Category: Fall 2019

During the last month of our project, we ran through our list of goals and set about fulfilling them as our semester was coming to an end.

Firstly, we revisited the machinist in order to have our CAD model looked at and updated the model as per his requirements.

Here is what our final CAD looks like:

Once the CAD was finished, we ran through most of the required simulations for our model. This included both a force and a displacement analysis. Since our model is supposed to support two adult males and a wheelchair, our project partner required us to support 700lbs. Our model was built to support 800lbs so as to ensure the feasibility in the case of excess weight.

Here are the simulations:

DEFORMATION SIMULATION

DISPLACEMENT SIMULATION

STRESS SIMULATION

 

The month ended with the UTD Expo, wherein we presented our prototype with the relevant data.

In conclusion, we were really proud of our project and hope to see it completed by the end of next semester.

 

 

This month has been very productive for the Neigh Sayers. In the first week of October, the team visited the Equest facility. Other than discussing the requirements of our project partner, we connected to the needs of our client. Seeing the smiles of the clients of Equest, it made us more determined to work on a better version for our project. Here are a few captured moments from our visit:

After the visit, we integrated our project partner’s inputs into the design, specifically what kind of trailer base they desired. After constructing one from scratch, we performed a cost analysis on the design. Since the cost was exceeding the budget for the whole semester, we finalized a trailer base that we could buy and presented Professor Bennet with the idea. Since he gave us the go-ahead, we initiated the process to buy the following:

 

As far as the CAD aspect is considered, the team is finished with the CAD for both the platform and the ramp, thus meeting the deadline we had set for ourselves. Here is a hand-drawn sketch of the ramp:

Future:

Since the CAD aspect is winding up, we have to make an appointment with the Machine shop. Also, we need to finish the machine shop training in order to work at the shop. Other than that, we should have acquired the trailer base by the end of this month and run all possible simulations on the CAD design.

After reviewing the work that had been completed by the previous semester’s team, we formulated our goals for the semester, which includes the following:

1. Creating a finalized design that fits all the needs of our project partner, and the TxDOT regulations.
2. Producing a CAD model that accurately represents the design.
3. Completing simulations to ensure safety requirements are met such as weight and durability standards.
4. Enacting a thorough feasibility study of the unique parts of the final design.
5. Creating a prototype of the final product at a 1:10 ratio, and possibly starting the build process if time permits.

As of now, we have made plenty of changes to the initial design, which includes variations for the truss system in specific. After discussing our project requirements with the Machine Shop, we have finalized the material for our design as well.

After careful considerations, we have narrowed down our budget for the semester, which is again open to reevaluation.

Future:

We hope to visit the EQuest Facility in October to get a deeper understanding of the working of their organization. The CAD design should be finalized by this month, and we have to start looking for a possible trailer base for our ramp.