User:Akirchhof13/project2cat

Project Preference

 * Power Wheel: Autonomous Power Wheel
 * MakerBot: MakerBot PLA Material Characterization
 * Bioengineering Project (I guess, I wouldn't mind trying something different though.)

Problem Statement
Currently in the design phase, the power wheel is on its way to becoming autonomous. During this cycle my group plans to further design systems that will be used to replace the aspect of required human input on the power wheel. Here is a link to the group CDIO page: https://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/User:Medelen8/ENES100/APW_Design_B

Project Plan
To further develop subsystems that will get the power wheel closer to becoming autonomous. The steering yet again needs to be redone, and at the same time, work will commence on a mechanism to work the accelerator. It is my hope that by the end of this cycle these new subsystems will be ready for implementation or that work will commence on the other vital systems.

Week 1 Narrative: Accelerator Platform Design
My goal this week was to design a holder or mount for the motor that would house the motor used for applying pressure to the accelerator. By using the information given by the manufacture, (Seen here:http://www.mpja.com/12VDC-78RPM-Motor-with-Right-Angle-Leadscrew/productinfo/19007%20MD/ If it does not appear search by the exact terms in the URL) I began to design some basic concepts. Not only did the mount have to hold the motor, but it also had to fit within a confined space to the right of the steering column. Since the motor will be pushing the screw to press the accelerator it needed to be moderately close. This obstacle was easy to overcome as the motor itself is very small, and will easily fit in the given space.

I had two concepts for how I wanted the set up to look. One would use a simple constructed right triangle and then the motor would be zip tied to it through to or three holes cut in the wood. On further thought this idea proved to be somewhat unreliable and over simplistic. By zip tying, the motor would have some wiggle room, but at the same time it may slip causing the screw to move of the pedal, so another system would have to be built to counter act this effect.

The second idea was more complex, yet more reliable. it features a flat platform upon which two u shaped pieces of wood would rest. These pieces would hold the motor at the right height ad distance from the accelerator. This idea is far more practical, and it will be the idea I further develop. For now however, I am lacking the measurements of the exact space that the platform must rest in, so I can only create loose sketches.

Here is a simple picture. It may be a bit small!

Link to group CDIO here: https://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/User:Medelen8/ENES100/APW_Design_B

Week 2 Narrative: Stumbling Upon the Mysterious U Bolt
This week I had a very basic task. To Research clamps to use in place of the zip-ties in my design. I began by searching for a semicircular clamp that could be closed around the motor that would keep it snug. This would prevent the motor from sliding or shifting during operation. Soon I stumbled upon U bolt clamps and API mud pump clamps. After noting the price of the pump clamp to be roughly around 50$ I decided to scrap that idea and focus more on the U bolt. I found a large selection of these U bolts, all for around 2$ to 9$ at the most expensive. These clamps would be attached to the base, and could be screwed in for added stability. These clamps are also used to hold exhaust pipes to cars, so there's another major point. The U bolt excels at holding important cylindrical objects! It is even feasible to print out a U bolt using the MakerBot, which would effectively eliminate the cost and time of searching for a perfect size U bolt.

Here is some U Bolt aficionados! http://www.clampsinc.com/index.html

The U Bolt will cause some modifications in my design, but all in all, the design will actually become more streamlined. This will reduce error and increase simplicity, allowing for this subsystem to be easily attached, removed, and modified.

Modified subsystem (The image may need to be enlarged):

Link to group CDIO here: https://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/User:Medelen8/ENES100/APW_Design_B

Week 3 Narrative: A Problem Appears
This week I attempted to slightly improve upon my design and begin prototyping. While I was able to further streamline my design, I lack the required parts to begin prototyping. The major one namely being the motor itself (For exact dimensions, as the ones given one the site are vague). Besides that I am only two Ubolts and a few pieces of wood away from a prototype. At this point in time I am in the same place as the pedal pusher subsystem, where the motor is required for further advancement. Hopefully a part order can be placed in these next few weeks so that the next group will have the required parts to begin work on the driving and accelerating subsystem of the power wheel. Here is an image of the refined subsystem:

Link to group CDIO here: https://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/User:Medelen8/ENES100/APW_Design_B

Week 4 Narrative To Get as Close to Building Without Doing So
This week was spent fine tuning models of my three ideas in Solid Edge. This way there is a specific reference image that future groups can work off of. While there are no present dimensions listed on these images (To remove clutter, the dimensions have been hidden, as they interfered with the image itself), this is because they are at best simple ideas. In other words the final design is setting not only the groundwork but enabling the future group to adjust if needed. However, dimensions are present in the part file (Which will hopefully transfer correctly). If possible I will attach the part files so they can be modified and edited by future groups. Another major part of this week is completing the group CDIO page. While not as relevant here, it is still highly important. While it may be a bit late. basic prototyping has started, despite not having the motor or unbolts present.



A simple list of materials follows:


 * U Bolts x2
 * Wood square (Or similar sturdy material) for base Roughly 14 cm by 14 cm (As final positioning of this subsystem may vary, I will leave a rough dimension. This will account for the fact that as the base moves further toward the steering column the base must be reduced respectively.)
 * Two by Four style small plank of wood or similar that will attach to the shared battery compartment at the rear of the vehicle.

As seen in the final design image, basic construction is rather simplistic. Only needing holes cut for the U Bolts. These bolts should be placed even with each other to promote stability. However if the design is moved closer to the steering column, it may be required to use only one U Bolt. Regardless of the number of U Bolts used, the use of at least one is imperative. Two is the optimal amount in order to account for the possible failure of the other bolt or even another subsystem Given the holding strength of the bolt itself, the pedal pusher's motor stability should not be an issue.

Link to group CDIO here: https://en.wikiversity.org/wiki/User:Medelen8/ENES100/APW_Design_B