11 - Final Project Report

Implementation

Our design was assembled using laser cut wooden parts as well as 3D printed links. We opted to use laser cut wood for the frame to ensure it was sturdy and strong enough. We also liked the look compared to acrylic. The links were 3D printed because we could easily tune part geometries to make sure each link fit its role. We decided to buy gears that helped us achieve a smoother motion. These gears either pressed on to the 3D printed parts, or pressed onto an idler bearing which in turn pressed onto the 3D printed parts. There was one gear that needed to be printed as the design required it to be cut. It is the black gear seen in the pictures in the next section. After tuning in the shapes and length of each link, the table was definitely strong enough and smooth enough to perform well. 

Our electronics and software were quite simple. We used an Arduino to control two servos which moved in increments on one degree, through the required range. We also added an additional 6V battery to ensure the servos had all the power required. Finally, a button was added that when pressed, would deploy or stow the table. The software simply looked for the button signal, then commanded each servo the move one degree, alternating between servos, until the table had reached either the deployed or stowed state. Because each servo is controlled through a separate digital pin, it is difficult to make them run at precisely the same time, so alternating back and forth after one degree was a good compromise.

Final Demonstration

Seen above are the stowed and deployed positions for the cup holder. 

The stowed position only extends 4.5".

The deployed position extends 9.5".

Conclusions and Final Work

Overall, we consider the project to be quite successful. The primary goal of our design was to develop a compact and concealable cup holder that could be easily integrated into a limited space, specifically by folding inside the boundaries of the cupholder box. This mechanism played a crucial role in facilitating the vertical deployment of our cupholder, effectively solving a major difficulty we faced. The vertical alignment caused increased torque, resulting in higher strain on our motor servos due to the weight and movement characteristics of the materials employed, especially during retraction within the compact framework. One of the constraints we encountered pertained to the motor servos. The servos we initially selected were insufficient in size, resulting in slippage when subjected to the increased load of heavier materials such as wood. This problem emphasized the necessity for stronger motor servos that can withstand heavy loads without experiencing malfunctions. Given the implementation of larger and more powerful servos, we have a strong belief that the mechanism would operate without any issues, exactly as intended. In the future, our goal is to improve our design by improving the motor servos in order to increase reliability and performance. Furthermore, we are contemplating the use of cutting-edge elements that have the potential to greatly enhance the performance of our design. An innovative concept entails a mechanism that is linked to a refrigerator in order to autonomously dispense a beverage into a cupholder. Another idea is a function that allows cans to be automatically opened when they are placed in the cupholder. These improvements would not only strengthen the technical capabilities of our product but also expand its usefulness and convenience in different situations, making it a versatile solution for everyday usage. These advancements hold the potential to elevate our idea to a new level of ingenuity and practical usefulness.

In order to successfully undertake projects using bar mechanisms in the future, it is important to possess a profound comprehension of mechanical principles and the integration of components. Commence by conducting comprehensive study on various bar mechanisms and their respective applications in order to choose the most suitable one for your individual requirements. When selecting materials and designing specifications, it is crucial to take into account the limitations of the available area and the amount of weight the mechanism will bear, as these elements have a considerable impact. Employ resilient simulation software to simulate stress and strain in different components, guaranteeing that all elements, especially those that move, are engineered to endure operational loads without experiencing any failures. Choosing appropriate motor servos is crucial; it is advisable to select ones that offer adequate torque and endurance without being excessively large, as this can result in extra bulk and energy inefficiency. The use of sensors can augment the accuracy and efficacy of the mechanism, enabling the implementation of feedback loops that dynamically regulate the operation and avert system overload. Prototyping is a crucial stage in the design process where you create initial copies of your mechanism to systematically test and improve your design. This pragmatic and experiential methodology will uncover latent problems that may not be readily evident in abstract frameworks, such as areas of resistance or unforeseen material responses when subjected to stress. Finally, meticulously document all processes. This not only facilitates the process of identifying and resolving issues and making improvements to your project, but also provides a valuable reference for future teams. Provide explicit illustrations, component specifications, and comprehensive justifications for every design decision. This extensive documentation will guarantee that subsequent teams can build upon your work without having to repeat initial study, therefore expediting the development of more sophisticated and dependable procedures.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

Our team would like to give a heartfelt thanks to everyone who contributed to the success of this project. We would first like to thank Connor Hennig for all the help and helpful insights he has provided throughout the course of our project. His insights allowed us to critically think about each of the components of our mechanism to further improve the mechanism. We would also like to thank Dr. Meredith Symmank for teaching us the necessary knowledge to complete this project. Additionally, we would like to thank TIW for giving us the space and tools to work on this project and produce a final result.