Final Design

1. Funnel Intake System

The Final design starts with the Funnel Intake System where a bulk of IFE Targets are poured into the funnel and travels down along a a 6 ID PVC Tubing into the gate system.

Moreover, our design prioritizes adaptability

2. Gate System

Then, a gate system with a channel oriented at 7.5 degree relative to the horizontal is connected to the PVC Tubing by a feeder tube adapter (a U bracket and Aluminium tubing) to now start the controlled on-loading process.

Controlled by a 12VDC Push-Pull Solenoid, the gate system allows a "1 target per push" mechanism at a desired frequency (capable of 0.25 Hz of ejection rate from gate system) whilsts holding about 20 targets within the ramped channel.

3. Fueling Rotor and Ejection Arm

This sub-system aims to achieve three things:

Fueling
Inspection
IFE target off-loading

Both fueling and inspection happens during which the targets are in the fueling rotor whilsts off-loading occurss when the targets have reached the ejection arm.

With these functional requirements and cryogenic conditions, we designed a system where fueling will remain optimal whilst operating at a continuous rate during the processes outlined on the figure above.

Additionally, minimal fuel loss and seepage are a top priority due to wanting to reduce the inefficiencies dead fuel could create. Hence, an enclosed bottom curve design of the groove on the fueling rotor was selected.

See why we chose spiraled grooves

This design stage focused on creating a rotary plate which moves relative to an ejection arm continuously. In order to achieve this, we had to design grooves modeled from the kinematic relationship between both the arm and rotor. The equation listed below defines the radial function of the groove as a function of angular displacement. Using this equation we can achieve a seamless target on loading and off loading while remaining continuous.

See how fueling time impacts on-loading rate

Due to the gate system's ejection rate being dependent to the angular speed of the fueling rotor's, we would like to figure out a range where the minimum time spent for fueling (10s) and ejection rate (0.25 Hz) are still met. The figures below depict our calculation, which provides us a range in the upper right quartile to work and recommend to whoever is operating our system later on.

Try our control module and see how it impacts fueling based on the Fueling Rotor's angular speed and Gate System's ejection rate 👉

Control Module & Program

Functional Requirements and Performance Summary

1 meter cubic footprint --> Achieved: entire system much less then 1 meter cubic

Operation rate ~0.25 Hz --> Exceeded: a higher frequency can be achieved as well. See Figure above.

Delicate Targets --> Achieved: Solenoids have a 0.4N push-force, while targets are able to witsthand 4N of force.

Constant feed to accelerator --> Achieved: constant off-loading into accelarator occurs if aligned right

Timing requirements - fueling & inspection --> Achieved: adequate time given for fueling and inspection
Modifiable for vacuum and cryogenic conditions (20K) --> Achieved: Within budget and documentation provided

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