I learned a lot working on this project, specifically dealing with large assemblies in SolidWorks and the first principles required to select appropriate motors. Creating a reliable concept required balancing appropriate torque transmission and fastening methods with selecting appropriate components.
Streamline is a conceptual machine designed to autonomously cut and package structural aluminum pipes. As part of my course at Boston University (ME560: Precision Machine Design), our objectives included creating a machine capable of producing 6,400 pipes in eight hours, with a payback period of less than 18 months. Overall, the project aimed to optimize factory production and shipment.
Our process was divided into preliminary and final design stages. Our group confirmed customer requirements in the preliminary stage and developed conceptual sketches and models. To do so, we broke down the machine into subassemblies, brainstormed concepts for each, and established criteria to select the best options. I primarily took ownership of the cutting subassembly and calculated timing and motor requirements for all machine operations.
Once we completed our initial motor calculations, we integrated each subassembly in SolidWorks and moved into the final design stage. We started by selecting motors for each subsystem, noting that some redesigns would be necessary due to the physical footprint of each motor. For the cutting assembly, I decided to add a motor to the vertical gantry to prevent jamming and reduce the overall size of the assembly. After adjusting and validating our initial design with static simulation, we combined the subassemblies to create our final design. To meet performance requirements, we determined that two machines were necessary to account for the rate of pipe extrusion. However, our financial analysis validated this decision, maintaining a calculated payback period of less than six months.
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