easelectric team 4 adam frank jackie jon. introduction planning a design general requirements: an...
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IntroductionIntroduction Planning a Design
General Requirements: An electrically adjustable easel that can be safely used in a community of cognitively impaired individuals.
Should be light-weight and movable in 3 planes of motion and controllable tilt operations (i.e. front to back, side to side, and up and down)
Overview of Client, Harry Grim Moderate Cognitive Impairment (MR) Limited Arm Movement and Dexterity Received “Painting Easely” project developed
by UConn students in 2002 Flaws include:
Too large and heavy Safety concerns involving speed of movement Control settings
Specifications Safety Features:
Automatic mechanism to stop movement of easel beyond its maximal excursion
Master switch to turn device on/off Powered by a wall switch Slow movements so there is sufficient time to control
device due to delayed responsive skills of the artist No exposed cords or wires
Control Features Detachable joysticks to control easel movement
from a wheelchair Master switch located on the back of the device Simplistic controls that can be easily
maneuvered by individuals with MR
Size Restrictions Requests for Device Dimensions
Tabletop arrangement with room for Harry’s feet From floor to lap, allow approximately 27”
Lightweight Transportable design making the device easy to store Canvas Size should be adjustable
Min: 8” by 8” Max: 30” high by 38” wide
Initial Design Materials:
Require a lightweight, sturdy, and cheap material for frame
Wood: Too flimsy, not ideal for electric movement PVC: Again, too flimsy (used in former project) Stainless Steel: Heavy, expensive ALUMINUM
Initial Design Aluminum Advantages
Lightweight Cheap Weldable Sturdy Available in different shapes, lengths, and forms of
stock
Initial Design Aluminum Characteristics
Alloys- 1000,2000,3000,4000,5000,6000,7000 series aluminum
Fabrication- bending, drilling, punching, tacking, welding, tapping
Finishes- mill, anodized, mechanical, painted Types- extruded, drawn, miniature, welded
Initial Mechanical Design Movement driven by up to 4 linear actuators. Heavy Duty “Drawer-like” tracking for stability
and guidance
Initial Mechanical Design Sturdy 2-inch square tubing base Clamped under table for added stability
Manually adjustable Servo-motors
Initial Mechanical Design 2 part design for movement:
Base – Responsible for front and back movement Carriage – Moves forward and back in base and
allows for vertical, horizontal, and tilt motions.
Initial Mechanical Design Other ideas for movement include:
Cam system or pulleys to amplify movement of actuators
Enclosed screw drive or rack and pinion system instead of actuators for linear movement
Pneumatic or hydraulic actuators instead of electronic
Initial Mechanical Design Different drawing surface attachments Will separate into 3 “flat” parts for storage:
Base Carriage Drawing Surface
Initial Design – Electrical System Client requested the use of
joysticks to control motion of easel
Design ideas – Hard Wired vs. Digitally Controlled
Use of Relays to accommodate low voltage/current joystick and higher voltage/current actuator
Initial Design – Electrical System Circuit requires safety mechanisms including:
Master On/Off Switch Fuse or breaker Limit Switch to constrain range of motion Possibility of attachments such as canvas light Method of organizing and concealing wiring etc.
Budget is Most Limiting Factor $750.00
24” Actuator estimates: Around $100 a piece Sliding Tracks: Around $25 a piece – 3 required Aluminum/ Steel Stock: most will be provided by
Independent Welding Inc. Joysticks: $12 a piece (2) Relays: $40
Summary Goal is to create an easel that meets the needs
of our client and is less expensive than current products.
Mechanically we are looking for a safe and simple design.
Materials need to be strong and lightweight. Electronics need to be simple yet able to
properly control the device.