues:
Inflow of air obstructs outflow of water
Reduced internal friction in solid dispensers caused by jamming of solid particles
Acrylic-on-acrylic interface
Code currently being developed for following components:
Solid dispenser motors
Pumps / flow sensor
Induction cooktop
Conducted quick test for concept of stirrer
Goals for Next Week (list names after each item). Use specific and measurable objectives.
Completely finish fabrication of all components
Liquid dispenser
Solid dispenser
Stirrer
Guiding feature for pot alignment with stirrer motor
Fully assemble the overall machine prototype
Mount all components
Implement necessary wiring and electrical components
Connect complete tubing system to pumps, valves, and flow sensors
Test completed prototype and calibrate necessary sensors
Debug code completely
Finish prototype for Monday StartR presentation
Sponsor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
Fix issues with first liquid adapter prototype and create 2nd liquid adapter
Reprinted 2nd 3D parts and assembled
Make sure that solid dispensers jamming issue is resolved
Created all-acrylic interface for greatly reduced friction
Begin parallel work with software code and electronics while mechanical assembly is finishing
Instructor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
Instructor comments from 4/28/15 meeting:
Investigate feasibility of buying components off-the-shelf:
Liquid container's spring valve adapter
Solid dispensing solutions (e.g. gunpowder dispenser)
Once machine is fully working, do not disassemble due to the possibility of potential hardware demonstrations
Fit tolerance for liquid dispenser:
As loose as possible
Use brute force to solve solution when little time is remaining
Make sure that everything is food safe
Actions taken to address these comments:
Looking into off-the-shelf spring valve adapters
Solid dispensing off-the-shelf components are simply far too expensive
Liquid dispenser's adapter fit made loose by 5 - 10 thou
Food-safe check ongoing
Comments from Other Students in the Class (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
Comments made from 5/5/15 Proof of Concept Presentation:
Check that all parts used are food-grade
Look into nylon tape as tubing
Possibility of using sealant in lid
Actions taken:
Food grade checking process is ongoing
Tubing for liquid system has already been ordered
Risks and Areas of Concern
Electronics / microprocessor integration
Hardware timeline is lagging behind
Limited time for implementing electronics for Sunday deadline
Liquid adapter overflow issue
No mating seal between adapter body and mating sleeve
Solid dispensers still do not release solids reliably each time
Jamming on bottom plate of dispenser
Stirrer strainer implementation still unknown
Resources or Information Required but not Available
N/A
Schedule
Project prototype completion deadline: May 10th
Gantt chart updated to accommodate delays to fabrication process
May 10th delivery date still feasible
Budget (list amount spent and amount remaining)
Spent: $532.76
Remaining: $467.24
Progress on Report and Webpage
Report 1st draft submitted
Webpage updated:
Front page 1st draft
Team photos and e-mail links implemented