09.3 - Design Process

After building the initial prototype we made a list of issues with the initial design and possible solutions.

Problems Identified in Prototype

Connection between output, link 2, and link 3 on the casting mechanism needs a bearing
The positioning crank and casting mechanism are not level
Need to integrate electronics and user interface
Ground link for the casting mechanism is difficult to manufacture
Mechanism falls over if not clamped
No way to attach line

Redesign

Output, Link 2, Link 3

Figure 18. Output Link Figure 19. Link 2 Figure 20. Link 3

A hole at the end of each of these links was made large enough to house a bearing. We realized during the initial prototype that these three links needed to move in different directions and would all need a bearing.

Ground link

Figure 21. Ground Link of Casting Mechanism

We decided to simplify the design of the ground link by removing the two prongs that served as the banks for the channel for the vertical rod connecting the mechanism to slide through. The prongs made the piece difficult to manufacture and required the use of two ground links stacked next to each other. In the redesign we decided to use a slot in the positional crank link as the channel for the rod.

Base

To house the electronics, user interface, and to make the mechanism more stable and prevent it from falling over, we needed to design a base for the mechanism. We decided to design a box that would house the ardiuno and electronics and be used to mound the servo motor and buttons for user input. The box would also have a casing for a counterweight that would keep the mechanism stable.

Line holder

Figure 22. CAD of 3D Printed Line Holder

The initial prototype focused on achieving the necessary motion to cast the fishing line, but did not consider how the line would be attached to the mechanism. We designed a line holder that mimics the design of an actual fishing rod to attach the fishing line to the mechanism for casting.