156B Week 9
Overview of Status of Analysis, Design, Fabrication, Tests, etc.
Working prototype completed
Taste testing underway for flavor optimization
Machine final details to be implemented
Accomplishments from Previous Week
Troubleshot and worked through final minor errors with machine operation
Adjusted solids entry pathway into funnel
Fine-tuned cooktop and stirrer controls for optimal tea color and flavor
Installed side panels so that machine is more aesthetically pleasing
Installed more powerful pumps to enable a faster and stronger flow
More efficient flushing of solid ingredients
Faster operating time
Attended Finals of E-Challenge
Placed 2nd out of 4 finalists
26 total teams in semi-finals on 5/22/15
Goals for Next Week (list names after each item). Use specific and measurable objectives.
Finalize machine fine-tuning
Potentially install stepper motors onto solids dispensers to replace current Pololu motors
Adjust milk-brewing times to obtain even darker tea color
Demonstrate machine for interested parties
Sponsor to bring in people to look at prototype
Sponsor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
Comments made in-person on 5/20/15:
Adjust tea taste to be more authentic
Greatly increase tea quantity
Reduce milk volume
Increase milk brewing time
Actions taken:
Ingredient proportions adjusted
Stirrer and cooktop controls adjusted to accommodate for increased risk of frothing
Instructor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
Comments made in-person on 5/19/15:
Requires milk for hardware demonstration
Consider using a spatula to scrape the sides of the pot to prevent residue from settling
Focus on the taste
It is the main purpose of the prototype
Cover up electronics to prevent shorting
Think about how to present the most challenging issues faced during project
Actions taken:
All demonstrations in front of sponsors were done using milk
Adjusting stirrer motor power resolved the residue settling problem
Worked with sponsor to refine the taste
Electronics placement as they are currently should not be an issue
The more troubling concern is the fear of motor failure
Challenges carefully considered for the presentation
Comments from Other Students in the Class (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
N/A
Risks and Areas of Concern
Failure of motors (particularly with the solids dispensers)
Solids dispensers' reliability
Placement of end-stop switch for sufficient actuation
Consistency of trials
Having the first trial taste the same as the 100th trial
Currently, taste is fairly variable
Resources or Information Required but not Available
N/A
Schedule
E-Challenge finals (5/29/15)
Report, webpage, and poster deadlines fast approaching
Finish optimizing machine
Budget (list amount spent and amount remaining)
Spent: $1007.30
Remaining: $-7.30
Progress on Report and Webpage
Currently proofreading other team's report
Report final draft is underway