Overview of Status of Analysis, Design, Fabrication, Tests, etc.
CADs for different components of the system have been created and printed. The grippers were designed to scale in order to
print and test using Arduino motors. The translational and storage components were modeled in SolidWorks to ensure that the designs were clear to team members and others. The 3D printed parts are being tested for functionality.
Accomplishments from Previous Week
The team members for the project have developed CADs and detailed illustrations of each component of the electromechanical
gripper system. Two different gripper designs were explored and prepared for printing and various translation and storage designs were modeled.
Goals for Next Week (list names after each item). Use specific and measurable objectives.
The team members plan to reach a consensus on which gripper design (direct drive or rack-and-pinion by Angela and Alanna) should be iterated for
implementation in the system.
We plan to use our 3D printer to test each design with a microservo motor (Manuel).
Afterwards, we plan to purchase motors and translational parts for use in the actual system (Kieu).
Finalize gripper design for 3D printing and for manufacturing. (Angela)
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 gave input on the different designs for the storage station of the system. They showed a clear preference for a rectangular storage design. We will place more emphasis on this design as it seemed to be widely favored.
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 raised questions concerning the role of the motor in gripping the glass slides. As of now, the motor driving the gripper's picking motion is to be left on during the entire operation. We will explore if the gripper can hold onto
the glass slides when the motor is turned off.
Comments from Other Students in the Class (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
No comments were provided by other students during this time.
Risks and Areas of Concern
Because of the reduced manufacturing capabilities for this project, we are relying largely on 3D printing. However, the PLA filament we are using for preliminary testing is not resistant to wear.This is an area of concern because our system
is meant to be operated with no physical intervention.
Resources or Information Required but not Available
We do not have access to machining equipment due to COVID-19.
Schedule
The GANTT chart is provided under the project management tab.
We hope to decide on the gripper design and motor to operate the gripper.
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 motors used to actuate the gripper as well as parts for the translational motion by the end of Week 2.
Progress on Report and Webpage
The report and webpage are being updated as the design process continues.