Week 12 + 13 Progress (11/23-30/16)

For the week of 11/16 to 11/23, we finished our second rapid prototype. This model utilized a thicker cardstock material and our goal was to portray how a longer column structure would be built. The pieces interlap and interlock similar to a puzzle, with opposite sides reinforcing each other.

       

The left picture is a side view of the column. You can see that the structure is brick-like in placement of the interlocking pieces. The right is a top view, where the structural integrity is visible. Once the column is filled with concrete, it would then be extremely solid and strong.

Our rapid prototype was just a quick model so that we could have something tangible for Dr. Furman and Ron to see and show off to sponsors and other companies. Otherwise, our entire week was dedicated to the fabrication and construction of this simple model, which really takes more time to make than would seem. Our next model will be more of a depiction of how the clamping mechanisms would attach the column to the footings and to the guideway.

On 11/18, we met with Scott Bryant at Vander-Bend to discuss possible manufacturing of our model, any questions we had, and we received a tour of the site. Here is what we learned:

• Our model will be laser cut, since we want a thickness of around 3 mm which is about 1/8 inch steel. Their laser cutters can cut up to 3/8 thickness, if thicker, water-cutting is utilized.
• The laser cutters accomodate up to 60x120 inches of material. This is more than the typical standard of 48x120.
• Vander-Bend doesn't handle casting painting, injection molding, etc. -type services.
• They manufacture a lot for the hospital industry, fuel cells, fruit industry, etc.
• We will make a model of what we need constructed on SolidWorks. We will construct the 3D model of it so that they can assemble as portrayed. They will need the step file and drawing.
• Our model will be cold-rolled steel, either 10-10 or 10-08. Bend radius of 1/32 inch.
• Claude will talk with Andres.
• Manufacture time will be at least 3 weeks, so we need to plan around that.

For the week of 11/23 to 11/30, we are focusing on our end-of-semester prototype while enjoying our Thanksgiving break with our families. We need to work on our Bill of Materials, so therefore we need to figure out all of the material we need to obtain for our prototype for the class.

Week 11 Progress (11/16/16)

This week we focused on another rapid prototype that Ron wanted us to make. It is the same interlocking column design, but with overlapping parts "zippered" together, so that we can fabricate a longer version of a column. We've laser cut it and will hopefully have it assembled by tomorrow. Furthermore, Claude showed the rest of the team how to use the laser cutter, if any of us will need to use it in the future. In addition, he worked on the Solidworks design for the interlocking column that we're creating.

For our prototype, we will be making one out of MDF and one out of corrogated cardboard, or only one depending on remaining time. The guideway's beams and footings will be made out of MDF or 2x4. We will need to decide if we want to 3D print our connectors or not. We need to start thinking of ways to create our expansion joints.

Kevin and Kathlyn are working on designing the new footings. Isaac is still learning how to use ANSYS.

Week 10 Progress (11/9/16)

We gave our second presentation, which can be found at this link:
https://docs.google.com/a/saeedi.com/presentation/d/12QxQFgaVubvatXiafkcEsO_7_y-WWTLGiQzOiPLbLYI/edit?usp=sharing

This week, we are focused on our prototype. We have been in contact with AJ Snytsheuvel who is trying to coordinate a meeting with Vander-Bend. We hope that they might be able to help us construct our prototype out of whatever materials we decide.

For our prototype, we will probably utilize MDF or some thicker posterboard to fabricate our columns. The main focus of the prototype will be the footings and the methods necessary to connect footings, columns, and guideway together. We have a few potential methods to connect everything together:

• clamp
• bolted cantilever beam
• attached sleeve

Other than that, we are mainly taking a rest from our presentation, and focusing on our upcoming writing assignment that will be due soon.