Rob Wood Seminar

I really enjoyed Rob Wood's talk. I think the projects his lab are working on are interesting and I learned a lot of new things during the seminar. I didn't know that microrobotics had come so far, and didn't expect the variety of prototypes they had already built. The production process of folding or "snapping" the pieces into place with one gesture was, I thought, a really creative and ingenious idea. I wish he had more time to go into more detail about the design of the MEMS and the actuators. 

I remembered something that I had read during the discussion, which was about the relationship between quantum physics and transistors. I can't remember the details, but I read that transistors can only get so small before quantum physics comes into play, and they stop working (something about the electrons not being stopped by the "gate"). The theory was that when transistors became this small, Moore's Law would end and we'd have to come up with materials other than silicon to create transistors. The Schon scandal was related to this topic because Schon had claimed he made transistors out of organic dye. Although, I guess this is applicable to the nano scale and not micro scale. Either way, I'm curious to know if they have faced any similar difficulties at such small scales. 

I also found it interesting that so many different departments collaborated to make the projects possible, and that it has a lot to do with understanding the biology of whatever organism they are simulating.

Final Project Community Rowing

We want to create a cord stopper that will prevent the cord from retracting into the machine as the handles are being switched out.

Our design specifications are as follows:

- Easy to remove (<20 sec).

- Does not damage the erg.

- Is sturdy/reliable and holds the cord every time.

Materials: Heavy metals, rubber, magnets?

Parts list?

Schedule:

3/18 - parts list/materials

       - basic prototype/concept

       - meet up after exam, finalize materials list

3/30 - have prototype mostly done

       - meet up outside of class to see where we are with prototypes and what needs to be done between Monday and Friday

4/1   - finalize prototype, hopefully end the class with two or more prototypes almost/ready for presentation

       - test prototypes

4/3   - present to class

       - discuss critiques, identify weak points,

4/6 - commit to design, narrow down to one design

4/8 - begin final product, think of variations according to feedback

4/10 - continue working on final product, think of variations accoring to feedback

4/13 - test product

4/15 - prototype testing at CRI

4/17 - discuss critiques, identify weak points, work on final product

4/22 - make changes to final product design

4/24 - continue working on the final product, test product

4/27 - test product,

4/29 - (Ruhlman Conference) final adjustments

Testing plan:

- Figure out how to safely test without ruining the machine.

- Place stopper on the erg chain, check for correct width and strength of stopper/mechanism.

- Use erg with attachment in place to test for compatibility.

Prototyping Part 1

Alex and I are off to great start. We've decided to tackle the one-handed handle project. We both made sketches of handle ideas and then compared our ideas. We both had similar concepts and decided to work off of Alex's sketch, which was more clear.
 

Initial concept sketch

We then began the process of making a rough prototype out of sheet metal, scrap wood and foam board. The initial model is not accurate at all because at that point we were still vague on how we were going to exactly idealize the design. In order to get a better sense of our direction, we wrote up questions to ask CRI. We also sent them our initial sketch for their opinions.

Our next step was to take a trip to the KSC to take measurements of the erg machines. We also looked up different clamp designs to brainstorm how to attach the handle to the cord. We looked at rod-latch systems such as those found on camera mounts and music stands. Those types of latches tend to be very easy to mount/unmount. These are the clasps we found:

Clasp options

Some options are more refined products and others are pretty industrial looking. After testing them out, we can incorporate features from multiple products to create the ultimate clasps for our handle.

I'm working on learning SolidWorks so that we can create a better prototype that has features that will be reflected in the final design. We are trying to standardize the handle as best as possible, while also working with the curvature of the handle for a secure fit.

3 Ideas

The three problems Alex and I picked were the following:

1. The one-handed handle that is hard to attach to the erg.
2. The arms, shoulders, and torso seat that could be adapted for arms and shoulders users.
3. A device for the pontoon that makes it easier to attach the pontoon to the boat.

For all three categories, we set a timer for 5 minutes and brainstormed ideas during that time. We then sorted ideas into categories and made a corresponding Pugh chart.

We first brainstormed ideas for the one-handed handle. We divided our ideas into three categories: "Attach to cord", "attach to handle" and "new handle". We chose "attach to cord" as standard and based off of our ratings, chose the handle attachments as the best option.  The handle attachment seemed the most practical and least costly. It is also easy to remove and is therefore very adaptable.

Some of our sketches when brainstorming

By the second round, which was the AS seat adaptation, coming up with ideas was a lot easier in 5 min. It seems like it's not ideal to brainstorm two completely unrelated concepts in a row because all the ideas we had for the handle were pretty mundane, but once we got to the seat, the ideas were a little more far-fetched. Although that is a sign that the process was working.

We divided each of our ideas into the categories: "boat attachments","seat attachments" or "new seat". We chose "seat attachments" as standard and determined that building a new seat was the best option. Despite expenses, building a new seat would improve upon reversibility, adaptability and comfort. We were also most passionate about this approach.

Pugh Chart for the seat

Our last problem to brainstorm was the pontoon attachment to make it easier to flip into the water. We also generated ideas that fit into three categories: "pontoon attachments", "boat attachments", a whole "new pontoon", and pontoon attachments with "sensors". Designing a new pontoon was ruled out almost immediately when compared to the standard of "pontoon attachments". The "sensors" category had some great positives, but was ultimately ruled out due to cost, do-ability and maintenance.

Brainstorming for the pontoon flipper

It was great brainstorming for all these problems. Alex and I had chosen the same projects to begin with, so we started off on the same page. In the end, I think we were most passionate about the one-handed handle. It is a problem with a lot of flexible solutions and potential. The hardest part will be to rein in all our thoughts to come up with one solid, manageable approach.

CRI questions part 2

Here are some questions Alex and I brainstormed after thinking of product ideas:

- What materials are generally used to construct the boat seats?

- Where is the center of gravity/how is the weight distributed in the boat?

- Would an attachment to the current erg handle be strong enough?

- How close is the pontoon to the oat oar when it is in the water?


Questions from last visit:

For client:

1. What brought you to community rowing?

2. What are the main steps or procedures that you go through between the boathouse and the boat/erg machine? Just a brief step-by-step rundown would do!

3. Is there any part of the process that could be made easier or more efficient so as to increase your time in the boat or on the erg machine?

4. Once in the boat or on the erg machine, is there anything that hinders your rowing?

5. What do you like or dislike about the adaptive technology thus far?

6. What adaptive tools would you like to have/use to make your Community Rowing experience better/more enjoyable?

“Expert”:

1. What are the most common/some physical limitations that you work with as a coach?

Recruiter:

1. What does the recruiting process entail?

2. How do you think community rowing impacts people’s lives?