Week 2/21

I came across an idea of implementing the linear actuator on the switch. Translating the linear motion to a circular motion is shown below.

This is the cad of a linear actuator that i will be using

Week 2/14

Upon looking at the switching mechanism of the bogie, i thought about utilizing a motor i had already had. The actuator i have is a 12v door actuator that is using in car door locks. So instead of purchasing a new motor to turn the switching mechanism, i want to implement using linear 12v door actuators. They have not polarity therefore with an opposite charge it can go the opposite direction. Initially, the idea was to use another pulley and belt method to turn the wheels.

Week 2/8

The team has decided to model the prototype with plywood. The plywood we will use is 1/4 in birch wood. Due to lowering budget costs, I've search for the most affordable yet accessible plywood in the area in which I've found 1/4 x 4 ft x 8 ft at Home Depot for approximately $28. Will visit home depot to check on the quality of wood.

Week 15

Presentation Day

Unfortunately, I was hungry and lacked sleep so i was unable to perform well in the presentation. 

Other than that, as a group we are to write the full report of our findings as the bogie team due at the end of the semester.

Shown on the team blog: https://fullscalebogieteam-2017-2018.blogspot.com

Our group is now going to plan for next semester and figure the days that we are able to meet up. Starting on fabrication of the actual bogie will surely be a difficult task. The main things that hold us back - and the other teams - is funding. Although, i do believe our team will be able to succeed. Over the winter break, i will certainly continue to research programs that support senior projects or simply ask around from vendors. Atleast discounted parts will help.

Week 14

Was tasked with working on bill of materials with generic prices of parts we needed.
The total came out to $1789 per bogie in which our prime design requires 3 total bogies.
For the whole design, its should reach around ~$4500 given that the bill of materials included over quantity for a single bogie. One part that i will include in pricing are welding materials.

Week 13

Since the latest design is based on sheet metal, i had used foam boards to replicate the size which is very large.

Week 12

CHANGE OF PLANS (maybe)

Instead of a BLDC motor, I have pushed for a hub motor. This makes it more ideal as we can have more freedom of designs. With the cog belt, there has been issues within turning due to the difference speed of the inner and outer wheel. The outer wheel turns more than the inner. With a hub motor, we can control each wheel and set its corresponding speed. As for the bldc motor with cog belt and pulley, it would be applied in one side of the wheel.

Therefore, this coming up week will be looking for hub motors and thinking of designs to mount it on the bogie. Although, one issue i've faced is that majority of hub motors are designed for bikes and scooters, in which it must be mounted on both sides. I am determined to stick with a hub motor design.