01/25/2019 - Blog Update
Question: Provide an update of any changes to your project scope, plan, or tasks made during the winter break. If there are no significant changes to address, please state such and provide a review of your project plan for the spring.
Update:
The spring statement of work has not changed since the statement of work from the fall. Our statement of work is as follows:
During winter break, the team decided to un-pursue ground penetrating radar due to the team not having strong background in geology. Even though we spent a lot of time contacting professionals and companies that could help us, at the end of the day, none of the options they offered fit the scale of our project. We realized we were wasting valuable time trying to get this technology to work, therefore instead of GPR, we will monitor the torque on the bit to monitor the different hardness’ of the layers.
Each sub-system has finished compiling their bill of materials, however are now working on reducing the cost of items by looking at other vendors.
Currently, our team has been in talks with Dr. Metcalfe and Dr. Sharma to get some lab space to build our project. This is critical for us to get before we seriously start physically constructing the device.
The new objectives for this spring semester are as follows:
The compiled deliverable list for the Spring 2019 semester is shown below.
Question: Describe any progress made on your project since the semester has begun - this can include purchase orders, resource organization, fabrication, or FINALIZATION of design schematics. Provide 2-3 representative graphics that give a good idea of the current status of the project.
Update: Since the beginning of the semester, team phoenix has made enough progress on each subsystem such that parts will be ordered in the next few days. Detailed work and purchase orders have been created for the electromechanical structure of the system, the electrical box, and the drill system. Some initial machining was completed for the frame using some spare materials. Testing was completed on the initial pump design and was redesigned to better meet the team’s goals. The detailed design of the backflushable filter for the electrocoagulation system is still in progress.
In addition to technical accomplishments, the team received the promised $5,000 worth of funding from the NASA RASC-AL officials and has organized a purchasing system to be used throughout the semester.
So far, the bearing mount and all 8 sections of the base have been machined and are ready for integration
Update:
The spring statement of work has not changed since the statement of work from the fall. Our statement of work is as follows:
- research into the Martian atmosphere, rocks and ice deposits for the path-to-flight report for the competition
- building the Planetary Ice Extractor and validating the device to have a working prototype by mid-March
During winter break, the team decided to un-pursue ground penetrating radar due to the team not having strong background in geology. Even though we spent a lot of time contacting professionals and companies that could help us, at the end of the day, none of the options they offered fit the scale of our project. We realized we were wasting valuable time trying to get this technology to work, therefore instead of GPR, we will monitor the torque on the bit to monitor the different hardness’ of the layers.
Each sub-system has finished compiling their bill of materials, however are now working on reducing the cost of items by looking at other vendors.
Currently, our team has been in talks with Dr. Metcalfe and Dr. Sharma to get some lab space to build our project. This is critical for us to get before we seriously start physically constructing the device.
The new objectives for this spring semester are as follows:
The compiled deliverable list for the Spring 2019 semester is shown below.
- Integrated CAD Drawing
- Mid Status Review - Video Demonstration of Device
- Technical Path-to-Flight Report
- Technical Poster Presentation
- Operational Device
Question: Describe any progress made on your project since the semester has begun - this can include purchase orders, resource organization, fabrication, or FINALIZATION of design schematics. Provide 2-3 representative graphics that give a good idea of the current status of the project.
Update: Since the beginning of the semester, team phoenix has made enough progress on each subsystem such that parts will be ordered in the next few days. Detailed work and purchase orders have been created for the electromechanical structure of the system, the electrical box, and the drill system. Some initial machining was completed for the frame using some spare materials. Testing was completed on the initial pump design and was redesigned to better meet the team’s goals. The detailed design of the backflushable filter for the electrocoagulation system is still in progress.
In addition to technical accomplishments, the team received the promised $5,000 worth of funding from the NASA RASC-AL officials and has organized a purchasing system to be used throughout the semester.
So far, the bearing mount and all 8 sections of the base have been machined and are ready for integration
Question: Give a preview of the work planned for the next 2 weeks.
Update: For the next two weeks, team phoenix will be focusing ordering materials and completing some design work on the water extraction and filtration system. The ordering process will take time since the $5,000.00 was given to the Engineering department. The team will need to provide purchase orders to the engineering department for the parts needed. The majority of the parts needed are off the shelf items and should be shipped relatively quick. Hopefully by placing to order this week we can receive the parts by the end of the month or first week of February.
While waiting for the part to arrive, some of the details of the pumping system for the water extraction and filtration system can be tested and implemented into the final design. The original design for the down-hole pumping has been altered. The team was originally going to use an impeller style pump to bring to water up out of the hole. Unfortunately after some addition calculations, the amount of head needed in the pump to prime it was not obtainable. So this week we will be 3D printing a peristaltic pump and testing to see if it meets the team goals.
Some of the cross-rails (X-axis) are also being machined and are on target to be completed by the end of the month.
Update: For the next two weeks, team phoenix will be focusing ordering materials and completing some design work on the water extraction and filtration system. The ordering process will take time since the $5,000.00 was given to the Engineering department. The team will need to provide purchase orders to the engineering department for the parts needed. The majority of the parts needed are off the shelf items and should be shipped relatively quick. Hopefully by placing to order this week we can receive the parts by the end of the month or first week of February.
While waiting for the part to arrive, some of the details of the pumping system for the water extraction and filtration system can be tested and implemented into the final design. The original design for the down-hole pumping has been altered. The team was originally going to use an impeller style pump to bring to water up out of the hole. Unfortunately after some addition calculations, the amount of head needed in the pump to prime it was not obtainable. So this week we will be 3D printing a peristaltic pump and testing to see if it meets the team goals.
Some of the cross-rails (X-axis) are also being machined and are on target to be completed by the end of the month.
02/08/2019 - Blog Update
Question: Over the work period of January 26 - February 8, give a description of the work conducted by your team and the progress made on your project.
Update: Over the period of January 26 - February 8, the team worked to secure a lab space as well as to complete the first round of orders. After several delays, a room was found for the team in the basement of Engineering Building 1. The following week, the team cleaned up the space and prepared it to start building the system. In the same week, the team worked closely with engineering administration to place our first round of orders. All of the orders from all of the suppliers were placed on Monday February, 4th, and should arrive within the same week. Additionally a free peristaltic pump was provided to the team by Anko products and will be arriving the same week as the first round of orders.
Once the McMaster-Carr orders arrived, the team moved the parts down to the lab and ensured all of the parts had arrived. Additionally, the team moved the donated electronic components down to the lab in preparation for building.
Question: For the same work period, discuss any challenges or obstacles (technical or non-technical) that your team has faced. Follow up by explaining the solution implemented or your plan to address the challenge.
Update: For the past week or so, the team has been waiting to hear from our academic adviser regarding to lab space that will be used to assembly the capstone project. One of the challenges we faced was that the original lab space we were thought to be getting, was no longer available due to some logistic reason. To make matters worse the teams adviser was out with medical issues. Although our adviser had tried to take care of the lab issue while out, the team had to be proactive and send out emails to department heads and daily check on the progress. To make matter worse, the team needed to start placing orders for material, but without a lab space to store items, ordering was put at a stand still. Finally after much persistence, a room was found to be available in the Engineering buildings basement. On Monday the 4th the team was able to enter the lab, however the room was dirty and full of old experiments that needed to be removed, so to make the room ready, the team started going through the left behind items and removed them from the room and placed them either in storage or the trash. Within two hours, the lab space was emptied and is ready to start building. With the room ready, 70% of the build materials were ordered and are expected to arrive later this week.
Question: Describe your team's plan for the work period from February 9th to the submission of your progress report presentations. Explain any anticipated challenges.
Update: From February 9th till the submission date of the progress report, the team will focus on reviewing the last submitted progress report and update any changes that have been made.The team will also need to decide which of the team members will be responsible for assembling the slides and making sure everything flows and look professional. The team will need to pay close attention to feed back from the last presentation to make any adjustment to maximize points while giving clear communication for the audience to understand. We really do not foresee any anticipated challenges, with the progress the team has made, and the constant and clear communication between members, the progress report should come along just fine.
Question: Give 2-3 figures that are representative of the current status of your project. Explain these figures and their importance to your work.
Update: Over the period of January 26 - February 8, the team worked to secure a lab space as well as to complete the first round of orders. After several delays, a room was found for the team in the basement of Engineering Building 1. The following week, the team cleaned up the space and prepared it to start building the system. In the same week, the team worked closely with engineering administration to place our first round of orders. All of the orders from all of the suppliers were placed on Monday February, 4th, and should arrive within the same week. Additionally a free peristaltic pump was provided to the team by Anko products and will be arriving the same week as the first round of orders.
Once the McMaster-Carr orders arrived, the team moved the parts down to the lab and ensured all of the parts had arrived. Additionally, the team moved the donated electronic components down to the lab in preparation for building.
Question: For the same work period, discuss any challenges or obstacles (technical or non-technical) that your team has faced. Follow up by explaining the solution implemented or your plan to address the challenge.
Update: For the past week or so, the team has been waiting to hear from our academic adviser regarding to lab space that will be used to assembly the capstone project. One of the challenges we faced was that the original lab space we were thought to be getting, was no longer available due to some logistic reason. To make matters worse the teams adviser was out with medical issues. Although our adviser had tried to take care of the lab issue while out, the team had to be proactive and send out emails to department heads and daily check on the progress. To make matter worse, the team needed to start placing orders for material, but without a lab space to store items, ordering was put at a stand still. Finally after much persistence, a room was found to be available in the Engineering buildings basement. On Monday the 4th the team was able to enter the lab, however the room was dirty and full of old experiments that needed to be removed, so to make the room ready, the team started going through the left behind items and removed them from the room and placed them either in storage or the trash. Within two hours, the lab space was emptied and is ready to start building. With the room ready, 70% of the build materials were ordered and are expected to arrive later this week.
Question: Describe your team's plan for the work period from February 9th to the submission of your progress report presentations. Explain any anticipated challenges.
Update: From February 9th till the submission date of the progress report, the team will focus on reviewing the last submitted progress report and update any changes that have been made.The team will also need to decide which of the team members will be responsible for assembling the slides and making sure everything flows and look professional. The team will need to pay close attention to feed back from the last presentation to make any adjustment to maximize points while giving clear communication for the audience to understand. We really do not foresee any anticipated challenges, with the progress the team has made, and the constant and clear communication between members, the progress report should come along just fine.
Question: Give 2-3 figures that are representative of the current status of your project. Explain these figures and their importance to your work.
Figure #1 Shows the lab that the University will be letting us use for the project. While is it small and in the basement it has everything we need to store, assemble and test the device
Figures #2-5 show one of the drills that the team will being using to drill with. It is a 1 ⅜” diameter by 26” long concrete drill bit. This should allow us to drill through the over burn to reach the ice. Additionally, Jacob and Andrew can be seen unpacking and check the items that came in from McMastercarr.
Figure #6 are some of the machined components Jacob has been working on. He has been machine in anticipation of our orders arriving the the lab room becoming available.
02/08/2019 - Blog Update
Question: Over the work period of February 9- March 7, give a description of the work conducted by your team and the progress made on your project.
Update: For the time period between February 9th-March 7th, the team has been busy placing orders, machining components and working out some details for the electric box location, drill interface and test stand. Many of the ordered components came in ready to assemble, but there were a lot of parts that needed bolt patterns drill and tapped for mounting and connecting components. Luckily, member Jacob Frady is a master machinist and was able to knock out all the needed competent.
Question: For the same work period, discuss any challenges or obstacles (technical or non-technical) that your team has faced. Follow up by explaining the solution implemented or your plan to address the challenge.
Update: During this time frame one of the challenges the team faced was how the team would conduct the drilling, melting and water extraction testing. The lab space that was given to the team only had a small table and a desk, so the team had been using the desk to conduct the building of the device but the desk would not give the test the ability to test the full travel of both the drill and the water extraction so a solution needed to be provided. To remedy this problem the team decided to build a test stand which can be seen below. The benefit of the test stand is that it is competition size width and length, and it is open so while the testing is being conducted the team can watch from afar to identify and issue or changes that need to be made.
Question: Describe your team's plan for the work period from March 8th to the submission of your design review presentations. Explain any anticipated challenges.
Update: The team’s schedule from March 8th to the submission of the design review will be very busy. The team will be focusing on completing the Mid-Project review by March 14th for the competition which requires that the team must show some basic operation of the device. After the submission of the mid-project review, the team will be hard at work constructing the filtration system, cleaning up the electrical box, finalizing much of the autonomous software that is required for the competition, and performing integrated testing to resolve any technical issues before final validation of the system.
Question: Give 2-3 figures that are representative of the current status of your project. Explain these figures and their importance to your work.
Update: For the time period between February 9th-March 7th, the team has been busy placing orders, machining components and working out some details for the electric box location, drill interface and test stand. Many of the ordered components came in ready to assemble, but there were a lot of parts that needed bolt patterns drill and tapped for mounting and connecting components. Luckily, member Jacob Frady is a master machinist and was able to knock out all the needed competent.
Question: For the same work period, discuss any challenges or obstacles (technical or non-technical) that your team has faced. Follow up by explaining the solution implemented or your plan to address the challenge.
Update: During this time frame one of the challenges the team faced was how the team would conduct the drilling, melting and water extraction testing. The lab space that was given to the team only had a small table and a desk, so the team had been using the desk to conduct the building of the device but the desk would not give the test the ability to test the full travel of both the drill and the water extraction so a solution needed to be provided. To remedy this problem the team decided to build a test stand which can be seen below. The benefit of the test stand is that it is competition size width and length, and it is open so while the testing is being conducted the team can watch from afar to identify and issue or changes that need to be made.
Question: Describe your team's plan for the work period from March 8th to the submission of your design review presentations. Explain any anticipated challenges.
Update: The team’s schedule from March 8th to the submission of the design review will be very busy. The team will be focusing on completing the Mid-Project review by March 14th for the competition which requires that the team must show some basic operation of the device. After the submission of the mid-project review, the team will be hard at work constructing the filtration system, cleaning up the electrical box, finalizing much of the autonomous software that is required for the competition, and performing integrated testing to resolve any technical issues before final validation of the system.
Question: Give 2-3 figures that are representative of the current status of your project. Explain these figures and their importance to your work.
Andrew can be seen here standing next to the device after it was installed on the freshly build test bed. This test bed will serve as a copy of the testing stand used in competition and will hold the over-burn and ice for the mid-project video due on March 14th.
This side of the device shows the drill that will be used in competition. The drill bit shown was made for an impact driver and needed a tool holder machined, which can be seen in black, to not only lengthen the depth of drilling but to also interface with the 5:1 gearbox the team will be using.
Finally, the electrical box can be seen here, test fitted into is final location. Wiring has been slow going as the team is still waiting for a major component to run the interior system.
This side of the device shows the drill that will be used in competition. The drill bit shown was made for an impact driver and needed a tool holder machined, which can be seen in black, to not only lengthen the depth of drilling but to also interface with the 5:1 gearbox the team will be using.
Finally, the electrical box can be seen here, test fitted into is final location. Wiring has been slow going as the team is still waiting for a major component to run the interior system.
03/22/2019 - Blog Update
Question: Over the work period of March 8th- March 21st, give a description of the work conducted by your team and the progress made on your project.
Update: For the time period between March 8th-March 21st, the team was preparing for the mid-project review which was due March 14th which included a 5 page technical report of the current progress of the PIE and a 2 minute video of the project demonstrating it drilling through some soil and ice.
The video of our mid-project review can be seen in on our Youtube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixztuhOPwYc&. Or click the video below.
Update: For the time period between March 8th-March 21st, the team was preparing for the mid-project review which was due March 14th which included a 5 page technical report of the current progress of the PIE and a 2 minute video of the project demonstrating it drilling through some soil and ice.
The video of our mid-project review can be seen in on our Youtube Channel here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ixztuhOPwYc&. Or click the video below.
Cosine Additive was able to donate their ACS system to the team the week before the mid-project review therefore, the team worked vigorously to integrate the software to the electronics box. Majority of the electronics had already been assembled prior to receiving the ACS system, therefore all the team needed to focus on was integrating the software and fine tuning the parameters for the drill.
The x-axis motion has been successfully integrated for the project however still remains untested. Also, in order to save some space while drilling (and hopefully maximize number of holes the team can drill at competition), the team has decided to change the location of the water extraction. The team still needs to hook up the pump and the resistance heater to the electronics however, the team expects to complete this task by next week.
Question: For the same work period, discuss any challenges or obstacles (technical or non-technical) that your team has faced. Follow up by explaining the solution implemented or your plan to address the challenge.
Update: One of the obstacles the team faced was not being able to test the device without acquiring the complete ACS system from Cosine Additive. Unfortunately, the team could not acquire the system until one week prior the mid-project review was due however, our software lead, Andrew Advani, was able to work on preliminary elements of the dashboard.
Our expert machinist, Jacob Frady, worked on the bulkhead pass through plate and redid the motor mounting bracket which made it easier to mount the motor for the device.
Currently, the team has not fully developed the filtration system or connected water extraction to the device however, because the mid-project review has now been submitted, the team now plans on conducting validation testing for the drill and finalize assembling these subsystems in the following weeks. The team is still on schedule with their Gantt chart.
Question: Describe the current status of your Team's Validation Plan implementation. If possible, provide some preliminary results and explain how the results relate to a project goal or a design expectation.
Update: At the moment, the team has not validated any of the subsystems because the team has been preoccupied with the mid-project review and unable to fully test the device due to Cosine Additive donating the ACS system one week prior to the mid-project review which was crucial for the device to properly run. The subsystem that is closest for validation at the moment is the drilling system. The water extraction system will be fully integrated the week of March 25th and validation will happen subsequently. The system that is most behind is the filtration system, however, certain parts are required for the full assembly of the device such as a mesh filter case, and certain fittings. The filtration lead, Sharlyn Tijerina with Andrew Advani, will go to home depot March 27th to acquire all final items that will be needed for the full assembly of the device and acquire some last minute items for the water extraction system.
Question: Give at least 3 figures that are representative of the current status of your project. Explain these figures and their importance to your work.
The x-axis motion has been successfully integrated for the project however still remains untested. Also, in order to save some space while drilling (and hopefully maximize number of holes the team can drill at competition), the team has decided to change the location of the water extraction. The team still needs to hook up the pump and the resistance heater to the electronics however, the team expects to complete this task by next week.
Question: For the same work period, discuss any challenges or obstacles (technical or non-technical) that your team has faced. Follow up by explaining the solution implemented or your plan to address the challenge.
Update: One of the obstacles the team faced was not being able to test the device without acquiring the complete ACS system from Cosine Additive. Unfortunately, the team could not acquire the system until one week prior the mid-project review was due however, our software lead, Andrew Advani, was able to work on preliminary elements of the dashboard.
Our expert machinist, Jacob Frady, worked on the bulkhead pass through plate and redid the motor mounting bracket which made it easier to mount the motor for the device.
Currently, the team has not fully developed the filtration system or connected water extraction to the device however, because the mid-project review has now been submitted, the team now plans on conducting validation testing for the drill and finalize assembling these subsystems in the following weeks. The team is still on schedule with their Gantt chart.
Question: Describe the current status of your Team's Validation Plan implementation. If possible, provide some preliminary results and explain how the results relate to a project goal or a design expectation.
Update: At the moment, the team has not validated any of the subsystems because the team has been preoccupied with the mid-project review and unable to fully test the device due to Cosine Additive donating the ACS system one week prior to the mid-project review which was crucial for the device to properly run. The subsystem that is closest for validation at the moment is the drilling system. The water extraction system will be fully integrated the week of March 25th and validation will happen subsequently. The system that is most behind is the filtration system, however, certain parts are required for the full assembly of the device such as a mesh filter case, and certain fittings. The filtration lead, Sharlyn Tijerina with Andrew Advani, will go to home depot March 27th to acquire all final items that will be needed for the full assembly of the device and acquire some last minute items for the water extraction system.
Question: Give at least 3 figures that are representative of the current status of your project. Explain these figures and their importance to your work.
04/22/2019 - Blog Update
Question: Give a brief summary of your final device/design and explain what features you've designed to address the needs of your problem.
Update: The P.I.E is an autonomous drilling, melting, harvesting and filtration device, built from durable materials and components for a highly accurate and repeatable process. The aluminum structure has two axes of motion, the x-axis, that carries the entire system across the length of the test bed and the z-axes that independently moves the drill and water extractor vertically. In addition, the y-axis will be a structural axis and there will be no motion in the y-direction. The z-axes will be driven by DC motors and ball screws while the x-axis will be driven by two DC motors on a rack and pinion. The x-axis rails will have a horizontal plate fixed near the back of the device to house all the electronic controls and the filtration system.
The drilling and water extraction systems will be mounted on the z-axis mounting plates by L-shaped brackets while the digital coring system will be mounted to the static y-axis. The digital coring system will use ground penetrating radar which will determine the thickness and number of each overburden layer. The drilling system is capable of drilling 1⅜ inch holes up to 1m deep at a rate of 53mm/min. Once a bore hole is established, the system will position the water extraction subsystem over the hole and attempt to melt and pump water at a rate of 28.5 mL/min to the filtration system.
Once in the filtration system, electrocoagulation will start the filtration process preparing the water to be sent through a back washable filter for a rate of 500mL per 15 minutes with 80% removal of particulate matter.
Question: Provide 2-3 key Validation results that indicate how close you have come to meeting your project goals. Are these results acceptable to you? How do you think you could do better?
Update: We conducted two validation tests on our water filtration system. Purified water was dirtied with dirt. One validation test was to measure the suspended solids in the water which can be seen in the 4th column of the table below and the other was to test the dissolved particles in the water which can be seen in the last column of the table below. As seen in the table below, the water filtered using 300mA is the cleanest. The 300mA water had the least dissolved content in the water and had the least conductance. The less conductive the water, the less suspended particles it has and the more clean it is.
Update: The P.I.E is an autonomous drilling, melting, harvesting and filtration device, built from durable materials and components for a highly accurate and repeatable process. The aluminum structure has two axes of motion, the x-axis, that carries the entire system across the length of the test bed and the z-axes that independently moves the drill and water extractor vertically. In addition, the y-axis will be a structural axis and there will be no motion in the y-direction. The z-axes will be driven by DC motors and ball screws while the x-axis will be driven by two DC motors on a rack and pinion. The x-axis rails will have a horizontal plate fixed near the back of the device to house all the electronic controls and the filtration system.
The drilling and water extraction systems will be mounted on the z-axis mounting plates by L-shaped brackets while the digital coring system will be mounted to the static y-axis. The digital coring system will use ground penetrating radar which will determine the thickness and number of each overburden layer. The drilling system is capable of drilling 1⅜ inch holes up to 1m deep at a rate of 53mm/min. Once a bore hole is established, the system will position the water extraction subsystem over the hole and attempt to melt and pump water at a rate of 28.5 mL/min to the filtration system.
Once in the filtration system, electrocoagulation will start the filtration process preparing the water to be sent through a back washable filter for a rate of 500mL per 15 minutes with 80% removal of particulate matter.
Question: Provide 2-3 key Validation results that indicate how close you have come to meeting your project goals. Are these results acceptable to you? How do you think you could do better?
Update: We conducted two validation tests on our water filtration system. Purified water was dirtied with dirt. One validation test was to measure the suspended solids in the water which can be seen in the 4th column of the table below and the other was to test the dissolved particles in the water which can be seen in the last column of the table below. As seen in the table below, the water filtered using 300mA is the cleanest. The 300mA water had the least dissolved content in the water and had the least conductance. The less conductive the water, the less suspended particles it has and the more clean it is.
The third validation test conducted was the drill. The drill was more of a pass or fail validation where the team drilled into soil and ice, which the drill did effortlessly.
Question: Provide 3-4 representative images to illustrate your device and your results. Focus on the "final product," not the process.
Question: Provide 3-4 representative images to illustrate your device and your results. Focus on the "final product," not the process.
Question: Discuss whether you feel your final device succeeded in providing a solution to your proposed problem. Are there issues with the device or the problem statement itself?
Update: The team is confident that the design built will meet the demands of the competition. Each system was designed with last years winning results in mind, The team review past winners and did the research to improve upon their design to increase the performance and results. The drilling system was designed to drill through the hardest materials at a constant rate with repeated results. The water extraction system will melt ice and pump the fluid into the filtration system regardless of the amount of water depth or amount of debris. And the filtration system can clean the water taking out the smallest of particle and offering a back washable filter to guarantee clogs wont stop the filtration process.
Question: Discuss 2-3 major lessons/take-aways you have gained from the year-long capstone course. How has the experience helped you to grow as an engineer?
Update: Teamwork is vital when is comes to tackling a project. Understanding that each member of the team has his or her own knowledge and set of skills will allow the team to divide and conquer. Doing this will allow each member to focus on his or her task and complete it well and on time rather than trying to complete everything poorly and behind schedule. But is it still important to ask for feedback and help if or when needed. Moving into an engineering role this will help to understand what to focus on, who to watch and learn from and to not trying to take on too much to fast.
Organization in a projects is key to completing things on time and in order. All projects need to be planned, in this case lots of research of components and CAD models help to see where the majority of focus needed to be. Understanding the timeline of the competition, in our case, helped the team to focus of completing to components needed for the mid-project review so the second down select process could be passed. Now that that has been passed the remainder of the project can be completed while the already finished systems can be tested and fine tuned. This skill of organization will really help set us apart from other new hires and co-workers. Starting a new job or position can be scary and overwhelming, but learning how to stay organized can ease the transition and set one apart from the others and display ones level headedness and focus under presser.
Communication on teams can really help the team focus on the right tasks and keep people on track. Setting up a channel of constant communication for the team members early in the project really helped out. With our busy schedule and classes at different time and days meant that the team would not always be working on things together. So being able to communicate on what needed to be the focus that day and which items needed to be complete really help each other out. This is just another skill that will set us apart when we move into an engineering role. Communication is important to co-workers and managers to keep them abreast of progress, completion and changes during projects and tasks during our careers.
Update: The team is confident that the design built will meet the demands of the competition. Each system was designed with last years winning results in mind, The team review past winners and did the research to improve upon their design to increase the performance and results. The drilling system was designed to drill through the hardest materials at a constant rate with repeated results. The water extraction system will melt ice and pump the fluid into the filtration system regardless of the amount of water depth or amount of debris. And the filtration system can clean the water taking out the smallest of particle and offering a back washable filter to guarantee clogs wont stop the filtration process.
Question: Discuss 2-3 major lessons/take-aways you have gained from the year-long capstone course. How has the experience helped you to grow as an engineer?
Update: Teamwork is vital when is comes to tackling a project. Understanding that each member of the team has his or her own knowledge and set of skills will allow the team to divide and conquer. Doing this will allow each member to focus on his or her task and complete it well and on time rather than trying to complete everything poorly and behind schedule. But is it still important to ask for feedback and help if or when needed. Moving into an engineering role this will help to understand what to focus on, who to watch and learn from and to not trying to take on too much to fast.
Organization in a projects is key to completing things on time and in order. All projects need to be planned, in this case lots of research of components and CAD models help to see where the majority of focus needed to be. Understanding the timeline of the competition, in our case, helped the team to focus of completing to components needed for the mid-project review so the second down select process could be passed. Now that that has been passed the remainder of the project can be completed while the already finished systems can be tested and fine tuned. This skill of organization will really help set us apart from other new hires and co-workers. Starting a new job or position can be scary and overwhelming, but learning how to stay organized can ease the transition and set one apart from the others and display ones level headedness and focus under presser.
Communication on teams can really help the team focus on the right tasks and keep people on track. Setting up a channel of constant communication for the team members early in the project really helped out. With our busy schedule and classes at different time and days meant that the team would not always be working on things together. So being able to communicate on what needed to be the focus that day and which items needed to be complete really help each other out. This is just another skill that will set us apart when we move into an engineering role. Communication is important to co-workers and managers to keep them abreast of progress, completion and changes during projects and tasks during our careers.