Duration: 2 months (January 2017 - March 2017)
Objective: Design a virtual toy train with at least two separate train cars
Type of Project: Group Project
For the virtual train project, I first had to individually create a model for a traditional model train engine on Autodesk Inventor using the instructions and dimensions given to me. Afterwards, my group and I were told to also make individual train cars that could connect to the original train engine. The design brief mentioned that our group cars needed to have a consistent theme, appeal to children of all ages, and had to have a certain purpose. The rubric stated that we would be graded on these aspects. By the end of the project, the instructions said we needed to have created an assembled group train, a drawing file with dimensions for all parts with exploded views and a presentation that sold our project . Once we created our group assembly, we also animated a video of the train driving on a track. With our group theme being Sci-Fi, I made my individual train car a rocket/plane model that drove using train wheels and served as a luggage carrier. In the duration of this project, I learned more advanced techniques in Autodesk Inventor, how to render a picture and image, and make a vehicle drive using certain constraints.
Duration: 1 month (March 2017 - April 2017)
Objective: Design a paper toy sheet that can be constructed
Type of Project: Individual Project
The objective of this project was to model a paper toy on Autodesk Inventor using sheet metal properties. I was first given the design brief that explained what was required for the project and the constraints we had to follow. In this case, it was required that the toy we created have a base along with two additional parts and tab attachments that connected the sides of the paper and other pieces. I also needed to use 4 different sheet metal commands and present my idea with a flat pattern file. Using the guidelines on the instructions , I started by brainstorming the part I was going to create, finally deciding on a Totoro character toy. I used the rubric to start to plan how I would complete all components of the project which included Inventor sheet metal files and a physical model of the toy I designed. Afterwards, I started to model this part on Autodesk Inventor using sheet metal, and once finished with that, I added tabs to the flat pattern that would be used in the real life assembly. Finally, I got my flat pattern printed and presented my assembled model to my class where I was judged on my creativity, marketability, and physical model. In this project, I was able to learn how to create sheet metal parts in Autodesk Inventor and how to assemble them.
Duration: 1 month (August 2017 - September 2017)
Objective: Design, test, and build machine using at least 4 simple mechanisms that can be used to complete an everyday task.
Type of Project: Group Project
The objective of this project was to create a simple machine composed of at least 4 different mechanisms that could complete an everyday task. First, my group and I were given the design brief and instructions document that explained certain constraints we had to follow for the machine along with the deadlines for our prototype building and documentation. My group and I followed the rubric provided to ensure that we had completed all aspects of the project required of us. For this particular project, it was necessary that our prototype was capable of completing the chosen task with the effort force applied only being provided by a single human output. Our building materials consisted of both VEX and FT parts. The machine we created is very small yet very efficient. The first mechanism is the input force of the wheel and it’s axle which is connected to the axle of the input gear on the following simple gear train. The gear train has a large gear ratio for speed. The output gear of the simple gear train shares an axle with the first sprocket in the sprocket and chain mechanism. The sprocket and chain system has two of the same size sprockets, both having 18 teeth. The output sprocket is connected to an axle which the string is tied around. As the wheel is turned to the left, the axle turns left causing the string to be pulled and rolled around that axle. As the string is pulled over the pulley gear, the fabric we used as a curtain (that has one end connected to the string), is pulled leading it to fully open. On the other hand, when we turn the wheel to the right, the action is reversed and the 3 lbs of weight attached to the end of the string pulls the string down, closing the curtain. Our mechanism can both open and close the curtain by simply turning the wheel in opposite directions. Throughout this project, I learned the basic principles of building with VEX and FT parts and created my first every mechanical prototype. For this project, I helped to build the actual mechanism, but primarily focused on documenting all changes and facilitating all group work.
Click here to view my team's project documentation.
Duration: 1 Month (March 2018)
Objective: Design, test, and build a sturdy bridge using West Point Bridge Design Software.
Type of Project: Group Project
For this project, my partner and I were told to design a bridge that would span the Trinity River and sustain the weight of a large truck (pictured in the above simulation). We were given the design brief and instructions document that explained certain pricing constraints we had to follow as well as deadlines for our final designs and documentation. My group and I followed the rubric provided to ensure that we had completed all aspects of the project required of us. For this project, we were given a budget of $300,000, having complete creative freedom towards all other aspects. We began by drafting two designs each to compare various ideas and the factors regarding cost, stability, aesthetics, simplicity, and the type of material used. After considering the positive and negative aspects of the four brainstorms, we culminated the design into one that is a symmetrical, semi-circle design that is feasible to produce in a real-world context. Being composed of mostly carbon steel at a height of 12 feet, with high-strength low-alloy steel and quenched and tempered steel in areas where the most support was necessary, the bridge is cost effective and extremely stable. Overall, all of the members in our final design had very low values of slenderness ratios compared to the our earlier designs. I learned how increasing the thickness of certain beams and strengthening the material used in some areas can drastically improve the stability of a bridge, if done strategically. Our truss was made stable by incorporating multiple triangular-shaped member groups to evenly distribute any load forces. For this project, the largest constraint we faced in terms of design was the $300,000 budget. However, our final design was successfully $62.12 below the budget. I was the lead for the final design of our bridge and worked primarily on the documentation. I analyzed the cost breakdown and how to effectively alter our bridge so that the price could remain within range while maintaining a stable structure.