Team Dependencies

We are nearly finished with the implementation phase aside from a few small tasks which will be completed once the other teams receive their parts. At this point we are depending on the bogey team to affix their assembly as soon as possible so that we are able to combine our system. Testing will continue regardless - along with other tasks that are not dependent on other teams. This will minimize the rush when the other teams catch up. Once we finish affixing the rails we will be running the current through the circuit and testing for any gaps. During spring break, we will be finishing the tasks involving the installation and manufacturing of the conductive rails. By the time we come back the bogey team should be ready for the installation of our shoe collector.

Bumper Design

Over the weekend, I designed a model for a bumper we can use for the collector shoe. This design allows for the shoe to fit more snug along the conductive rail and elevates it appropriately to touch the copper strip with more stability. The model of the part can be seen below.

Shoe Collector Integration

We are moving on to fit the shoe onto the bogie, We have finalized the fabrication stage and are currently moving into the implementation stage; this involves affixing the appropriate materials we need to replace or retrofit our new design with the leftover rails. Implementation was scheduled to begin later but we will be moving ahead of schedule to assure there is ample time during the testing phase to ensure that our final design will run without failure. If we maintain our lead over the schedule, we plan to add more items to facilitate our integration with the other teams. Our forecast for the deployment phase is positive in that we will very likely reach it on or before the scheduled date

First Spring Presentation

This week alongside testing and fabricating the brackets and conductive rails, the first presentation for the Spring Semester was prepared. An updated Gantt chart for the process of this semester was also ameliorated to forecast our testing phase. Both the presentation and Gantt chart can be accessed below.


Link to Gantt Chart: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1d0HtPsCi0U9ZxB2Q2hPej-22tSz6xKDYct0Mf3qkzeI/edit#gid=0

Finishing brackets and dismantling old conductive rails

3/22/17
The final new brackets were finished and the old conductive rails were brought down. The current shoe collector arrived and will be tested for attachment to the bogey. The current limiter was discussed with other teams and it was suggested that we run a different type of circuitry within the onboard system rather than a current limiter. Voltage regulators may be another option depending on how the power system is connected to the rails. We will further be discussing and collaborating to find an appropriate solution to achieve the power criteria.