Project Description
The Half Scale Bogie Team will improve the bogie design, mechatronics, and wayside power.
We will be implementing Spartan Superway features into the Futran design. Currently, the bogie can run on the curved/sloped track, but some parts were damaged and have to be replaced or redesigned. Also, the team will implement improvements and changes recommended by the previous team.
This week, we read up on the previous work on the bogie and researched possible solutions for the problems we have to face.
The mechanical team was able to fully disassemble the half-scale bogie, and retrieve the shaft. A new material for the steering shaft, 4140 steel, was chosen to be ordered when we do the first round of McMaster orders. Sprockets and chains were selected to be purchased as well when the Futran bogie design begins. The swing arm was drill pressed to the next drill size (from 5/16" to 3/8") to account for a larger steering shaft. A larger diameter steering shaft increases its torsional capabilities by a large magnitude.
Additionally, the mechatronics team started searching for possible motor drivers to replace some of the circuits and H bridges in the electronics.
The Half Scale Bogie Team will improve the bogie design, mechatronics, and wayside power.
We will be implementing Spartan Superway features into the Futran design. Currently, the bogie can run on the curved/sloped track, but some parts were damaged and have to be replaced or redesigned. Also, the team will implement improvements and changes recommended by the previous team.
This week, we read up on the previous work on the bogie and researched possible solutions for the problems we have to face.
Project Specifications
The bogie must properly and safely switch tracks by using the steering arms. By default, one arm has contact with the rail, but when switching occurs, magnets placed on the track will tell the arduino to switch the arms. Arms must switch quickly, and press limit switches to ensure the correct arm is holding onto the rail. If the corresponding limit switches aren't pressed, the bogie must stop.
Also, the motor drivers must have built in H bridges and diodes to protect the arduino from reverse-voltage. If we cannot find the required ICs, then we will research more about H bridges and controlling them with additional ICs.
The bogie must be repaired and redesigned with better materials to support the torque that the motors produce. The steering shaft experienced both twist and buckling due to the fatigue. We plan to utilize 4140 steel, a fatigue resistant and torsion capable material, to machine a new steering shaft. Another fix that we need to implement is a spacer to limit the amount of slop that the bevel gears experience. The Futran bogie will utilize a sprocket and chain drive train to steer, as chains are more resistant to fatigue and do not have a tendency to slip.
Also, the motor drivers must have built in H bridges and diodes to protect the arduino from reverse-voltage. If we cannot find the required ICs, then we will research more about H bridges and controlling them with additional ICs.
The bogie must be repaired and redesigned with better materials to support the torque that the motors produce. The steering shaft experienced both twist and buckling due to the fatigue. We plan to utilize 4140 steel, a fatigue resistant and torsion capable material, to machine a new steering shaft. Another fix that we need to implement is a spacer to limit the amount of slop that the bevel gears experience. The Futran bogie will utilize a sprocket and chain drive train to steer, as chains are more resistant to fatigue and do not have a tendency to slip.
What We Have Done This Week
The mechanical team was able to fully disassemble the half-scale bogie, and retrieve the shaft. A new material for the steering shaft, 4140 steel, was chosen to be ordered when we do the first round of McMaster orders. Sprockets and chains were selected to be purchased as well when the Futran bogie design begins. The swing arm was drill pressed to the next drill size (from 5/16" to 3/8") to account for a larger steering shaft. A larger diameter steering shaft increases its torsional capabilities by a large magnitude.
Additionally, the mechatronics team started searching for possible motor drivers to replace some of the circuits and H bridges in the electronics.
Pros and Cons of Previous Projects
Pros of the previous projects: chassis was built, designed, and packaged well, electronics work well, and manual mode worked as designed.
Cons of the previous projects: switching and suspension systems weren't fully developed, electronics were bulky and messy, aluminum parts are light but not as strong as steel, and wayside power couldn't be properly connected.
Cons of the previous projects: switching and suspension systems weren't fully developed, electronics were bulky and messy, aluminum parts are light but not as strong as steel, and wayside power couldn't be properly connected.
Next Steps
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