Pictured above is the Generation 3 prototype that we developed with the help of MWI. This the last of our cooperation with MWI on this project.
The picture was taken at the Undergraduate Symposium at Northern Arizona University.
As our project wraps up, the reality of it is that we have constructed a Generation 3 prototype due to time constraints. The way that MWI prototypes and developes
products is through stages of prototypes where generation 1 is considered to be a concept, like Solidworks, and a generation 5 is a production ready model. Our client
was extremely satisfied with our work on the reduction of harmonic vibrations. We fell short on the motor controlled aspect of the project due to time constraint.
It was challenging, being mechanical engineering students, to turn to coding arduino and learning how to control all the components of the motors. The lack of success for
this goal ultimately stems from running out of time. The rest of our goals were met through the design process and the natural progression of the project.
Moving forward, there are a few suggestions that we have for our client. We suggest that 90 degree gearboxes be substituted with the current gearbox to reduce interference with the arms.
We recommend the use of water containers as adjustable weight counter balances for the arms. Finally, before the product is in production phase, a proper risk assesment should be completed.
As a team we have learned a large amount from this project. First off, we learned a great deal about the NRL arch and its applications. We gained experience with the prototyping process in industry.
We learned about coding with arduino and control systems involved with motors and encoders. Finite Element Analysis and vibrations were also heavily used in this project. As a team though, we strengthened
our communication skills and responsibilty.
We would like to thank everyone who helped us along the way and give a special thanks to the following people:
