MS8 completed

For MS8 our group was to have significant progress on our MCM completed and all engineering/drawings done for the rest of our machine. We are glad to announce that today our MCM is practically completed and all of our drawings are finished.
On my way back home from tireless hours in the machine shop, I was ambushed today by two wild turkeys on north campus. Here is an image of my close encounter.

MS7 completed

MS7 has been completed. After several hours in the machine shop, our group has finished three manufactured parts. Below are images of our work:

MCM update and MS7 underway

There has been a recent update to our Most Critical Module: the rotating arm. Our team met together this afternoon and discussed some concerns and potential issues. One issue that was brought up time and time again was the stability of our vehicle. With two rotating chains, flailing about, we pondered how stable our device would be. After many ideas were presented, a resolution to this problem was determined. We decided that one simple way to fix this problem was to attach the chains on opposite sides of the axle. Therefore as they spun they would counterbalance each other providing greater stability.
Now that this matter has been resolved, we will start MS7 immediately.

Motor Lab Completed. On to MS7.

Our team completed the Motor Lab today. Through a hands on assignment and set of instructions our team was able to assemble the planetary gearbox assembly and test its performance. Below are pictures of the lab in action:



Materials and Devices Needed for Motor Lab:

Assembly of Motor:

Brad Chisholm working diligently in assembly

Motor is Tested:

Brian Zhang demonstrating the correct usage of the tachometer

MS6 Completed

Our MS6 called for our team to make a decision on our Most Critical Module (MCM.) We came into agreement that our MCM will be our rotating arm. This was thought of as our MCM because it is our main source of grabbing balls and scoring during the upcoming competition. Our MCM will consist of a Tamiya 72001 Planetary Gearbox which will rotate an axle. On this axle, two acetal roller chains, cut to length, will be attached at certain heights. The placement of the chains will be based on the height of the balls on the wave field. One chain will be situated higher and be longer to reach the balls on the top of the wave field. The second chain will be slightly shorter and also lower to knock the balls on the lower level of the wave field.

Team Schedule

Team Schedule
This is the general schedule for what our team will be doing from now until the end of the semester. Keep in mind that this schedule is dynamic, and therefore is subject to change as we see fit in order to compromise our own personal schedules.

Post #1 - Strategy and Machine Concept

"Hand of God"

This strategy employs an arm that can knock 2 or 4 higher scoring balls off of the wave field and trap them under the vehicle. After scoring these, drive to the opponents scoring hole and attempt to block it. Also be able to capture a ball from near the starting area or the lip of the tower in case something goes wrong.

Risks: 1. Opponent can score first/more

            2. Balls could roll off the table

            3. Balls could get stuck on the wave field and be unreachable

Countermeasures:        1. Use gearbox with maximum horsepower for fastest vehicle and practice driving

                                    2. Build the machine so it traps the balls as soon as they fall

3. Build the arm so it knocks the balls forward and directs them straight down into the mechanism that catches the balls

Figure 1: Basic strategy for the "Hand of God"

Figure 2: Solid Models of the "Hand of God"