Welcome back from Team RLNT<! It has been some time since our last upload so today the team would like to show some concrete progress on the Wheelchair Hill Assist Device!
In the work period spanning March 9 to March 23, the team assembled the device over a couple hour work period. During the assembly, the team encountered a significant challenge with the geometry of the attaching mechanism on our project. This issue was critical, as it directly impacted the functionality and effectiveness of our design. Upon discovering this, we took immediate action to reassess and reevaluate our approach. Taking into account the factors that contributed to this problem, we were able to innovate and create new arms for the mechanism. This adjustment was pivotal, ensuring that our project stayed on track and met the required standards of functionality and reliability.
Looking ahead to the period from March 24 to April 6, our team has outlined a clear and ambitious plan. The centerpiece of this phase is to complete a technical demo with Dr. Chang. This demonstration is not just a milestone but a crucial step in our project’s development, allowing us to showcase the progress and functionality of our design. Following this demo, we plan to have a detailed discussion with Dr. Chang to evaluate the next steps. One of the pressing issues we need to address is the device's current limitation on the wheelchair's ability to turn freely, particularly its tendency to steer left when activated. The outcomes of this meeting are vital, as they will determine whether we need to modify the device design to align with the capstone project schedule.
Anticipating the challenges in the next two weeks, our team is aware that the device's limitation on steering might necessitate a comprehensive redesign. Specifically, we foresee the need to print a new shell and undertake an intensive redesign of the wheel motor hub attachment. This redesign aims to allow for rotation on its vertical axis, addressing the steering limitation issue. Our team is prepared to tackle this challenge head-on, drawing on our collective expertise and the insights gained so far. We understand that this may require significant effort and resource allocation, but we are committed to ensuring our project not only meets but exceeds the expected standards and requirements.
Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3
Figures 1, 2, and 3 show some insight to the assembly of the device! In Figure 1, Jakob is tapping bolt holes for the shell lid and wheelie bar attachment arms. Figure 2 shows an assembled wheelie bar attachment arm after tapping the portion that comes out of the shell and dyeing the insertion portion (the part that inserts into the back of the wheelchair). Finally, Figure 3 showcases the internal electronic assembly that rests inside of the shell.
Comments