Jinhao Cui's blog

A few FEA are conducted in these two weeks. These FEA tests focused on the load arm reaction when applied real life situation. a 10 Kn load is added on the bottom of the load arm. The material I choose have the maximum yield strength 3.5*10^8 Pa. For the top structure, a load of 5Kn is added. the force is caused to the turning at maximum speed.

More parts are ordered. We get the ball bearings , wheels, screws.

This week, the control team get their motor shipped in. I'm able to take some measurement from the real motor and design a motor mount.

These two weeks, I did few FEA analysis on the current design. There are parts being purchased. At this moment. I'm heavily depend on Dan to publish his new design and ideas on building this bogie.

 This week's main task for me is re-modify the BOM. From last semester, our original budget is around $10,000. However, with the consideration of real situation (track length, maker Fair, etc), some components in the original BOM are considered as surplus. Therefore, these parts can be deleted. Also, there are parts that can be replaced by cheaper parts. For example, main wheels, plywood instead of sheet metal. By doing that, the total cost can be dropped to $3000.

During these two weeks , I have redone this bill of material. Since the beginning of this semester, I start to realize that money is one thing that stops our project to go further. My main task is to find expensive components on the BOM that can be replaced by some cheaper parts. One thing I found that can be replaced is the wheel. Originally, the wheels will cost around $300. But, one Mcmaster carr I found a wheel that will only cost $12. Although, this wheel doesn't suit every criteria with our design. But compare to the huge saving. I have decide to let my team know that this is an option that can help us save a lot of time in the future.