Assignment #3
Problem Statement: Develop a mechanical device that replaces a task inside a nuclear powerplant which would keep a person from having to enter a high rad area. This device should be designed with utility and simplicity in mind for the greatest effect.
Assumptions: There are several assumptions made within the strategy stages of this design. These include some estimation when it came to the decision matrix, some estimated weights within the analysis portion, and some relatively general size estimates when it came to strategy 3.
Decision Matrix: Creating this decision matrix helped me to pick which design to pursue. I picked criteria that were technical, but not overly specific. The utility was an important aspect within my designs as I wanted what I end up making to be both usable and necessary.
Weights vary from 1-5 1 being the lowest and 5 being the best rating each aspect can achieve.
The decided upon design is to make a camera lift system that can be used inside nuclear power plants. This design offers high utility as the process of doing pipe inspections inside powerplants can be extremely costly and difficult. This design would mount on top of a ground vehicle that could drive into the contaminated area. The design would lift a camera up to at least eye level.
Particular time was given to the criteria chosen for this matrix. A good balance was sought in coming up with multiple criteria that reflect how these strategies truly compare to each other. Engineering analysis from assignment 2 was used in developing and choosing the ratings for this matrix.
Concept 1: Scissor lift mechanism for raising a camera to a high of at least 5ft. This sketch outlines the basis of my design.
Analysis:
Excel Calculations:
FREDPARRC:
Concept 2: Mechanical lifting system that uses pullies and guide rails to accomplish vertical motion.
FREDPARRC:
Concept 3: Design a drone that is tethered to a ground vehicle for power enabling, extremely flexible inspection of piping.
Sketch:
Analysis: Utilized an online calculator that provides a lot of data on estimating the performance and efficiency of the drone.
The calculator is available here.
FREDPARC:
Gantt Chart:
Download here
Lessons learned:
While doing this assignment I learned the need to consider many aspects and not drift into focusing on just one design parameter or deciding factor. It is important to take into account all aspects of the design. I found the decision matrix to be an extremely helpful tool in choosing which design would provide the best outcome.
Time Management:
10-20-2020 2:30-4:00 pm Brainstorming and initial decision matrix implementation
10-23-2020 8:00-12:00 am sketches, equations, and writing
10-26-2020 8:00-11:00 am final implementation and website work
10-27-2020 7:00-8:00 am comments to advisees
Comments to Advisees:
Advise to Dylan Appleyard:
Overall your assignment looks pretty good! It is well laid out and your attention to detail is apparent. The one thing I would suggest improving is your equations. While you have some valuable analysis, it would be good to develop this future and incorporate it into power equations.
Advise to Hunter Joyner:
Overall you have done an excellent job with this assignment. Your decision matrix shows thought was put into both the criteria and values. Your sketches and analysis shows a deep understanding of concepts pertaining to your topic. One recommendation that I have (not being a requirement of the assignment) is to create an excel document that allows you to manipulate parts of your model and see how this affects the forces. This would help you immensely in the next stage as you go to implement your chosen design. You would be able to input different values and dimensions into your excel document allowing you to pick the optimal size for each wheel and spacing.