Austin Northcutt

-Assignments-

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Assignment 4 -Modules

Problem (updated):

    The wiring harness for my engine needs to be easily removed for service in the future.  It also aids in the process of removing the motor if I ever find the need to.  This device needs to provide a way to quickly disconnect the 60 pin wiring harness from the cabin of the car.

Assumptions:

- The plug will be in two pieces. One mounted to firewall (receptical), and the other connected to the harness (plug).
-The assembly will see a lot of aggressive vibration
-The cannon plug will need to only attach one way only, it will need guides.
-It will possibly see weathering and may need to be water tight.

Gantt:

Decision Matrix:

    I met with Dr. Fagan and had a discussion about moving parts in my project.  He said to focus more on the cannon plug aspect of the project so I am choosing to do that.  For that reason, I did not opt to do a decision matrix since nothing else in my project incorporated a moving part.      

Modules:

Spring-Loaded Collar - This is the traditional design of most cannon plugs on the market currently.  It incorporates a wavy washer that keeps a rotating collar under tension.  When the collar slides over the receptacle connector it will flex the spring down until the small guides on the OD of the receptacle lock into the reliefs cut into the collar.

Spring-Locked Collar
Collar - Receptical - Core

Flanges / Bolts - A very simple design that just mates two flanges together. This specific render will feature two easy to access bolts that hold either side of the plug together.  Guides are incorporated into both sides of the connector to ensure all the pins line up with their respective plugs.

Flange Assembly
Plug - Recepticle - Bolt

Set Screws - Set screws are small hex head bolts that thread through one piece of material in order to clamp down on another.  In my case, I will cut a flat spot on one of the cylindrical pieces of the receptacle so the set screws can prevent the two parts from rotating on each other.

Set Screw Assembly

Receptical - Plug - Screw

Lessons Learned:

-I am getting better at being creative in a sense of brainstorming different ideas and methods to incorporate into a single design.
-After disassembling an old cannon plug connector that I have, I learned how the mechanism works.
-I have since completed the physical engine loom. All I need to do is pin the plug part of the connector and finish heat shrinking.

Activity Log:

-3/15 (11am – 12:30pm) :: FR charts
-3/15 (11am – 12:30pm) :: Updated the text portion of the assignment and described different modules
-3/17 (5pm – 10pm)  :: CAD all 3 styles of plugs
-3/19 (9am – 11am) :: Update local website
-3/20 (10pm) :: Gantt
-3/20 (11pm) :: Submit Website
-3/20 (1am) :: Remade my whole assignment 4 because FileZilla felt the need to delete my assignment 4 page on upload.

Comments:

William Hinson:
- Your CAD models are very detailed and the renderings look great.
- The assignment flowed well, it was very easy to follow.
- I honestly do not see anything that needs criticism, the assignment was great.

James Neal:
- As always, GREAT Cad models.
- Your organization was much better on this assignment, Categorizing everything helped a bunch.
- Your Assignment 4 could use a Title at the top of the page.