APSC101-Module5-SkeletonNotes

Module 5 Overview

Class A: Introduction, Design Refresher, and Servo Motor Applications

Learning Goals (Class A)

• Recall key design process considerations from APSC 100: Review foundational design principles learned in previous courses to ensure you can effectively apply them in complex scenarios.

• Explain operating principles of a servo motor: Understand the mechanics of servo motors, including their control, movement range, and critical role in robotics and automation.

• Apply basic physics principles to analyze torques and forces in mechanical systems: Utilize physics concepts to assess the forces and torques acting within your design, ensuring structural integrity and functionality.

• Review Module 5 competition details and deliverables: Familiarize yourself with the competition objectives, timeline, and specific deliverables required for assessment.

Key Content:

• APSC 100 design process model: The five-step design process—identifying a problem, studying and clarifying it, generating potential solutions, developing and testing those solutions, and implementing revisions as necessary.

• Physics principles of force and torque: Understanding Newton’s laws of motion and how they relate to force, mass, and acceleration, particularly in the context of servo motor applications.

Today’s Additions:

• Understanding operation of servo motors for projects: Explore the application of servo motors in real-world projects and the importance of precision in movement.

• Engineering considerations for effective use of servo motors: Discuss factors such as power requirements, speed, and support structures that influence servo motor performance in retrieval systems.

Project Overview

The Claw - Design CompetitionContext: Scheduled for January 2025, this project focuses on creating an autonomous retrieval system for objects, specifically designed to address the retrieval of a hypothetical crashed UFO located in the Pacific Ocean. This scenario presents unique challenges, including water dynamics and remote operation.

Objective: This design competition serves as an opportunity for teams to showcase innovative concepts for retrieval systems capable of autonomously picking objects and delivering them to a designated area.

Design Project Details

• Objective: Participants will design, construct, and program a retrieval system that autonomously picks up objects.

• Attaches to a manually operated crane that does not have a direct visual of the drop-off zone, necessitating the use of auxiliary controls (voice and gestures).

• Components:

  • Must open and close autonomously, demonstrating effective control and reliability.

  • Functionality must be demonstrated during the Week 5 studio session, where the working prototype will be scrutinized.

Competition Structure

• Team members will guide the operator of the crane using voice commands and hand gestures, ensuring clear communication during operation.

• Objects placed into the designated zone must be retrieved and dropped accurately, showcasing precise engineering and planning.

Materials and Resources

Supplies

• Available materials include aluminum sheet metal and a variety of hand tools necessary for building and modifying designs.

• Additional materials like cardboard may be utilized to facilitate design execution and prototyping.

Electronics Kits

• Each team receives an Arduino-compatible microcontroller, a servo motor for control, and sonar detection hardware to assist with distance measurement.

• Each kit is intended for paired student use, encouraging collaboration.

• Online simulation tools such as TinkerCAD and Wokwi are available for software testing and to aid in planning circuit connections.

Scope and Responsibilities in APSC 101

• Expect an increased complexity and scope in projects compared to APSC 100, emphasizing refined skills and collaboration.

• Integration of additional course topics, such as advanced coding or system integration, is essential for success.

• Effective teamwork is emphasized, highlighting the importance of task division and progress tracking throughout the project’s lifecycle.

Module 5 Timeline

• Week 1: Introduction to engineering thinking, laying groundwork for effective design methodologies.

• Week 2: Team development activities focused on collaboration and risk management practices.

• Week 3: Creating engineering drawings and initiating the prototype construction phase.

• Week 4: Final construction phase, including preparations for presentations and showcases.

• Week 5: Execution of the competition and e-poster display, requiring a succinct summary of the project and design process outcomes.

Design Process Overview

Steps include:

1. Identify and define the problem clearly to establish constraints and goals.

2. Study and clarify the problem, gathering relevant information to inform solution generation.

3. Generate potential solutions and employ decision-making frameworks to choose the most viable options.

4. Develop, test, and iterate on chosen solutions, documenting each phase for future reference.

5. Review, revise and implement based on feedback from peers and instructors.

Design Refresher Questions

Evaluate the appropriateness of team actions related to design processes:

• A: Very appropriate.

• B: Somewhat appropriate.

• C: Somewhat inappropriate.

• D: Very inappropriate.

• E: Not sure.Consider scenarios such as:

• Skipping essential ranking steps in decision-making.

• Developing full prototypes prematurely instead of utilizing Working Drawing Models (WDMs).

• Delaying stakeholder and peer input until later stages of the design process.

Servo Motors

Definition: Servo motors are critical components of the retrieval system; they offer precise control between defined positions, typically moving between 0 and 180 degrees. Unlike DC motors, which provide continuous rotation, servo motors allow for specific positioning.

Components of Servo Motors:

• DC Motor: Serves as the core movement unit, harnessing electrical energy into mechanical power.

• Gears: Engage to provide the necessary position control and torque amplification.

• Output Position Sensor: Supplies feedback to the control system regarding the actual position of the motor shaft.

• Electronic Control System: Manages the flow of power and direction of the servo motor based on input commands.

Feedback Control Basics

Essential components of a feedback control system:

• Input: Commanded Shaft Position (via Arduino or other control systems).

• Actual Shaft Position: The current physical position of the motor as reported by the output sensor.

• Motor and gear interactions: Ensure the desired output aligned with system commands.

Practical Servo Usage Challenges

• Limitations that may affect the application of servo motors in retrieval systems include:

  • Torque capacity: Requires careful calculations to match system requirements.

  • Weight balance: Proper distribution is essential for effective operation and to prevent mechanical failure.

  • Speed and response time: Must meet design specifications for real-time operations.

Example Scenarios:

• Excavator's Hydraulic Boom Issue: Analyze the impact of winch placement on lifting capacity and how it must consider load distribution and safety.

Team-Based Learning

• Encourage teamwork in identifying risks associated with project components and managing them using structured risk classification tables and matrices.

Risk Analyses

• Assess identified risks based on their severity and likelihood, developing action plans to address each risk effectively.

Risk Management Strategies

• Engage in strategies such as avoidance, mitigation, transferring or accepting risks based on thorough evaluation to ensure project success.

The E-Poster Process

• Create effective e-posters that incorporate critical design aspects, insights from the design process, and evaluations of risk management practices to clearly communicate project outcomes.

Feedback Mechanisms

• Implement the 3x3 Feedback Model to deliver and receive constructive feedback effectively during peer evaluations, promoting continuous improvement throughout the project cycle.

Conclusion

Students should aim to develop a comprehensive understanding of servo motors, the design process, and efficient cooperative project management strategies to excel in upcoming competitions, enhancing both their technical skills and collaborative capabilities.