User:Mkennedy7536/combo Lockpick/Howard Community College/Fall2012/p1-502-hwht/ComboLockPick

Write problem/project Goal
To make a device that is capable of cracking the code of a combination lock.

My First Task
To make a case for the switch amplifier so that it is neatly concealed and completely safe to operate.

Summary of actual work over first weekend
I went and bought a dial caliper for making precise measurements on the amplifier and measured and sketched it. I also read over the team page of the previous team at Combo Lock Pick and I also read over the section on the switch amplifier at switch amplifier.

Week1 Narrative
I went out and measured the switch amplifier so that I would be able to make a case for it, but this ended up not being necessary as I switched over increasing the friction inside the the knob holder of the combination lock. I came up with four different solutions and documented the strengths and weaknesses of each one so that my team could come to a consensus about which solution we wanted to implement. I figured that we could use sand paper to increase the friction as it has a more coarse surface. My second solution was to use a clay that we would imprint the shape of the combo lock knob into and harden so that it would be the exact shape that we need it to be and have no chance of slipping. The third solution was to us a soft object that would catch the knob every time it started to spin. My final solution was to us a putty like substance for the purpose of it temporarily sticking to the knob and then detaching once the combination was solved. I then made a decision matrix so that the class can fill it out and email their results to me to assist in deciding the solution. The Matrix is uploaded to Google docs at Friction Decision Matrix. and the class can download it as an Excel file and email me the results at mtk10798@gmail.com.

My Second Task
I will monitor the results of classmates filling out the decision matrix and I will also begin designing how all the parts of the project will fit together in the finished product.

Summary of actual work over second weekend
I was able to brainstorm a basic design for how all the parts will come together. I also was able to sketch and dimension the stepper motor with the platform to be used in the final design.

Week2 Narrative
I came up with another idea for how to solve the issue of the combo lock knob slipping by drilling two holes into a rubber stopper that will allow it to grip the motor and be machined to have a better fit. It is also a cost efficient solution considering we already have everything. I also took video (which is at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fEQf02KsofY) and pictures of the knobs and designs and put them on wikiversity. I also sketched took down the dimensions of the combo lock knob, the soloniod, and the stepper motor with the platform for when we bring everything together. I also started coming up with ideas for the final design and found that it would have to be at a 90 degree angle.

My Third task
I will sketch and precisely dimension an L shaped piece to hold the whole project together that will be very similar to the previous team's possible configurations. I will then make this and also implement whatever solutions for the friction issue that are given to me through use of the decision matrix.

Summary of actual work over third weekend
I was able to finalize the design of the final project. I was also able to make a decision to use the rubber stopper to solve the friction issue.

Week3 Narrative
Due to the hurricane, I was not able to accomplish much. I looked into the overall design and concluded that the design that John came up with for the previous project would be the best choice for the design of ours. I made dimensioned sketches to communicate how I would do this and finalized the design. I also made the decision that the rubber stopper would be the best choice to solve the friction issue and made plans to implement it.

My Fourth task
I will build the final design and test it to see if it works. If not, I will make the modifications necessary to make it work.

Summary of actual work over fourth weekend
I machined the rubber stopper to fit the knob and the motor and implemented it. I then built the final design using and implemented a PVC part I found to hold the combo lock.

Week4 Narrative
I used the drill press initially to machine the rubber stopper, but had finish it utilizing the dremil tool due to the lack of the right size drill bit. I also found a PVC part that would fit around the combination lock, so I cut out a notch for the loop of combo lock so that the lock could fit. I then built the design by attaching the solenoid and the PVC pipe to a piece of wood and attached to wood to the mount with the stepper motor. I then proceeded to test this design, but there was a problem with the height of the motor in proportion to the lock and the fact that the hole in the rubber stopper was off center. I then looked for other possible solutions and came up with a gear system that could work, but I was unable to complete this final designs construction.

Complete Team Page
ComboLockPick