Date of Award

2020

Degree Type

Capstone Project

Abstract

Originally the Cardboard Vehicle Prototype, now the Recycled Materials Vehicle Prototype, was an idea inspired by viral videos displaying mechanical vehicles and works of art handmade from a seemingly weak building material. Our sponsor, Kevin Plourde, found these ideas intriguing, however he didn't have the time or space to design one of these products himself. With the birth of his son Mr. Plourde has appointed Capstone Team 6 to design and manufacture a remote operated vehicle, using affordable materials, that he can drive in his yard. To design this vehicle the team began by researching patents and literature ranging from force distribution along an axle to waterproofing materials. After developing an understanding of the product, we were being asked to create Team 6 began brainstorming ideas. These ideas discussed what parts of the vehicle were interchangeable and which assemblies o ered the best results. The best choices for the final assembly were combined and analyzed using a Pugh chart. The highest scoring choices for this chart were then compared to competitors' products to highlight strengths and weaknesses of the design and implement a solution to combat these flaws. After identifying a design that was affordable, cost efficient and manufacturable in the given time frame. For Team 6's prototype design a wooden, rectangular base serves as the primary load bearing portion of the frame. PVC (polymerizing vinyl chloride) piping was used to create a roll cage and shape the cabin of the vehicle. Within this cage is a mount for a removable micro-controller which controls the electric motors of the vehicle including the main drive motor and steering motor. The steering motor is connected to a skid steer drive-train that allows the vehicle to have a small turning radius. The wheels of the Recycled Material Prototype will be made from 8inch diameter PVC tubing coated in a rubber spray for traction and mounted to the axle using a wooden hubcap. To shape the vehicle cardboard sheets will be mounted to the PVC frame enclosing the operator. The PVC frame and wooden base were both modeled on Solidworks. Using the program, the two pieces of the frame were subjected to loading and their deformation was calculated to meet the requirements of the project. More time is needed to finish the assembly and find the range of the power output needed to drive the machine without creating unbearable vibration or torque. The Proof of Concept (POC) generation of our machine met all criteria currently designated by Mr. Plourde. These restrictions primarily including cost durability and ease of use. Using the timeline described in the teams generated Gantt chart we hope to continue to meet the goals set by our sponsor and deliver a suitable product.

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Sponsor: Kevin Plourde

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