Update- MCM

Last week we finished the most critical module for our machine. The module includes a door that will be used to capture balls, four pillow blocks, four bearings that press fit into the pillow blocks, two shafts that connect the door to a motor, and a base plate that connects the module to the frame of the bot. We cut the door, which is made from delrin, using the laser cutter. The laser cutter was also used to shape the acrylic base plate. The pillow blocks and shafts are made from aluminum and were shaped with the bandsaw and mill. This week we will finish assembling the frame of our bot.

Many parts of this module were machined with low tolerances, so that they would align correctly. For example the hole in the pillow block should have been reamed, so that the bearing would press fit into it. Also the shaft had to be the correct diameter, so that it would press fit into the bearings.

Here is a link to the updated team schedule: https://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?key=0AglbbLMb_1RRdFA0TGxPU2VZTTNsdjB5emdPaUpONnc&hl=en&single=true&gid=0&output=html

Update- Machining

This week our team starting machining. On Monday we used the water jet to cut out rectangular pieces that will be assembled to create the frame of our bot. We used a .25" thick aluminum plate. This differs from our original plan to use a .5" thick plate. A large enough .5" thick plate was not available to us and the thinner plate will allow the bot to be lighter and move faster. Aluminum is a good material to use for our frame because it is strong and less dense than other metals such as steel.

On Thursday we used the mill to drill holes in the pieces that we cut out. Also we used the saw to cut the angle stock into smaller pieces. These pieces will be used as pillow blocks. Today we will use the mill to drill the holes in the pillow blocks.

-Tri-State Warriors

New Door Update

After completing the motor lab and having heard all the lectures our team decided that the most simple approach to lifting our door is to make it as light as possible and connecting it directly to the double gearbox motor. Tomorrow we plan to have our solid model 85 - 100% complete, and as we review for our Exam we will also use that opportunity to ensure that we applied all of the fundamental design principles to our bot. Manufacturing will begin early next week as well. Our new design is illustrated in the images below. Please feel free to leave comments or suggestions.

Thanks,
Tri-State Warriors

UPDATE

Hello, we been discussing the most effective method of execution with respect to our Most Critical Module. We have decided to implement a rack and pinion design. As we continue to work on our MS6 homework assignment we are making final decisions as to materials and dimensions.

We discussed the Bill of Materials and Manufacturing Plan. This allowed us to pick and choose specific parts and materials that will be utilized for our design. By completing this assignment we were able to gain a better understanding of what our design will simulate.

-Tri-State Warriors