Date of Award

5-6-2024

Degree Type

Capstone Project

First Advisor

Bahram Nassersharif

Abstract

Team 16 was tasked by Raytheon with the challenge of designing a method that allows for the blind mating of non-blind mate connectors; whether between boards or between a board and a chassis. The general objectives for the project were to ensure precision, repeatability, durability and timeliness. Raytheon set forth these objectives to provide Team 16 with a valuable learning experience in the engineering design process. The project unfolded through various steps, reflecting a commitment to thorough research, innovative problem-solving, and effective project management. In the Fall 2023 Semester, after starting off with extensive literary research, the team examined existing prior art in patents, to gain insight that would influence the team’s design process. Once a detailed project plan and schedule were established, then, requirements set by Raytheon were adapted into design specifications. In the iterative design process, using the thirty concepts and Pugh analysis, the team further refined ideas to meet the specifications, and narrowed the selection to a single design. Competition was surveyed using the Quality Function Deployment, to develop a more comprehensive understanding of existing solutions and potential areas for improvement. The team was able to demonstrate a valid proof of concept that effectively facilitated the blind mating of non-blind mate connectors at the end of the initial semester. Following the presentation, Team 16 continued discussions about future innovations to be made in the Spring 2024 semester. Once the team had entered the Spring 2024 semester, work began to redesign, expand functionality, and scale the proof of concept. Utilizing skills from the Fall 2023 semester, the team was able to effectively progress the project manufacturing process. Testing investigated the refined design, proving it against the engineering requirements. Additionally, the team gained proficiency in project management, financial analysis methods, and future planning, in terms of various considerations and impacts.

Comments

Team Name: 4 Blind Mates (Team 16)

Company Sponsor: Raytheon

Sponsor Representative: Maria Berube, Steven Berube, and Michael Deneault

Document Reference: URI-MCE-402-016-2024

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