Team 7 - Manufacturing and Assembly

For the joint assembly portion of the project, we carried out our modeling using Solidworks. We primarily focused on the main quick-return mechanism, creating each component of it and putting it together in 3D space. We created the grounded links using PLA 3D printing, and laser cut the linkages. Of course, it was not as simple as just that, as we ran into several issues with our design as we were recreating it. Because the motion of the mechanism has some linkages that overlap with each other, there was an instance where one of the links would come into contact with one of the joints, interfering with its motion. Our solution was to cut off the portion of the linkage that contacted the joint to clear that path and allow for a full rotation.

When developing the final prototype, we had to make certain adjustments to the linkages in order for them to press-fit with the grounded links. This was done to prevent drooping of the links, which would also interfere with the motion of the mechanism as a whole. For instance, the slotted slider was resized numerous times in order for the sliding joint inside to fit tight enough inside to prevent any looseness. Because our first prototype did not include a motor, the input link was redesigned as well to attach to the motor. The most major addition to our design was the creation and implementation of the launching barrel and loading mechanism. We modeled the barrel with the intention to laser cut multiple pieces and put them together like a puzzle. It was also designed to support a second spinning motor that would launch the projectiles. A push platform was also created in Solidworks, which would be sliding inside the barrel and connected to the slider beside it in order to get the required motion. This once again required multiple sizing and dimension adjustments to ensure that everything fits together and motion would not be impeded.