Overview of Status of Analysis, Design, Fabrication, Tests, etc.
A consensus was reached by the members of the team concerning the basic design
of the electromechanical gripper and the assembly process. A basic CAD was created
to ensure understanding.
We recognized as a group that the first focus in testing should concern the mechanical
properties of the glass substrates. We are researching these properties online before
validating with equipment on campus.
Accomplishments from Previous Week
Each team member has made progress on their individual component analysis and developed
ideas for the overall design of the system.
Goals for Next Week
Determine material (in)compatibilities for the construction of our system with regards to the
nitrogen-rich environment and solvents being used (Kieu)
Complete a custom design of our gripper or put in an order form to purchase a pre-made gripper (Angela)
Determine whether to machine or lasercut the skeleton that supports the gripper (Alanna)
Decide which microcontroller to use for control of the electromechanical system (Manuel)
Sponsor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments
The sponsors addressed their ideal design if the project were to be completed ahead of time.
We responded that focus will be placed on optimizing the proposed system. Additions to this
system will be considered after this is achieved.
The sponsors addressed the need for proof of concept to extend the budget.
We responded that the proof of concept will mainly rely on the functionality of the gripper and
our focus has been placed on its performance.
Instructor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments
Professor proposed reducing the degrees of freedom of the system to only include translation.
We removed the rotational degrees of freedom and plan to strictly use cartesian translation.
Risks and Areas of Concern
The ability of the gripper and associated assembly to pick up and transfer the glass substrates is
the main area of concern. The system should be able to pick the substrates without breaking or
dropping the specimen.
Resources or Information Required but not Available
We are currently securing access to a materials tester to validate the maximum allowable pressure
on the sides of the glass substrates.
Schedule
Determine the maximum allowable pressure that can be applied to the sides of the glass substrates
without breaking
Perform risk reduction on the gripper mechanism
Budget (list amount spent and amount remaining)
No purchases have been made at this time. The sponsor has access to Arduinos, which allows us to
use the budget towards other aspects. The possibility of machining has been discussed.
Progress on Report and Webpage
The report and webpage have been updated as developments with the project occur. The objective of
the project has been updated on the homepage and the Project Management tab has been filled out.