Our first big project for CIM was a transfer system that could move pieces from one place to another, essentially simulating a system. Prior to this we had been learning about the various parts of building a system so we can have the necessary information to complete this assignment. For this project specifically was to build a conveyor belt that moves widgets from Point A to Point B while responding to the sensors so pieces can be added to the widget as the conveyor belt moves along so it can be fully built by the end of the process. The conveyor belt is supposed to be able to sense the widget and fully move on its own and the workers are only supposed to add pieces to the widget and put it up on the conveyor when it’s done. This project was successful and allowed us to be introduced to Manufacturing and the various processes that are involved with manufacturing. It also gave us the ability to be creative with how we want our conveyor belt to move/respond.
Prior to our first big project we had to learn how to code different parts of the system like the bumper switch and the motors that would allow the gears to spin. By having to complete this assignment it taught us how to code whilst keeping our goals in mind and also keeping other parts of the system in mind. We had to learn this because without coding our system wouldn't know what to do or how to run, so by learning how to code, we were able to code how we want our program to run. Despite the importance of this topic, it wasn't the easiest aspect for me because I had trouble putting together how I want the conveyor belt to run based on my code. While I eventually got it, coding in general is something that I have to get better at.
As engineers we have to have the ability to recognize flaws that essentially make the product bad. In this lesson we learned how to identify flaws that made different products that we use in our everyday lives. When you think about it, it's surprising how many things we use in our daily lives that have flaws. There are only a few products that we can count as perfect but as engineers our job is to make things as perfect as it can be and that's classified based on how well it does it's job. I enjoyed trying to figure out that flaws in different things as it's a useful skill to have as I progress in my engineering class.
To conclude Unit 2, we are given a test at the end of the marking period to grasp our understanding of the material before we can move on to the next. This test encompasses everything we learned throughout the entire marking period so an understanding of everything is necessary which means we had to look over everything. This was the error on my part as I ignored some things to look at and therefore didn't do my best in terms of the results I got. From this I learned the consequence of ignorance from this point on tried to look at most things, moving forward.
To celebrate Black History Month we were given the task of writing a research paper about a successful black engineer, their impact and achievements. Throughout history there have been many African American engineers who while haven't been in the spotlight for some reason or the other have made great contributions to society but have gone unnoticed. This assignment was for us to find out about these individuals and by doing this it gave us the ability to learn more and improve on our ability to do research.
To test our understanding of engineering as a whole we were given the task of creating a simulated engineering floor. While the assignment seemed easy, we had to consider everything that real workers in an engineering factory were faced with, so our placing our different parts had to make sense and be on point. From how long it would take workers to get from point A to point B without interfering with the work or the restroom not being too far away were things I had to consider as I built the floor. This assignment tested my creativity and my ability to rationally do things for which I'm grateful.
As we moved to begin our final projects we had to outline the project and how it was going to go. This was the purpose of a flow chart, which gave us the ability to see the direction we were heading and act accordingly moving forward. We struggled a bit when it came to deciding how we wanted our project to go but eventually we were able to perfectly outline how we want everything and begin working on our project. I like the process of thinking about what we wanted to do and the freedom it provided us. It gave us the ability to think more about our acctions and how they affect everything else.
To practice for the end of the year assessment we were given a simulation assessment that encompassed everything we've learned so far to see if there is anything we need to focus on before the major exam begins. While doing decently okay, it showed me that there are aspects I definitely need to work on and improve before test day. From math calculations to problems that require in depth analysis, this assignment showed what I need to work on in order to be successful on the assignment.