Overview of Status of Analysis, Design, Fabrication, Tests, etc.
The CAD design of the linear actuator nesting mechanism and all necessary housing methods for each mechanical part has been completed.
The horns have been redesigned and will be machined within a week.
Accomplishments from Previous Week
The heated horns have been redesigned and sent to the sponsor for approval.
Completed CAD model of nesting mechanism.
Goals for Next Week (list names after each item). Use specific and measurable objectives.
Purchase T-slots, linear actuator for testing purposes, spring for actuator assembly, load cell, and data logger. (Barbara)
Machine horns. (Hugo)
Complete "Applicable Standards" section of report. (All members)
Sponsor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
A sponsor meeting was not held this week.
Instructor Comments from Last Meeting and Actions Taken to Address these Comments (indicate date of comments and if via email or in person)
A meeting with our instructor, Dr. Ghazinejad, our TA, Rishabh Khanna, and other teams was held on 4/16/2020 via Zoom where we presented our design proposal. The comments were:
Narrow down which design would be accomplished within quarter instead of working on various designs.
A meeting with an R&D engineer from the MAE department, Ed Pogue, was held on 4/17/2020 via Zoom. The comments were:
Consider using a "piecewise" coding algorithm to control the linear actuator. An initial code will slowly extend the linear actuator until it reaches 90 lbs of force- from there, a separate code will hold the actuator in place to heat stamp the adhesive webbing and plastic disk together.
If a brushless linear actuator that can travel relatively fast cannot be found, pneumatics is a second option.
If using pneumatics, a load cell and pressure regulator can be used to calibrate and control the movement of the pneumatic cylinder. Additionally, with a pneumatic cylinder, open loop control can be used.
A meeting with the electronics shop manager of the MAE department, Steve Roberts, was held on 4/17/2020 via Zoom. The comments were:
Brushed motors can burn out easily therefore a linear actuator with a brushless motor or stepper motor would need to be used to prevent the motor from burning out quickly.
If the pneumatic route is implemented, a pneumatic actuator with a pressure regulator valve may prove to be useful. This can be controlled by an Arduino.
Research Herion air regulators to control the pneumatic actuator.
If there aren't linear actuators with the proper motors for our application, we can replace the motor with a stepper motor.
Risks and Areas of Concern
Our current research so far has been with brushed motors. With the newfound knowledge that a brushless or stepper motor would be required to deliver 90 lbs of force for 10 seconds at a time, we have researched to find the correct type of linear actuator, however, all the brushless linear actuators that we have found travel too slow for our required application therefore finding a proper linear actuator is our main area of concern.
Schedule
The Gantt chart was last updated on 4/16/2020 and is currently up to date.
The upcoming goal set for 4/18/2020 is to purchase T-slots for building the frame of the assembly.
Budget (list amount spent and amount remaining)
Remaining:
Equipment and parts: $2000
Machine shop expenses: $1500
Spent:
Equipment and parts: $0
Machine shop expenses: $0
Progress on Report and Webpage
The webpage is up to date for the home, reports, team, and internal sections. The other sections are currently not applicable.
The following sections of the final written report have been completed:
title page
background
review of existing solutions
statement of requirements
deliverables
appendix with individual component analyses
impact on society
professional responsibility