9/12/18:

During this project, so far we have conceived of the final design for the machine that will act as a solution to the PVC pipe. We have sketched out a preliminary sketch, and have started with the final sketches. We have also obtained some of the materials needed to build the device. Some of the materials include: welding glue, grade 80 PVC pipes, and connector pieces. 

​

As of now, we have changed our design from making a motorized "arm" that would grab the PVC pipe. We combined ideas and came up with this design:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

 

9/28/18:

This idea has a spring extended held together with a string. When the string is cut, the spring curls down, and a "hand" will guide up the pipe with a pulley. This design will require no motors, meaning a cheaper design and less parts to buy. Currently we are trying to figure out how to balance the pipe after it's upright. Also the spring we have has too much force, so we are trying to figure out how to lessen the force applied at "launch". I have been helping design the idea and coming up with possible solutions to problems with the idea.

​

​

10/24/18:

Current Progress:

Our current progress is that we have fully built the base of the machine. We have also cultivated parts for the machine like rope, ball bearings, a spring, wood for support and the wood that makes up the base, pipes, and a glue that will connect the different pipes and objects we decide to use. We have designed a machine centered around a launching system, and the position of the pipe relies on the force that it is launched at. So, we have done some tests to begin to calculate the force needed, and with that figure out the positioning of the rope and the necessary amount of extension of the spring, etc.

Sketches:

​

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Description of Work:

During the process, I have been helping hold certain objects in place while they are being drilled in, holding the string for testing, and drawing/marking where the pipe would be placed while taking into account its diameter when measuring where it should be positioned. Admittedly, I was absent for a bulk of the work days to go to college visits, but I helped consistently whenever it was necessary.

Current Work:

Right now, our group is still deciding placement for certain things, and we are briefly considering making a track for the pipe to run on because when it is forced upright it also has slight flexion (ability to move left and right) which could hinder the amount of control we have on not only the force of the pipe, but also possibly the direction of it. 

What We Need to Do:

The things that we need to do is to calculate the amount of force (and therefore the amount we have to pull the string attached to the spring) to launch the PVC pipe upright. We also need to devise a proper stopping mechanism and test it. We also need to run various tests on different parts when they are completed.  

Tests of Device:

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

​

Here is a video of a test of the launching mechanism.

​

​

​