156A Week 10

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

• • blades and vacuum have been acquired

  • 3-d printing of vacuum nozzles has been done

  • testing is being conducted

Accomplishments from Previous Week

• • we have decided to try a vacuum for collection 

    • we created a nozzle with a large area so that the greens experience less force

  • we have received the parts we want to test and began testing them

  • received microgreens for testing

Goals for Next Week (list names after each item). Use specific and measurable objectives.

• • make blade type decision (Ivan, Siu Lim)

  • begin creating/testing comb design (Ricky, Jacob, Riley)

  • begin creating risk reduction report (all)

Sponsor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)

• • he emphasized desire for handheld device

    • we went with the trimmer style device

  • he mentioned that the water released when cutting many plants is bade for blade function and longevity

    • our final design will be a larger blade that isn't inhibited by the small plant stems and will be made of stainless steel for rust resistance 

Instructor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments  (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)

• • try to find a way to have the vacuum create less force on the greens

    • we came up with a design for a more gentle hose on the shop vac and a separate collection area that doesn't have the damaging effect that the shop vac main collection cavity has

Comments from Other Students in the Class (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)

• • none

Risks and Areas of Concern

• • vacuum consistenty damages greens

    •  we suspect that this is due to the ribbed hosing of the shop vac

    • we also suspect that high speeds the greens are accelerated too by the vacuum cause damage

  • possible solutions 

    • shorter hose to give the greens less time to accelerate

    • separate collection area that has softer walls and less violent air currents than the main collection compartment of the shop vac

Resources or Information Required but not Available

• • none

Schedule

• • Next milestone is blade selection

  • Update Gantt chart.

Budget (list amount spent and amount remaining)

• • $0 spent

  • $4,807.14 remaining

Progress on Report and Webpage

• • report has been started and is being worked on concurrently with part testing

  • webpage is fully up to date