Unit 6: Drawings

Many elderly or disabled people may have a more difficult time moving from location to location within their home. Therefore, trivial tasks such as turning on and off the light switch may become rather difficult, especially at night if they have to navigate back to their bed in the dark. Therefore, the purpose of this passion project is to design a mechanical system that allows for the light switch capabilities to be accessible from any area of a room rather than simply its physical location via a remote. After following the engineering design process to select a specific module and components, I will need to create the drawing for replication as well as indicate any needed tolerances to allow for the mechanism to function effectively.

It is to be assumed that it is a standard toggle light switch that can be powered on or off simply by applying a small force in the upward or downward direction. Furthermore, the switch is enclosed by a standard single size plastic wall plate measuring 2.75 x 4.5 inches that is screwed into the wall. Furthermore, it is assumed that the remote will be utilized within 300 feet of the switch, and will be aimed towards the mechanism so it can recognize the command.

When evaluating each of the components, I considered cost, reliability, ease of installation, and manufacturability. I ranked each of these at equal weights since they are all important when considering the value and quality of specific component.

Component 4, The Collars, ranked the highest in the decision matrix. This is because this part is relatively simple to create, and therefore would be easy for an industry to manufacture. Furthermore, since there are no moving parts, it should be reliable and last for while. The only issue there is that the shaft may rub against it and wear it down over time, but as long as you include the needed tolerance that should not be an issue.

Component 2, the Universal Mounting Hub, was the second highest in the decision matrix, based on quality for the needed cost and how difficult it will be for both the consumer and company to produce or install this product. Overall it has a low cost since it is a small part with only a few inserted holes. Furthermore, since it is relatively simple it should very simple to manufacture, only having to create a small cylindrical piece with a couple of inserted holes. The difficult part about this component is that it may be more difficult to install, since it must be screwed into the DC Motor shaft on the side of the hub using a very small screw that can be difficult to control. Furthermore, when the motor needs to be replaced over time this must be undone as well to remove it.

Component 1, the shaft, is next for the overall best quality in component. It is the easiest piece to install since it would be in the center of the box, above the light switch. One side would be placed in a collar and the other screwed into the universal mounting hub. Furthermore, it would be a low cost since it is a plastic material as well, and would be relatively to manufacture since the shaft is a pure cylinder and the keepers that would move the light switch are relatively simple shapes. However, it would not be the most reliable because over time the force displayed from the light switch on the keepers may be too much and cause the keepers to begin to fracture or even break off, causing the whole component to need to be replaced.

Component 3 was ranked last in the decision matrix. This is because, being a motor that runs off battery voltage, it will need to be naturally replaced on occasion as it is continually used and the battery is drained over time. Therefore, it is not as reliable, causing the consumer to have to remove the box and unscrew it from the rest of the assembly to replace, a potentially tedious process if you don't know what you're doing. Furthermore, the cost is not the best easier since there are many moving parts, but while this is ranked last it is still very necessary to the design, as it provides the power source needed to spin the shaft and power the mechanism to move the light switch.

Each of the displayed dimension values for the below components are measured in mm, so that it can all fit within a standard light switch case.

Note: Click on Bill of Materials to access the google sheet with the website links

I learned how important tolerances are in order to account for any unexpected error in the manufacturing of the part and ensuring all the moving parts can operate without issue.

Everything truly does takes twice as long, especially when it involves depending upon a computer program that may not always want to function properly. It truly is important to get started early and leave plenty of time for unexpected issues.

Each component plays an important role in the overall subassembly and ensuring that the device is able to effectively carry out its set purpose.

Updated the problem statement, including the new phase I am in for the project and any additional assumptions on 12/08/20 from 1 - 1:30 pm

Create a decision matrix to analyze each component on 12/09/2020 from 1 - 2:30 pm

Created a drawing for each of the components with needed tolerances on 12/10/2020 from 2 - 4 pm

Create a drawing for the final assembly with the needed tolerances on 12/11/2020 from 9 - 9:45 pm

Created a bill of materials for all of my needed components on 12/12/2020 from 10 - 11 am

Updated the Gantt chart for Unit 6 on 12/12/2020 from 1 - 1:30 pm

Upload the information on the website under assignment 6 on 12/13/20 from 4 - 6 pm

Review and leave comments for advisees on 12/13/20 from 7 - 1:20 pm

Created the final poster and linked to the home website page on 12/14/20 from 3 - 4:15 pm

Your decision matrix is very well thought out for each component and I can tell you put a lot of time and detail into your poster. Your idea has come along very nicely over the course of the project and I think it turned out very well!