Dec. 7th weekly update

On Monday, Milestone 9 is due. The requirements for milestone 9 are that
the whole machine is assembled, all the engineering is complete and the
machine can be demonstrated outside of the arena as a moving and working
entity.

This past week has been all about preparing for the milestone 9, milestone
10 (which is due on Wednesday) and the Design Expo (which is this
Thursday). This week we completed all of the manufacturing for the machine.
For last week’s assignment, we had to have the most critical module
engineering complete, have it assembled, and functioning. Having that
finished at the beginning of this week left us to finish the support box,
the second motor mounting mechanism, and the chute.

First, for the support box, we had to cut the ¼” plywood in to the
appropriate shapes and sizes for the sides and bottom of the box. We also
had to purchase some 3/8” thick plywood since we required more than what
was provided to us in the kit. We then used the laser cutter to cut the
appropriate holes in the bottom and two sides of the box. Once the cuts
were made, the box was assembled using wood screws and wood glue where the
plywood was too thin to screw through.

For the second motor mounting mechanism we had to create some “L”
shaped brackets out of the 1/16” thick steel and then bend them at the
appropriate place. We then drilled holes in the brackets to fit the
bushings into for the axle and also to secure the “L” brackets to the
side of the box. The bushings fit smugly into the holes in the “L”
brackets and the axle fits through the bushings. In between the two
bushings there is an axle that is supporting the gear for the
rack-and-pinion device. This axle is extra long on one side to couple to
the motor using rubber tubing, like Professor Hart suggested to us.

The chute was previously welded so that it was the right length, all we had
to do was ban saw small cuts at the top to create an opening in which the
scoops could pass thorough. We then made a bracket for the chute out of
welding rod and then secured the chute into the box using Velcro (so that
it is easily removable when we have to set up quickly).

Next week we will begin testing of our machine. On Wednesday the machine is
due in its final form so we only have until Wednesday to make any small
adjustments that we think need to be made. Also due on Wednesday is the
video for our machine’s introduction. Then on Thursday is the design
expo. After that, the only thing left to do is the individual evaluation of
the course which needs to be posted to this blog.