Blog #6

    For the work period of February 4 - 17th, the team has made design updates to the arm to reduce the amount of moment it’s experiencing by elongating the height while decreasing the width. The team made changes to the hinges based on feedback from the sponsors after the initial fabrication experienced errors in printing. The updated hinge design was applied to the developer box, both electronics boxes, and horizontal attachment component box. After fitting the components to the box, the team decided to increase the height of the components box (Figure 1) to better hold the peristaltic pump without causing the tubing to bend. Furthermore, the team started the validation process for peristaltic pump exit pressure and pressure near nozzle.

    For the work period of February 17- March 9, the team plans on receiving the new fabricated pieces and test fitting all components, completing all water pressure validation, strain gauge testing for arm attachments, and completion time. The team plans to assemble the pieces at the company’s research facility to complete initial testing and make adjustments as needed. Major milestones include completing the first proof of concept in front of stakeholders to ensure the project meets the scope of work intended and the physical constraints outlined by operational standards stated in previous meetings and documents. 

    The team foresees obstacles in performing pressure gauge validation for the peristaltic pump not reaching the desired pressure, vertical standing peristaltic pump limiting the tube spacing required to transport the fluid adequately to the nozzle at the desired pressure. Also, overall assembly capability during trials. Additionally, it’s possible for the dye penetrant testing to take longer than intended when the team plans to conduct the initial testing at the end of February. For the above reasons, the team has scheduled time to do a second, final test in March to revalidate the above concerns and ensure that the components work cohesively.

Figure 1: New Stress Analysis

Figure 2: New Arm Design to Reduce Moment

Figure 1 & 2 illustrate the new arm attachment concept designed to reduce the moment acting on the arm for when there is weight and pressure acting on the end. The stress analysis indicate a significant decrease in stress compared to the previous design. Furthermore, the arm is hollow in the inside for better structural integrity.

Figure 3: Updated Hinges for Electronics Bracket

Figure 4: New Cone Hinges for Doors

Figures 3 & 4 illustrate the new hinge concept implemented in all the hinge locations of the design based on sponsor company suggestions. The hinges are more structurally sound and easier to be fabricated in the industrial printers.

Figure 5: Pump Validation

Figure 5 captures the team conducting pressure testing for the fluid exiting the peristaltic pump. The testing is done several times under strict conditions to ensure that all the pressure values obtained are valid and can be used to obtain the exact pressure range the pump performs.