Independent Project

FUT.BL : Fútbol Ultimate Trainer - Ball Launcher Design Proposal

Introduction

The FUT.BL machine is a fully automated soccer ball retrieval system meant for the everyday soccer enthusiast. This machine is mechanical based with two subsystems, the ramp/platform at the base of the goal and the motors/wheels behind the goal. It must be able to dispense a soccer ball at a high enough speed that it may return to a person’s feet some distance away. 

Objectives

 The objective of the FUT.BL machine is to create a system which decreases the amount of time a person dedicates to retrieving soccer balls from the goal after shooting them. It will utilize two main mechanical subsystems. The first subsystem, the platform at the base of the goal used to direct the ball to the dispenser, will be easy to construct as it will simply be the same dimensions as the base of the goal. The second subsystem, the motors and wheels used to propel the soccer ball back to the shooter, will take more effort as it requires wiring and precise placement.

Design Strategy

The subsystems will be the main focus when construction begins, as they must work perfectly if the system has any hope of working as a whole. The subsystems will be created in advance, then they will be adjusted and tweaked to connect and form the whole system. It will require a good amount of guessing and checking, meaning various prototypes will be created until one works the way primarily intended. 

Plan of Action

• Widen knowledge of mechanical engineering

• Measure for exact amounts of resources necessary

• Obtain resources

• Construct subsystem

• Test

• Redesign

• Test

• Construct second subsystem

• Test

• Redesign

• Test

• Connect subsystems to goal to form whole system

• Test

• Redesign

• Test

Verification

• Testing Procedures

The platform subsystem will be tested based on precision, meaning how often it is able to redirect the ball into the dispenser. The dispenser subsystem will be tested on accuracy, meaning how close it is able to dispense the ball to a target. The system as a whole will be tested on speed and accuracy, meaning how quickly it is able to accurately dispense the ball back to a target.

• Tolerance Analysis

The dispenser subsystem may prove rather difficult in testing, as it requires incredible precision in the placement of each wheel to propel the ball in a straight line back to a target. The battery life of each motor must be taken into consideration to create an estimated life-span of the system. Additionally, the sturdiness of the material used to create the platform must be taken into account to prevent any possible cracks from impact. 

Cost and Schedule

• Cost Analysis

$75 per hour x 2 group members = $150 per hour. 

PVC pipe = roughly $10 per foot. 

$35 per motor x 2 motors = roughly $70 for motors.

$40 per wheel x 2 wheels = roughly $80 for wheels.

(Will need a Miter Saw to cut the PVC pipe)

Estimated final cost = $3500

• Schedule

Finish designing - October 6th

Complete construction - October 15th

Finish testing and determine if redesigning is necessary - October 22nd

Complete redesigning/retesting - November 2nd

Complete report, poster, and presentation - November 15th

Bibliography 

AutoDesk. (2017, October 5). How to make a ball launcher. Instructables. Retrieved October 10, 2022, from https://www.instructables.com/How-To-Make-a-Ball-Launcher/ 

International Labmate. (2015, July 12). How does a tennis ball launcher machine work? Labmate Online. Retrieved October 10, 2022, from https://www.labmate-online.com/news/news-and-views/5/breaking-news/how-does-a-tennis-ball-launcher-machine- work/35292 

Jameco Electronics. (n.d.). Motor buyers guide. How motors work and how to choose the right motor for any project. Retrieved October 10, 2022, from https://www.jameco.com/Jameco/workshop/ProductNews/motor-buyers-guide.html 

NevonSolutions. (2021, May 27). DIY football shooter: Soccer ball launcher machine. Nevon Projects. Retrieved October 10, 2022, from https://nevonprojects.com/diy-football-shooter-soccer-ball-launcher-machine/ 

Waihenya, S. (2022, January 7). What is a soccer ball launcher? (quick read). Soccer Whizz. Retrieved October 10, 2022, from https://soccerwhizz.com/soccer-ball-launcher-explained/ 

Rear-View Glasses

Introduction

The Rear-View Glasses are dual-purpose glasses that allow the wearer to see behind them at any given time. The glasses consist of a 3D printed PLA bioplastic frame, clear lenses, 4 reflective panels, and 4 sets of hinges. The frame is malleable which allows for the interchanging of prescription lenses and the default clear lenses should a person require them. The reflective panels are adjustable due to the hinges which will allow the wearer to change the angle of incidence for different lines of sight. 

Objectives

The objective of the Rear-View Glasses is to create a plausible product that allows you to effectively see behind yourself for more than that of a simple gag toy. The Rear-View Glasses have a sleek design which is intended to eliminate others' awareness of the fact that the wearer can see behind them, allowing for surveillance and self-protection in the event of an approaching attacker. The Rear-View Glasses will utilize two main systems, including the frame and the connecting reflective panels. The purpose of the frame is to securely hold the glasses on the wearer's face and allow a clear line of sight through the clear lenses into the reflective panels. The reflective panels will refract the light first outwards and then back inwards to reflect your line of sight behind you.   

Design Strategy

The individual parts will be the main focus when construction begins, as they must first work perfectly by themselves if the product has any hope of working as a whole. The parts will be created in advance, then they will be adjusted and tweaked to connect and form the whole product. I anticipate It will require a good amount of redesigning, meaning various prototypes will be created until one works the way primarily intended. 

Plan of Action

• Create frame in SolidWorks or AutoCAD software and tweak in PrusaSplicer 

• Purchase components of the Rear-View Glasses

• Print and assemble frame

• Insert clear lenses

• Test

• Redesign

• Test

• Cut and assemble reflective panels using hinges

• Test

• Redesign

• Test

• Connect reflective panels to frame using hinges

• Test

• Redesign

• Test

Verification

• Testing Procedures

The frame of the glasses will be tested for durability and malleability to ensure the product's overall strength. Additionally, the frame must be able to securely hold the clear lenses but also have the ability to pop them out for a different pair. The connecting reflective panels will be tested for functionality based on how well they are able to move along the axis provided by the hinges. The fully constructed product will be tested on the frame's ability to maintain stability on a person's face while the extra weight of the reflective panels is present.

• Tolerance Analysis

The weight of the reflective panels on the front of the frame may inevitably prove too much for the sturdiness of the PLA filament, which may call for a redesign in the material used to create the frame. The quality of the clear lenses and reflective panels must be taken into consideration to ensure they won't be easily scratched and impair vision. Additionally, the rigidity of the hinges that connect the reflective panels must be enough so that they won't warp and impair vision over time. 

Cost and Schedule

• Cost Analysis

$35 per hour Entrepreneur wage

1 kg/1.75 m of PLA filament = $15

1 pair of clear lenses = $10

60-2" square reflective tiles = $12

50-10mm x 8mm copper hinges = $7 

Estimated final cost = $400

• Schedule

Finish designing - October 6th

Complete construction - October 15th

Finish testing and determine if redesigning is necessary - October 22nd

Complete redesigning/retesting - November 2nd

Complete report, poster, and presentation - November 15th

Bibliography

CoLiDo Official Store. (2023, April 28). 3D Printer Filament PLA Plus, COLIDO PLA + Filament 1.75mm PLA+ Printer Filament PLA PRO Toughness Enhanced, 1kg Spool (2.2lbs), Dimensional Accuracy +/- 0.02mm, Fit Most FDM Printer(White,1-Pack). Amazon.Com. Retrieved October 4, 2023, from https://www.amazon.com/Filament-Toughness-Enhanced-Dimensional-Accuracy. 

Walleva, LLC. (2013, May 9). Walleva Replacement Lenses for Oakley Gascan Sunglasses - 26 Options Available. Amazon.Com. Retrieved October 4, 2023, from https://www.amazon.com/Walleva-Replacement-Lenses-Oakley-Sunglasses. 

BrightCreations. (2019, October 10). Bright Creations 60-Pack Square Mirror Tiles, 2-Inch Small Mirrors for Crafts, Wall Decor for Bedroom, Kitchen, Entryway, or Bathroom, Home Decorations, Mosaics, Art Projects, DIY, Bulk Pack. Amazon.Com. Retrieved October 4, 2023, from https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07T8YJQZS/ref=sspa_dk_detail_6?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07T8YJQZS&pd. 

Daimay-US. (2019, September 27). Daimay 50 Pieces Mini Pure Copper Hinges Retro Brass Hinges with 200 Pieces Replacement Nails for Wooden Box Jewelry Chest Box Cabinet DIY Accessories –White10 x 8mm. Amazon.Com. Retrieved October 4, 2023, from https://www.amazon.com/Daimay-Replacement-Jewelry-Accessories-White. 

Sunglass Hut. (2010). Oakley OO9014 Gascan® 60 Prizm Black Polarized & Steel Polarised Sunglasses | Sunglass Hut United Kingdom. Google.com. Retrieved October 4, 2023, from https://www.google.com/url? sa=i&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sunglasshut.com.