Vibration Isolation and Stabilization System (VIS)

Jacobs Technologies - NASA JETS

July 2020- Present

In my current role as a Mechanical Design Engineer on the NASA JETS Contract I am working with a team to design and build the next generation VIS to be used on the ISS (Image 1). This system will be used in conjunction with the E4D (European Enhanced Exploration Exercise Device), which will allow astronauts to exercise without disrupting the delicate microgravity environment of the ISS (Image 2). My specific role on this team was to design the countermass system and its interfaces (Image 3). Using multibody simulations and sway space analysis I was able to determine the optimal characteristics of the countermass system which would act as the offset to the astronauts movements during exercise. I created models in Creo and prototyped my designed to produce a functional 3-D countermass assembly and successfully integrated this product into the top level VIS mock up. I performed tolerance analysis and design evaluations for the countermass system to pass all safety and stress requirements according to flight hardware standards. I also produced technical drawings of the system components to be manufactured and the assembly drawings that will be used for the on-orbit assembly of the countermass. The VIS is set to be manifested this summer to be sent for installation in the Columbus module of the ISS.

FCA Tablet Mount

Continental Automotive - Summer 2019

During my internship with Continental Automotive I designed an innovative solution for a new tablet mount that optimized consumer compatibility and safety with the tablet functions. The prototypes that I developed and implemented surpassed the expectations from FCA (Fiat Chrysler Automobiles). Analysis was conducted during various road simulation tests to identify potential problem areas. This testing allowed me to make accurate adjustments to effectively eliminate any noise emitted from the unit as well as to confirm the unit met durability standards. I was invited out to the FCA Headquarters in Auburn Hills, MI to install the tablet mounts for evaluation in vehicles scheduled for off-road testing in Moab, Utah. After the testing I received positive feedback on the units' performances. The short time frame I had to complete this project, just over a month from brainstorming to installation, proved to be a challenging and rewarding experience.

Rotational 3-D Printer

Senior Design - Spring 2019

The 3-D printer we created was designed to print on a rotational drum in polar coordinates instead of on a typical heated flat plate. Four stepper motors were wired and connected to a RAMPS board with Pololu A4988 motor controllers to move the x, y, and z-axis. Pronterface (3-D modeling interface), Slic3r (creates G-code for 3-D parts), and Marlin (firmware for 3-D modeling with Arduino) were modified to meet our needs and specifications in order to send instructions to the printer to correctly print on the rotational drum. Design evaluations and functional analysis were done as a group to successfully extrude a print in polar coordinates. Multiple tests were conducted to calibrate the motors to move the appropriate distance and to extrude the correct amount of material when commanded. The final printer design was successful in printing on the rotational drum and met all requirements as set by our professor.

NASA Robotic Mining Competition 2019

Space Hawks Robotics Team - Fall 2018 to Spring 2019

After learning from our triumphs and mistakes in the 2018 competition, we intended to return to complete at NASA with an improved robot that would be able to dominate the challenging course. Similarly, to our 2018 robot, we utilized an ice auger to drill and collect the icy regolith. The robot was structured to be lightweight with an aluminum body and have a secure and dust proof electrical box. Improvements from the 2018 robot that I contributed to include custom gearboxes, auger location adjustment, chassis that allows the auger to move through the frame vs. over the edge, and the hopper redesign. The competition was ultimately canceled in 2019 so we did not have the opportunity to compete with this robot, but we will continue to make further adjustments and run testing in order to excel next year in 2020.

Deflection and Bending Moment System

Johnson Controls - Summer 2018

Designed and structured a LabVIEW program that converts voltage into the deflection distance of a pipe and uses the data output to simultaneously calculate hydraulic force and water pressure within the test cell. I also constructed the electrical system that allows the various sensors within the cell to transmit feedback to the LabVIEW program display window. The linear transducer positape was mounted directly to the hydraulic press to record the deflection distance of the pipe which is converted into a voltage read by the LabView program. These tests are used for evaluation to determine the distance a coupling can deflect before rupturing the seal between two pipe segments, and to make sure the couplings meet the correct standard for their ratings.

Extreme Temperature Analysis System

Johnson Controls - Summer 2018

Developed a program that can report the temperature inside a thermally controlled cell, as well as display the air pressure in each of the 6 sensors connected to various positions in the pipe. The electrical system uses pressure traducers that send a voltage reading the program, where the user display shows corresponding pressure value in the sensor. These tests can be monitored for numerous days in order to evaluate the endurance of couplings during extreme temperature and pressure changes within the cell. The program had to be very robust and allow for multiple input settings in order to adapt to the variations for the test.

NASA Robotic Mining Competition 2018

Space Hawks Robotics Team - Fall 2017 to Spring 2018

NASA 's competition includes teams from across the country who assemble robots with one unified goal: to mine the simulated Martian soil in hopes of creating a solution for the future of space exploration. The mining mechanism our team implemented is divided into two major components: the auger and the slider. The auger is the main instrument for mining, and the slider is the device that holds the auger in position and penetrates and removes the auger from the ground. The various mechanical systems involved with building the robot were designed to be assembled and tested separately and then integrated together. These sub-assemblies include the chassis, hopper, slider actuators, drill, and drive train. I contributed to each step of the mechanical development process including the CAD design, part fabrication, and robot assembly.