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.