Status Report - 12/21

Today, the Press Release is due.  Basically, it is a news article describing all of the facets of the project.  After this, hopefully some of the preliminary construction can begin.

Status Report 12/16

The press release is currently in progress and is due on Tuesday, December 21.  It is a critical portion of the project and it is important that I make sure it does done thoroughly.

Status Report 12/15

It has been confirmed that the VEX Robotic Kit has been approved and is currently in transit.  Mr. A made contact with the company today and we should be expecting the kits and parts to arrive by Friday.

AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY T MONEY!!!!

Status Report - 12/14

Today is Tuesaday! My partner PA and I are eagerly awaiting the VEX Robotic Kit.  Once we abtain it, we are going to to pick a secure spot to put it during class.  The kit is very expensive so it is crucial that we keep track of all the parts and keep it locked up when not in use.

3D Render Claw - Dimensions

This is the final design for the claw on the dune buggy.  One of the important aspects of the design in the use of gears.  In order to have the claws close at the same time and at the perfect time, the teeth on each gear need to be aligned correctly.  What's more, the claws need sufficient space to close.  If the there we only two gears used, the claws wouldn't have enough space to close. 



Status Report - 12/13

Today is Monday! And, my station finally got finished! This is great because now I am able to update my blog and put a render of my claw device on the site.

Status Report 12/2

Today is Tuesday!  The marking period is starting off relatively slow, but now I'm trying to concentrate on edi6ting my blog and making sure it has all of the accurate information needed.  In past emails from my mentor, i have received a huge amount of advice and helpful tips for my project.  I will be sure to incorporate them into the design of my robot.

Status Report 12/1

The order for the VEX Robotic kit has been created and sent out to the Board of Education for approval.  We ordered the standard classroom kit, in addition to a few extra parts that will be critical for the completion of the project.  These items included extra gear sets, chain sets, and servomotors.

Status Report - 11/24

Today starts the first day of work of the second marking period!  I am still doing documentation on all of my work and recently finished a proposal for the dune buggy parts from VEX Robotics.  Once the parts arrive, we should begin building the real project.

Vex Robotics

The image above shows all the parts that would be available for the dune buggy construction.  VEX Robotics specializes in wireless robotics, which would be perfect for our project.

Status Report - 11/12

Today is the last day of the marking period!  I was able to finish my presentation for the 1st Marking Period about the dune buggy.  I was happy to have been able to say everything I wanted to my class and answer any questions on the floor.  Today, I also put up images of my models and provided explantions for them. 

Scoop Model - Explanation

The photographs depicted in figures 1B, 2B, and 3B all show the model for the scoop design in the dune buggy.  The #1 represents the actual scoop which will take sediment samples and the #2 represents the gear system for the scoop.  The gear system is vitally important to this design to ensure that the actual system works when created.  The a worm gera is used because it allows the scoop to come down slowly.  However, the act of gearing down has a beneficial trade off: strength.  The scoop will be able to return to its resting position after the sample is taken and will be able to hold the weight of the sediment.  The scoop design is also important because a sharp edge must be used.  A sharp edge on the scoop will allow it to glide easily into the sand when the robot is moving.  In addition, the holding part of the claw is tapered so that when it is in theresting position, it can hold the sand until it returns to the operator.

The scale of the model is:
1 inch = 1.5 inches

Claw Model - Explanation

Figures 1A, 2A, and 3A all refer to the model design for the done buggy's claw.  #1 All refer to the area where the claw is able to grasp onto plant samples and #2 refers to the gear system that can be used when the actual system is created.  As seen in the figures, the inside of the claw possesses small groves or "teeth" which are going to help hold onto the samples the robot collects.  However, they will be small enough so as to not damage the sample beyond analysis.  As seen in the gear system, the design will include 2 idle gears so that the two halves of the claw close and open at the exact same time.  In addition, the gears must be meshed so that the claw opens and closes directly along the center of the robot.  If the gears are not aligned, the claw may open and close incorrectly.

The scale of the model is:
1 inch = 1.5 inches

Scoop Model - Front View

Figure 3B

Scoop Model - Top View

Figure 2B

Scoop Model - Isometric View

Figure 1B

Claw Model - Front View

Figure 3A

Claw Model - Top View

Figure 2A

Claw Model - Isometric View

Figure 1A

How to Test the Dune Buggy - Classroom Test

1. Using the remote controller, test the controls and switches to make sure that all of the components are moving as planned.  Check for stuck, jammed, or parts that move to fast/slow.
2. Using a small container of sand, check to make sure the scoop is able to collect and contain the sediment sample.  Check to see that sample does not significantly slow down robot.  Check to see if the sample stays secure inside the scoop during transportation.
3. Make sure the video camera works by moving at various distances in the building.  Picture should be clear and give an accurate representation of the area by showing prominent landmarks, obstacles, etc.
4. Check to see that claw opens and closes properly.  Pick up object around the room to simulate the robot picking up dune grass.  Ensure that the claw is able to cut sample using paper or actual dune grass collected from the field.
5.  Make sure that the arm is able to turn and swivel the camera properly.  Ensure that a clear image is still transmitted to the operator and that the arm does not obstruct view of landscape.

Status Report 11/8

I haven't logged in the past few days because we have been presenting in the media center.  So far, I have delivered my presentation to the class about the status of my project.  In addition, I successfully completed the construction of two important models: the claw and the scoop.  Both designs were created out of Lego pieces and had movable parts to that the audience would have a better understanding of how the components would actually work.  Finally, I was able to take apart two remote controlled RC cars to see how they worked.  Doing this allowed my partner and I to get a better feel of how to incorporate certain designs into our final product.

Status Report - 10/28

This week, I was able to get my hands dirty by experimenting with some real servomotors and motors.  In addition, my partner PA and I were able to take apart old RC cars to see how they worked.   By doing this, we can incorporate this into our product.  We also completed the construction of our models.  Using a Lego kit, I was able to create models of the claw and scoop mechanisms.

Status Report - 10/20

Today, I will be starting the model with my partner, PA.  We plan on constructing the work with Lego pieces so it can perform some basic functions to give audiences a better idea of the the robot will be capable of.

Summer Research - Evidence of Dune Damage

Human interference in the dunes present a huge threat to the dunes and their structural integrity.  The simple act of walking on dunes will cause them and their ecosystems to become damaged.  Often, dune blowout occurs when one part of the dune weakens or sinks in (often caused by humans).  When wind blows or waves hit the dunes, the force accumulates in the weakened part of the dune until a hole or gap forms.  This hole, which grows continually, allows more water and wind to travel behind the dune and destroy it overtime.  this lowers the over effectiveness of the dune in the event of a storm.  In addition, many fragile and diverse ecosystems and disrupted or destroyed. Several examples of dune blowout caused by human interference can be seen to left in order of increasing severity.




(www.freefoto.com.images,  www.aquaticconsultingonline.com,  
 besidethetrail.ca)

Status Report 10/15

Next week, my partner PA and I will begin the construction of our model using Lego pieces.  We hope to construct a model that is as accurate as possible to our final design.  I am also hoping that some of the pieces on the model can function or move to give viewers an idea as to what each component will do. 

Status Report 10/12

Today, I met with DA and CMcD about my blog.  I am happy to report that my blog is doing well at the current moment and I only have a few minor corrections and details to add.  I am in the process of making the corrections so that the blog contains all the proper and correct information.

Status Report 10/6

Yesterday, I was able to put in for all the materials myself and PA will need for our project.  Using VEX robotics, we are going to contruct our robot and all the necessary componants it will have.  Other then that, I have been constantly updating my blog so that is easy to navigate and find all the necessary information.

Shovel Designs - Rationale Table

Shovel Designs

	(See figure 8)	(See Figure 7)
Criteria	Concept 1: Tapered Shovel	Concept 2: Round Shovel
Ease of use	+	-
Appearance	S	S
Easily Scoops	+	-
Low weight	+	-
Carrying capacity	-	+
Safety	S	S
∑+	3	1
∑-	1	3
∑s	2	2
Net score	2	-2
Rank	1	2
Continue or combine?	Continue	Discontinue

Claw Design - Rationale Table

Claw Designs

	(See figure 4)	(See figure 5)	(See figure 6)
Criteria	Concept 1: Flat Edge Claw	Concept 2: Pointed Claw	Concept 3: Toothed Claw
Ease of use	+	-	+
Aesthetic Appeal	+	-	+
Ability to hold samples	S	-	+
Holding capacity	S	+	S
Safety	+	S	+
∑+	3	1	4
∑-	0	3	0
∑s	2	1	1
Net score	3	-2	4
Rank	2	3	1
Continue or combine?	Combine	Discontinue	Combine

Status Report 9/27 - 10/1

This week, I was able to complete a large chunck of work for my blog.  One of the biggest parts of this week was formatting my blog and making sure that all my assignments were on it.  What's more, I had to be very concientious about the way I set up the blog so that others can read it easily and quickly find the information that they need.  So far, the research, background information, specifications, limitations, rationale report, and alternate solutions have been all been put on the blog.  I have also made several contacts with my mentor who has offered several suggestions about the project and how to make it better.

Differentiated

Nothing on the market currently resembles this design.  Many different products are available to perform individual functions that this design will be able to perform, but nothing exists that has the capability to combine different functions into an automated vehicle that will not greatly impact the environment on which it travels.  In that way, this design is truly unique.  The uniqueness and functionality of this design should be enough to make this design appeal greatly to those that would use it.

Profitable

As mentioned before, if the design was sold, it would come as a starter kit.  Very few things would be different than what our team will receive to start building.  From there, the user will be able to customize the vehicle with a variety of supplemental parts and components.  The profitability of this design is purely dependent on how many people are going to want to purchase it.  It is more likely that this design will appeal only to a very select group of scientists than it is that it would be a feasible idea to mass produce this design. 

Producible

While the end result, a dune buggy to be used for dune research, will be an extremely useful tool for researchers and scientists, the capabilities for producing large amounts of this product is very limited and in a way almost unnecessary.  The design will be constructed using standard parts from a Vex Robotics Kit as well as other products such as a video camera.  But nothing in this design consists of a new product or component created specifically for the design.  Because the actual construction of the vehicle will vary from user to user, it does not make sense to have many various components that will only appeal to certain users.  Some users will want to have certain features that other users may not find useful for their purposes.  Being that as it is, the design already has a part that is left for customization on the users part.  Basically, my partner and I are creating more of an idea rather than an actual product to be mass produced as sold exactly as it is.  There are too many options for functions that the vehicle could carry out and the design is made so that it will be able to accommodate all of these options.  The design is very basic and can be thought of more as a starter kit to be built and customized by the user.  In theory, if this design were to be sold, the design would come with just the necessary parts to have a vehicle that can move forward, backward, left and right.  Other parts that are able to be attached to the design and perform various functions would be sold by the same manufacturer; however, they would not come with the basic starter kit.  While our design will be able to perform various functions (live video, photography, plant samples), they are not an integral part to the overall design and will be able to be easily taken off. 

Desirable

The robot will be made to look less intrusive and camoflaged in the environkment it will be exploring.  So, aesthetics are an important part of this project.  The robot will have several colors.  It will be primarily sand colored and have touches of light green.  These colors will allow the robot to blend with the plants and sand found in a dune ecosystem.  To make the entired robot waterproof, the circuitry will be covered with a plastic, dome shaped cover.  This will also shade the motors from overexposure to the sun, which could cause overheating.  The appearance of the robot will not only be aesthetically pleasing, but also vital if the robot is going to asymmilate into the dune environment.

Useful

The robot was created to help allieviate stress that the dune and its ecosystem may undergo when a human walks into the dune for research. The robot, being small, subtle, and less intrusive than a human wil go into the dunes and take samples: sediment, plant, and video.  A single wireless controller will operate the robot, making it easy to run by a researcher or marine biogist. 

Usable

The robot be easy to use by the operator.  The operator will control the robot using a wireless remote control that coresponds with different functions on the robot.  Once someone understands the controls, controlling the robot will be easy.  The different buttons on the controller can be callibrated and changed to meet the operators standards.  The robot will be powered using a rechargeable battery so that the robot could be used everyday.  Also, the wireless functions will mitigate most distance restrictions so long as the robot stays within operating range.

Figure 8 - Alternate Solutions/Brainstorming - 3D Shovel Design 2

Figure 8 is a shovel design that seems best suited for the objectives tah need to be accomplished.  The tapered design allows the front end to "cut" right into the sand without applying as much force as a blunt ended shovel would need.  The shovel would be released using a servomotor, and dig into the sand as the robot moves forward.  Once enough sand is collected, the servo will swing the shovel back into its normal position, thus containing and storing the sediment sample.

Figure 7 - Alternate Solutions/Brainstroming - 3D Shovel Design 1

Figure 7 is a shovel design that could potentially be used to help take a sediment sample.  semicircle design allows the sample to easily stay in when the robot is moving.  However, one possible weakness of the design may be that its untapered front design could give the robot trouble when it is trying to push the shovel into the sand.  The shovel would be released using a servomotor, and dig into the sand as the robot moves forward.  Once enough sand is collected, the servo will swing the shovel back into its normal position, thus containing and storing the sediment sample.

Figure 6 - Brainstorming/Alternate Solutions - 3D Claw Design 3

Figure 6 is one of the most promising claw designs. It's toothed design would allow it to grasp onto plant samples easily.  After the claw has grabbed a speciman, the blade directly underneath the claw would cut the stalk of the plan it was trying to capture.  The claw would hold onto the sample until it returns to the operator.  The claw would be operated using a geared down servomotor.

Figure 5 - Brainstorming/Alternate Solutions - 3D Claw Design 2

 Although Figure 5 is a promising design, its pointed design would only allow it to grab large samples.  Another concern with the design of Figure 5 is that it would not be able to grab the plant sample efficiently.  To help it hold onto the sample better, the inside edges would be coated in rubber or another high friction material.  The claw would hold onto the sample until it returns to the operator.  The claw would be operated using a geared down servomotor.

Figure 4 - Brainstorming/Alternate Solutions - 3D Claw Design 1

Figure 4 would be an easy to operate claw design.  Although the design is simple, its straight inner edges would allow it to grasp onto almost anything with ease.  Like the other designs, Figure 4 would have its inner edges coated in rubber or a high friction material to prevent objects from falling out during transport.  The claw would hold onto the sample until it returns to the operator.  The claw would be operated using a geared down servomotor.

Figure 3 - Brainstorming/Alternate Solutions - 2D Claw Design 3

Figure 3 is the 2 dimensional  representation of Figure 6.  The representation gives measurements and a top view of the design for easy contruction later in the process.

Figure 2 - Brainstorming/Alternate Solutions - 2D Claw Design 2

Figure 2 is the 2 dimensional  representation of Figure 5.  The representation gives measurements and a top view of the design for easy contruction later in the process.

Figure 1 - Brainstorming/Alternate Solutions - 2D Claw Design 1

Figure 1 is the 2 dimensional  representation of Figure 4.  The representation gives measurements and a top view of the design for easy contruction later in the process.

Test Procedures

1. Expected to, at a minimum, provide live video data and be able to travel in and out of dunes
2. Optimally, the robot will perform the above tasks, in addition to successfully collecting plant via claw and sediment data via shovel.
3. Documenting success will be straight forward. If the above tasks are completed, then the device will be successful. Partial successes will also exist in this project.

Limitations

1. Cannot exceed 1 cubic meter in size
2. Cannot weigh over 30 pounds
3. Must not be threatening in appearance
4. Must be operated using standard rechargeable battery or car battery
5. Must be made out of VEX robot parts or parts found is systems lab

Specifications

1. Must possess a video camera to send real time video data to the operator
2. Must be able to travel easily through the dunes
3. Must be able to be used in any weather condition
4. Must be able to be wirelessly operated by a field researcher or marine biologist
5. Must be able to operate at lease 50 feet away
6. Must operate for at least 10 minutes
7. Must be able to return to operator

Design Brief (Individual)

Design and create three different systems for the vehicle: a claw for cutting and holding onto a piece of dune grass, a shovel/scoop for collecting sediment data, and a camera that can deliver real time video/images to the operator.

Design Brief (Group)

Design and create a wireless, remote controlled vehicle to collect sediment, plant, and video data that can be used by a marine biologist or field researcher in any weather condition to prevent human interference in beach dunes.

Background Information - The Solution!

While it is completely impossible to avoid going into dunes for research purposes, there is a better method for collecting data. The field of robotics offers a promising alternative to researchers in the field of Marine Biology. Robotics can offer a less threatening and invasive method to research because of their size, appearance, and maneuverability. Small and lightweight models would not plow over and destroy plant life and nesting sights. Their small and almost unnoticeable appearance would not scare away specimens. And, their almost entirely metal and plastic body wouldn’t allow invasive species to latch on and spread to other sites. Finally, their green, battery operated and wireless controls wouldn’t leave harmful chemicals in the ecosystem it was studying. Therefore, robots can serve as a much less intrusive method to study dune ecosystems and wildlife.

www.slashgear.com

Background Information - Sandy Hook, NJ

Sandy Hook, New Jersey, for example, is a popular area for research by the National Park Service, NOAA, and the students at the Marine Academy of Science and Technology. The research done by these organizations is necessary, but can still take a toll on the dune ecosystems. The endangered Piping Plover, for example, is a species of bird that only mates and nests during a specific time of the year. Human interference has been the cause of several destroyed nests in recent years. While some of these cases were blatant, the mere act of walking through dunes can allow one specimen to become attached to an unwary traveler and be transferred to another dune where it is not native; thus creating an invasive species. Ecosystems aside, constant walking on the dunes by researchers can ruin the integrity of the dune structure, which could be dangerous if large storm waves ever hit the coast.

 

www.njscuba.net

Background Information - Why Dunes Are Important

Beach dunes are the primary coastal defenses against storm waves. They are naturally made over many years and are far more effective that most manmade structures. In addition, dunes are home to many diverse biological ecosystems which draw the attention of many researchers and marine biologists. Dunes and the wildlife they support, however, are delicate structures. Frequent human interference has put a strain the on the wildlife and physical integrity of the dunes.

http://www.northforkaudubon.org/images