RoMowProgress Update #2

Team Members

Nathan Terschak (EE), Dustin Brouwer (ME), Jordan Newhof (ME), Andy Frandsen (ME)

Overview

Problem Statement Need Objectives

Design Norms Scope Design Decisions Design Implementation Current Status

Obstacles Future Work

Problem Statement: Need

Designing a remote-controlled

lawn mowing system for: Professor Kim

Serving as:

Customer

Mentor

Elderly or Disabled Living Independently

Ease of use

Hobbyists

http://www.ifpv.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/RobbieKnowles-300x1971.png

Problem Statement: Objectives

Design a remote-control platform: Should be attachable to a standard push lawnmower

Will house control system, electric motors, and batteries

Can be driven via wireless controller

Does not require modifications to push mower

Must include Safety System

Design Norms

IntegrityDelightful HarmonyIntuitive Design

TransparencyReproducibleSimple Operation

CaringHelp provide independenceSafety

Scope Changes

Eric Walstra helped identify

problems and proposed

some scope reductions: Automation Sensors

Video Thermal Proxy

http://www.tracepartsonline.net/PartsDefs/Production/OMRON/10-13092012-113013/pictures/10-13092012-113013L.gif

Design Decisions

Material Selection Steel Square Tubing

Motors Two electric motors from Hoveround MPV5 Front wheel driven, rear casters

Size of Lawnmower Toro GTS Recycler

Transmitter/Receiver Pair Purchase hobbyist RF transmitter and receiver 2.4 GHz

Design Implementation

Hoveround MPV5 12 V Batteries Motors Motor Drivers Wheels

Steel Frame Suspending Mower

above the grass Compartment to

hold Batteries Controls system Motors

Self-Contained Ramp for loading

Current StatusObstacles

Keeping the mower blade close to the ground

Implementing reliable safety features (E-Stop, loss of communication)

Designing the microcontroller between receiver and motor drivers

Future Work Design motor mounts and frame

3D CAD and FEA

Decide drive systemDirect vs. geared vs. chain

Questions?