MP4 Logs

4/24/13

The wheels have arrived, so work can begin once I purchase my parts, such as the axle, washers, bolts, etc.

4/26/13

I have not yet begun construction, but I also have yet to get some of my parts from the hardware store.

5/3/13

Not only have I gotten my parts, but Mr. Cuttrell and I have begun to shape the wood to make the frame.  However, the sizes are off between that and my CAD views, so I must redraw them to continue with no mistakes later on.

5/8/13

All wood has been cut and I’ve started to fit my rear axle on, despite some issued with the angling of the axle holders.   The front steering system is also proving to be a problem due to odd angles of the “steering column”, which must be looked into.

5/10/15

All parts of the frame are cut out and ready to be attached once the individual parts are ready to be assembled.  The rear axle is finished and the steering system is near completed. 

5/15/13

With the steering system completed, the land sailor frame has been put together.  With the structure finished, all that is left is to attach the electronics to the frame to control steering and the sail.

5/17/13

Still waiting for the servos to get here, but construction has been completed.

5/22/13

            Upon the servos arriving, we realize that there is no battery included in the kit, so it must be purchased on my own.  I’ve also realized I know nothing about servo programming, so I will be reading the guidebook over the weekend.

5/28/13

After reading the manual, programming the servos has become much easier, and they will be applied shortly.  A battery and charger have also been purchased in order to run the servos.

5/31/13

The servos have been calibrated and hooked up.  All servos must now be attached to the frame as seen in the CAD renderings

6/5/13

I started to work on personal evaluation and I continued to finish construction.  Also, I finished my poster for the upcoming senior project night.

MP3 Logs

2/1/13

Finished: I have finished the STEMM report, which we will be getting back soon

In Progress: With the marking period just starting, we have not received any immediate deadlines for upcoming projects, so no work is currently being done

In the Future: Once we get our assignment packet, I will start to work on what is coming up in the development of the senior project.

2/5/13

Finished: The packets have been distributed to the class detailing work and deadlines that is approaching.

In Progress: I am reading over the packets to see the extent of the work that needs to be done

In the Future: No work is currently being done

2/7/13

Finished: No notable work has been done.

In Progress: I will not be in school from tomorrow the 8^th to Monday the 11^th, so no significant work is being done.

In the Future: I will not be in school from tomorrow the 8^th to Monday the 11^th, so no significant work will be done.

2/12/13

Finished: I was not in school from tomorrow the 8^th to Monday the 11^th, so no significant work was done.

In Progress: I was not in school from tomorrow the 8^th to Monday the 11^th, so no significant work is being done.

In the Future: I am working on finalizing my materials that I will be ordering to construct my land sailor

2/15/13

Finished: I am starting to look back into my parts list to see what needs to be ordered via the inquiry sheet

In Progress: I am updating any missed logs since my absence one week ago. 

In the Future:

2/20/13

            Our instructors have informed us that we will be using standardized electronic parts that the school will provide, so servos, batteries, receivers, and controllers will not need to be ordered. 

2/22/13

            Research has continued on the parts list.  However, I am debating whether the wheels should be ordered or if they should be bought with the rest of my basic materials

2/26/13

            I have located where I can find most of the rest of the parts that I need for construction

3/1/13

            No notable work has been done in this time period

3/6/13

            After consulting my partner and instructor, I have decided to rework some of the support structures on my 3D CAD model to reduce unnecessary materials, thereby cutting down the weight

3/8/13

            I am finishing up the new CAD models to include a more compact support system

3/13/13

            No notable work has been done in this time period

3/15/13

            No notable work has been done in this time period

3/20/13

            My partner and I have begun to compare and comment on each other’s CAD renderings, seeing where each of us thinks the other can improve. 

3/22/13

            I am working on adding some of the suggestions that my partner has proposed about my design

3/26/13

            No notable work has been done in this time period

3/29/13

I have begun to look over some of the assignments due at the end of the marking period, and I have begun to organize what I am including in my poster.

4/3/13

After looking through a catalogue given to me by one of my instructors, I have chosen the wheels that I will be using for the final design.

4/5/13

I am currently awaiting the delivery of my wheels.  In this time, I have started to draw the CAD models of my new steering systems taking into account the changed sizes of the wheels.

4/10/13

In the past week, I have received the wheels that I have ordered.  However, presentations have started, so no work has been done

4/12/13

Presentations, no work was done

4/17/13

Presentations, no work was done

MP2 Logs

11/28/12

Finished: Since the storm in early November, no work has been completed.  However, the group presentation was held on the 26^th, where the work completed during marking period 1 was presented to the class.

In Progress: Until the new school is able to get computers for the class, no new projects have been started.

In the Future: Once the school does get computers, I will begin to work on finding parts to use in the final model.

11/30

Finished: No new computers have been gotten for the class yet, so no work has been done in school.

In Progress: No new computers have been gotten for the class yet, so no work has been done in school

In the Future: The laptop cart has been found and is making its way to the new school in the coming week

12/5/12

Finished: We got laptops, so work can be started once we can get them for the class.

In Progress: We have not gotten computers in the class yet, so no work has been done in school

In the Future: We will be getting the laptops for the class to use. 

12/7/12

Finished: We have gotten the laptops in and I have begun to research parts that I may need for the final design.

In Progress: As of now, I am only able to research parts for my final design.

In the Future: I will continue to look at servos, receivers, and battery components that I may need.

12/11/12

Finished: After researching my project more, I have an idea of what I need each part to have for the final model. 

In Progress: Now that I know some of the parts I am getting, I can better understand what else I need to get and do in order to build a successful land sailor

In the Future: I will continue to look for parts that I need, while I will also be on the lookout for better parts that could improve the overall design.

12/14/12

Finished: I am still looking for the right parts to use, while I am also researching how the electronic components will work together.  I have also typed up a rough outline of the plan of procedures

In Progress: I am continuing to write the plan of procedures, which will be submitted soon to the teachers and posted onto the blog

In the Future: I am still working on my parts list.  Once I am able to get back on AutoCAD and finish my drawings, it will be easier to see what and where I need added features.

12/19/12

Finished: I have completed and submitted my rough draft of the plan of procedures

In Progress: I am still working on updating my materials and supplies  list for my revamped plan of procedures.

In the Future: I will most likely be doing no work on the project over the break, so my next post will resume after the 1^st of January in the New Year. 

1/4/12

Finished: No work has been done since the beginning of the break and now.

In Progress: We are beginning to get back to work on the AutoCAD program, so I am continuing my developmental work and drawings

In the Future: I still have a while to go before my developmental work is ready for the building process, so until then I will be drawing the multiple views I need. 

1/8/13

Finished: After getting re-accustomed to working on AutoCAD, I have the main components done and assembled, such as the frame and wheels.

In Progress: I am working on the minutiae of the project, such as the servos, receivers, and battery components, as well as supporting structures.

In the Future: I have the parts that I plan to use and order for my project picked out, so I will be creating their 3D models starting next week. 

1/11/13

Finished: I have completed the 3D model of my servos and I am moving on to the battery and receivers based on what the final parts look like. 

In Progress: I am currently working on the press release, which will be submitted and posted on the 14th. 

In the Future: Once the press release is handed in, I will once again resume my 3D AutoCAD drawings.  Additionally, the midterm exam is a STEMM (science, technology, engineering, manufacturing, and mathematics) Report, which has been assigned and will be due at approximately the end of the month.

1/16/13

Finished: I have completed the press release and have made reasonable progress with my CAD views, which includes color coding to identify each individual part.

In Progress: I have read over the outline of the STEMM Report and I have a basic idea of the assignment.  Additionally, I am finishing up my 3D servo and battery drawings.

In the Future: I will be creating a metal support system that runs down the side of the frame to support the weight of the mast and reinforce the wood that holds it up.

1/18/13

Finished: The model AutoCAD model of the land sailor is complete, but adjustments may be made in the future.

In Progress: I have yet to work on the STEMM report, as my efforts have shifted to rewording documents for resubmission and preparations for the presentations at the end of the month.

In the Future: I will be posting my final design drawings on the updated documents, such as the developmental work and plan of procedures.

1/22/12

Finished: I have drawn up a basic outline of my progress update, but not much else has been done since the last log entry.

In Progress: With the presentations coming up, I am reworking some of my old documents, such as the plan of procedures.  I am also finishing up my developmental work writings by inserting pictures of the final design.

In the Future: I will be resubmitting my plan of procedures shortly now that I have updated information.  Additionally, I will finish my presentation outline and begin work on the STEMM Report

1/25/13

Finished: With presentations coming up, I have been finalizing my CAD views and updating my old blog posts.  Also, I have submitted my plan of procedures again and my outline for the presentation.

In Progress: I have made some progress on the STEMM report, but not a significant amount

In the Future: Over the weekend, I will be working on my stem report as well as prepareing myself for the presentation. 

1/29/13

Finished: Presentations are going on during this week, so no work has been done except for individual work on the STEMM Report

In Progress: Once again, I will be working on my STEMM report which will be submitted on Friday

In the Future: I will be both presenting on Friday and working on my STEMM report.

Presentation Visuals

Presentation Visuals

Old 3D CAD view with old wheel design

A labeled 3D rendering of the RC Land Sailor Chassis

Front 2D CAD view

Side 2D Cad View

Top 2D CAD View

Wire diagram of the electronic components

STEMM Report

STEMM Report

Systems Engineering II

Remote Controlled Land Sailor

Introduction:

            The Remote Controlled Land Sailor’s only practical purpose in this day and age is for competitive purposes and as a recreational pastime to hobbyists.  That said, the land sailor has a very specific environment where the model is intended for use, primarily flat surfaces with hard ground and moderate winds.  In terms of functionality, consumers are attracted to specific land sailors based on performance, which includes speed and maneuverability as well as the aesthetics.  With the basic requirements of consumers in mind, the final model land sailor was designed to complete timed courses to demonstrate the maneuverability and speed in the final testing stages.  As of now, the land sailor’s designs are completed, seen in Figure 1.  As described in the Rationale, this model has a “T” shaped frame with one wheel in the front and two in the back.  Steering is controlled by the single front wheel hooked up to a servo.  The servo is part of an electrical system that consists of two other servos that control the sail, a battery, and a four extension receiver.  The frame is made from balsa wood with metal support sidings around the mast placement.  Full descriptions on the parts, as well as materials, supplies, and tools can be seen in the Developmental Work section.  All specifications in terms of the size of the chassis adhere to the International Radio Controlled Surface Sailing Association regulations.

Relation to Systems Engineering:

            Because the concept of land sailing, not to mention sailing in general is not new, this design counts as an innovation.  The current design in itself resembles designs that others have been done by others in the past for their land sailors.  However, the final land sailor model for this group will be unique compared to the other designs that precede it, hopefully allowing the model to complete the final tests successfully in the future. 

            The engineering that tied in with this design the most is structural.  The location of parts as well as the design of crucial parts, such as frame and steering, will determine the outcome of this model’s functionality and ability to complete the specifications.  Additionally, the materials and supplies that make up each part will also affect how the final design functions. 

            When manufacturing the model, building will most nearly ties into prefabrication.  In this method, a single person with knowledge on the building process gathers materials that they cannot produce themselves and assembles them to make the final product.  In this scenario, many of the parts are pre-assembled, such as the wheels, ball bearings, servos, receivers, batteries, and sheet metal.  All the manufacturer has to do is shape the materials and supplies into parts (see Plan of Procedures) and then assemble the parts into a final product as directed.  This could also involve the English system of manufacturing, as the materials that need to be duplicated may not be the same shape or size as the original. This problem with non-interchangeable parts is normal when construction is done by hand.

            Being that this project is to design and build the chassis of a remote controlled land sailor, this project falls into the engineering and electronics categories.  Engineering was an important topic to keep in mind when working on the alternate solutions and the CAD models. As stated before, the placement and composition of each part have major effects on the functionality of the design.   This information was important to keep in mind when choosing the shape of each design, material of each part, and the placement of pre-fabricated parts.  Part placement can be seen in Figure 2.  Additionally, engineering also relates to the types of electronic components chosen.  When choosing servos, one has to think about how much force is needed to do the task the servo has to do.  For example, a servo needed to pull a winch is not the same as a servo needed to swing the boom of a mast or operate the steering of a model going at high speeds.  Just as before, part choice is crucial to achieving the planned functionality of a design.  In terms of electronics, part choice depended on the amount power needed to operate and the amount of force the component needs to exert.  These factors influence the type of battery needed as well as what specialized servos are needed for their specific job.  This can be seen in the wire diagram in Figure 3.

Science Concepts:

            This project’s design was influence by several science concepts in the early design phases.  One of the deciding factors when comparing this design to others in the Rationale section was the mast placement and the effects on mobility.  Being that the mast is such a huge structure, the concept of the center of gravity and balance, the principles of which are accredited to Sir Isaac Newton,  played a part in choosing the design.  Because maneuverability is one of the final tests, turning has to be quick and stable to reduce time loss while the final design runs through a timed course.  To accomplish this, the design must have a relatively spread out frame with the sail location ranging from the middle to front area of the central beam.  A poor example of this can be seen in one of the early designs in Figure 4.  The current design has a wheel span of approximately 27.7 inches in width to 36.6 inches in length is sufficient in holding the mast upright in the testing phases. An orthographic view of the land sailor can be seen in Figure 5.  The ability of the servos to turn the steering also relates to the concepts of torque as stated by Archimedes.  Rather than use standard servos provided by the school, more powerful Futaba S3305 High-Torque Standard Servo with Metal Gears will be used.  Standard servos might not be able to handle the strain of moving at high speeds, and even if they can hold the steering column still, turning would be near impossible, if sloppy. 

Integrated Technology:

            Possibly one of the greatest impacts that technology has had on this design process is the compactness that each individual electric component has.  With the specs of each electronic part provided by the manufacturers, their relative combined weight is miniscule compared to the total design.  This decrease of weight and size will have positive effects on the end performance of the land sailor.  A close up of the battery and receiver can be seen in figure 6.  Additionally, the availability of other designs on the internet has given a wider range of solutions that can be found to compare to the current design.  Learning from mistakes and successes of others can be beneficial in the designing of your own solution.  In other words, a large group of opinions can help designer pick desirable traits and turn away bad ideas.

Mathematical Computations: 

            Not many mathematical principles had to be taken into account during the designing of this project.  However, conversions had to be done between the imperial system to the metric system.  Because the groups went by the class 2 IRCSSA standards, we had to stay within the parameters of .75 meters wide by 1 meter long by 1.5 meters tall.  AutoCAD uses imperial units, so these measurements had to be run through an online length calculator to find an applicable measurement.  In reality, the lengths in meters can be multiplied by 3.28084 (feet per meter) and by 12 (inches per foot) to get the end values.  Since only width and length are relevant to the chassis, the measurements from end to end can be seen in Figure 5. Other than that, simple subtraction and addition were used when matching up parts in the CAD views. 

Conclusion:

            The Remote Controlled Land Sailor is a structural based project that takes concepts from engineering and electrical work in the design.  The final model will be built using primarily the prefabrication method with a small English system of manufacturing addition.  While the electric components and the wheels are factory-made, the frame, steering system, and support system will be constructed from materials and supplies.  The parts will then be joined together to form the final model, a “T” shaped land sailor with a single front wheel servo controlled turning system.  This design will help prevent flipping, while the shape also allows for easy mobility and maneuverability.  The concepts of balance and the center of gravity were used in creating this design element during the initial creation of the model.  Math was useful in measuring my design in the 3D renderings, while technologically the relatively lightweight and small components will not detract the designs overall performance.  In the end, the Remote Controlled Land Sailor in the final form will be able to fulfill all of the listed specifications and function as intended by the designer.

Plan of Procedures

Plan of Procedures for the Remote Controlled Land Sailor Chassis

     The remote controlled land sailor will we produced from all of the materials listed below.  Each of their individual roles in the final design are listed in the notes section of the material list, minus the self explanatory purposes.  The chassis will hold almost all of the electrical components, steering components, and mechanical components, as well as the sail.  The work ahead will be difficult in some areas like the steering system, and easy in other areas like general chassis assembly.  The diagram below shows the general placement of components on the chassis.

		Supplies
Number	Material	Quantity	Size	Notes
S1	Epoxy	1	pint	Securing parts
S2	Sandpaper	5	sheet	Smoothing drilled hole edges
S3	Electrical Tape	1	Roll	Securing wires

     Some processed materials are made using the following tools.  The balsa wood needs to be cut into its appropriate sizes and the sheet metal has to be cut to its required dimensions as well.  Wiring also has to be cut to its appropriate length and the threaded metal rod and metal rod have to be cut to size.

	Tools List
Number	Tool	Use
T1	Scrolls Saw	Sizing Materials
T2	Band saw	Sizing Materials
T3	Hack Saw	Sizing materials
T4	Drill	Drilling holes into frame
T5	Wrench	Securing bolts
T7	Meter stick	Measurement parts
T8	Pencil	Measurement parts
T9	Circle guide	Measuring Parts
T10	Wire Cutters	Cutting Electrical Wire
T11	Brake	Shaping metal pieces

     The land sailor will be constructed from a variety of materials listed here.  These parts include the wooden chassis, support plates, cut wire, steering dowel, and the threaded axes.

		Material List
Number	Material	Quantity	Size	Notes
M1	Balsa wood	1	1m x 1m x 1m	Vertical frame beam
M2	Wiring	n/a	10'
M3	Sheet metal	n/a	n/a	Steering components/ support
M4	Metal dowel	2	6"	Connects servo to wheel
M5	Threaded Steel Rod	2	5/8" - 11 x 12"	National Coarse Thread, for axels

Part 1: The Chassis

1.  Mark wood to proper dimensions with pencil (T8) and Meter stick (T7).

2. Cut the balsa wood board (M1) into 36.9"x1.5"x1" and 27.8"x.5"x1" strips using the band saw (T2).

3. Create servo slots using the scroll saw (T1).

4. Drill holes in wood for nuts and bolts (P6) to hold support plates (P11) using the drill (T4).

5. Drill hole for steering system (P2) using Drill (T4).

6. Smooth all edges with sandpaper (S2)

7. Screw the two strips together using screws (P8) and the drill (T4)

Part 2: Threaded Axes

1. Using the hack saw (T3), cut the metal rod (M5) to the appropriate sizes for the front and rear axles.

Part 3: Steering System

1. Using the hack saw (T3) cut the sheet metal (M3) to the appropriate dimensions for each part, including front wheel holder, “steering wheel”, and rear axis holder.

2. In this form, drill holes in sheet metal using the drill (T4) at marked areas using the pencil (T8), the circle guide (T9), and meter stick (T7).

3. Use a brake (T11) to bend the metal plates into the correct shape to hold the front wheel and rear wheel axis wheel.

4. Cut the metal dowel (M4) to be bent in the future using the wire cutters (T10) to appropriate dimensions

Part 4: Support Plates

1. Using the hack saw (T3) cut the sheet metal (M3) to the appropriate dimensions.

2. Drill holes in sheet metal using the drill (T4) at marked areas using the pencil (T8), the circle guide (T9), and meter stick (T7).

Part 5: Trimmed Wires

1. Mark wires with pencil (T8) using the meter stick (T7) to mark its proper dimensions.

2. Cut the marked wires at its designated points using the wire cutter (T10)

Assembly Procedures

            Now that all the parts are in their processed forms, part assembly on the chassis can begin.  Electrical components not only have to be secured to the design, but they must also be wired up to the battery.  Steering systems must also be assembled and attached. 

		PartsList
Number	Material	Quantity	Size	Notes
P1	Chassis	1	36.9" x 27.8" x 1.5"	Holds components
P2	Threaded axles	4	multiple	for steering purposes
P3	Steering System	4	n/a	For mobility
P4	Support plates	3	12" x  1" x 1/16"	For support
P5	Trimmed Wires	multiple	varies	Power Components
P6	Servo	1	n/a	Futaba S3305 High-Torque Standard Servo w/Metal Gears
P7	Battery	1	n/a	Futaba NR4QB NiCd 4-Cell 4.8V 600mAh Square Receiver J
P8	Receiver	1	n/a	Futaba R614FF 4-Channel 2.4GHz FASST Receiver 4PK/4PKS
P9	Urethane Wheels	3	90 mm	For mobility
P10	Ball bearings	5	25 mm	Wheels, steering
P11	Nuts/Bolts/Screws	n/a	n/a	For general support
P12	Washer	2	unknown	For steering
P13	Metal dowel	1	n/a	Connecting servo to steering

1. Secure support plates (P4) to chassis (P1) using bolts and nuts (P11) with the wrench (T5).

2. Put threaded axel (P2) through urethane wheel (P9) and axel holder (P3), then secure with nuts (P11)

3. Put second axel through bent metal wheel holder (P3), followed in this order: washer (P12), two ball bearings (P10), the second washer (P12), and the “steering wheel (P3). Secure with nuts (P11).

4. Epoxy (S1) ball bearings (P10) from step 3 to steering system hole in chassis (P1).

5. Put threaded axis (P2) through wheel (P9) and the wheel holder (P3), secure with nuts (P11).

6. Insert servo (P6) into designated hole in chassis (P1).  Secure with screws (P11).

7. Connect steering column (P3) to front servo (P6) by shaping the metal dowel using springs (M10).

8. Secure rear axis holders (P3) using screws (P11).

9. Secure wheel (P9) to threaded axis (P2) with bolts (P11) and epoxy (S1), then attach axis to axis holder (P3).

10. Use support plate #3 (P4) to bend around the battery (P7) and secure it to the frame (P1) with screws (P11) and epoxy (S1) on the edges.

11. Stick receiver (P8) to the frame (P1) with epoxy (S1).

12.  With all electronics attached, attach the servo (P6) and the receiver (P8) to the battery (P7) using the trimmed wires (P5)