Overview of Status of Analysis, Design, Fabrication, Tests, etc.
The risk reductions test illustrated that the gripping force provided by conventional grippers should not pose a large problem as long as we are mindful of the
outputs of the motor. CADs of our designs for the gripper, its support, and the storage area for the project are being made. They will be tested via SolidWorks
simulations to better understand stress concentrations and will be printed to ascertain the actual performance of the parts.
Accomplishments from Previous Week
We performed our risk reduction experiments and presented our results to the class via Zoom.
Goals for Next Week (list names after each item). Use specific and measurable objectives.
We want to develop CADs for the gripper and its support (via assemblies on SolidWorks) and 3D print them to make a decision on the designs to be iterated and
improved upon for the final project. Additionally, this would allow us to decide which motor we wish to purchase to automate the motion of the printed parts.
(Manuel, Kieu, Angela, Alanna)
Sponsor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
The sponsors expressed that a prototype that acts as a proof of concept for our design is sufficient given the circumstances. Additionally, our documentation should
be clear enough that the design could be built and implemented by the sponsors after the project's completion (via Zoom 3/31/2020).
Instructor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
The professor asked how we would proceed with our designs and subsequent testings during the quarter. We noted that rapid prototyping could be achieved since
we have access to a personal 3D printer to create mock-ups of our designs (via Zoom 3/31/2020).
Comments from Other Students in the Class (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
There were no comments made by other students in the class either via email or in person.
Risks and Areas of Concern
The risks with the current designs that are being pursued concern the amount of wear that the components will experience. For example, a rack and pinion design
can be used to complete the clamping motion of the gripper. However, extended use will cause the teeth on both components to wear away and lead to failure of
the gripper. The use of 3D printing for prototyping may exacerbate these concerns and indicate that wear-resistant materials like metals should be used in the final
design or to design a gripper without the use of a rack and pinion.
Schedule
The Gantt Chart is updated weekly under the Project Management tab
Our upcoming milestones concern our decisions on the designs we hope to iterate for the project. We can build a working gripper once a consensus has been reached
on the designs.
Budget (list amount spent and amount remaining)
Our budget for the project is $1250. We have not purchased any parts but are looking to make a final decision on the motor used to actuate the gripper by the end of Week 2.
Progress on Report and Webpage
The report and webpage are being updated as the design process continues.