156B Week 6

Overview of Status of Analysis, Design, Fabrication, Tests, etc.

• • The mechanism has been completely assembled and mounted to the base plate, the accelerometer and telephone hubs still need to be incorporated to the mechanism platform. Arduino, motor, and accelerometer need to be wired.

  • Development of the control algorithm has been started, research into developing a GUI in MATLAB has been done.

  • Early tests have been performed with the assistance of Dr. Roberts, who suggested we use a stepper motor instead of the geared motor currently in use (improved performance and easier programming).

  • Taking into account the alignment issues and Dr. Roberts suggestions we are considering modifications and potentially developing an alternative design incorporating linear bearings and or stepper motor.

Accomplishments from Previous Week

• • Fabrication of the linkages and motor supports has been completed. The sliding mechanism and motor have been securely mounted to the base plate. Preliminary tests were performed. (Mark and Chris)

  • Alignment of linkages and shafts starts (Mark)

  • Bought telephone cable and hubs for the monitors data transfer (Chris)

  • The screw shield for the Arduino has been soldered, electrical components can now be wired. (Shannon and Roque)

  • Started testing enconder output and understanding it  (Shannon and Roque)

  • Development of the control algorithm and GUI has started. Serial communication between MATLAB and Arduino has been established.     (Shannon and Roque)

Goals for Next Week

• • Perform further testing and optimization. (All)

  • Complete the Arduino program, and interface in MATLAB. (Shanon and Roque)

  • Wire all electrical components. (Chris)

  • Design and fabricate enclosure for the accelerometer and Arduino. (Mark)

  • Calibrate the accelerometer. (Shannon and Roque)

  • Configure the layout of the telephone cables and 5-way hubs if not completed this week. (All)

  • Fabricate new prototype if the decision to redesign the prototype is made. (All)

Sponsor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments

• • No comments made.

Instructor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments

• • Dr. Tustaniwskyj and Yoshio gave us a many suggestions on developing the control algorithm. Per their recommendations we will be referencing the program algorithms provided to us in MAE 156A. (In person on May 7)

Comments from Other Students in the Class

• • Several individuals suggested linear bearings be used in the sliding mechanism instead of rollers.

Risks and Areas of Concern

• • Miss alignment of the linkages results in jamming and high friction in the system.

Resources or Information Required but not Available

• • Need a power supply for the motor, we are waiting to receive the item we ordered but have been using the power supplies in Dr. Roberts lab for early testing.

  • It is possible that we will redesign or modify our prototype to incorporate linear bearings and or a stepper motor. Linear bearings will be purchased, a stepper motor can be checked out from the component room but a stepper motor controller is required (can borrowed one from Dr. Roberts for testing). 

Schedule

• • We have begun testing this week, and look to complete the programming by the end of the week. (Week 6)

  • Further testing and optimization. (Week 7)

Budget

• • Spent: $213.52

  • Remaining: $786.48

Progress on Report and Webpage

• • The first draft of the report and webpage have been completed. The second drafts will be started soon.