The Mobot Project: Longwood :: essays research papers

The MOBOT Project LongwoodIn modern engineering, a systematic approach is used in the design,operation, and construction of an object to background a desired goal. The first stepof the process employs what is commonly cognise as the scientific method. Thenext step involves forming an interdisciplinary team of specialists from nononly the various engineering disciplines, but from other fields whose acquaintancemay be useful or even necessary to complemental the project. This step doesntapply to our project, due the confined nature of the class. last,considerations must be taken into account to ensure that the project isefficient as substantially as cost effective.The goal of the MOBOT Project was to design and build a programmablerobot. The robot had to complete a series of four slightly movements in four givendirections over a distance of at least 6 inches. Power and weight restrictionswere applied to ensure the safety of the students and, more importantly, theteacher. As th e goals of the project were made clearer, our group begandiscussing possible ideas for the design. There were some disagreements aboutwhether we should take the electromechanical route or the purely electrical one.And afterward some deep thought, we all agreed that the mechanical way would be thesimplest to build and the most merciful on our pocketbooks. Even though we were access up with some good ideas, each design seemed to contain some majorproblems. One of the reoccurring problems dealt with the synchronization of thedriver force and the steering system. Finally the team came up with a designthat allowed the drive and steering controls to be independent of one another,but still allowing each one to be linked in time. This design has now becomewhat is known as LONGWOOD.The Longwood is divided into two main(prenominal) parts 1)motion system and 2)logicboard. As the engineer, I was responsible for motion design. Therefore, thatwill be the focus for the remainder of this sectio n.The main components of the motion system consist of a platform, three come outs, a roam frame, two motors, and two contact switches. Two of the wheelswere connected to a motor and attached at the front end of the platform. Thesewheels were only allowed to move simultaneously in either a forward or reversedirection. The deuce-ace wheel was hooked up to the wheel frame and free to rotateapproximately 45 degrees in either direction. Figure 1.1 shows an illustrationof how the wheel frame works. The wheel frame and third wheel were thenattached to the platform completing the basic assembly.