Current Limiter

Implementing the current limiter to prevent the connection of 2 collector shoe currents shorting out the onboard circuit is crucial. The simplest form of a current limiter will not suffice due to a significant drop in voltage, therefore a more complex circuit, see below, will be implemented.

This will be the basis of the schematic design for the current limiter we will be implementing, an alternative will be to place a simple limiter along with a regulator to achieve the same results. 

Designing Elevated Brackets

Over this week I designed and created an updated mounting bracket for the electrified rail. The holes from the previous brackets were duplicated and the height of the mount was increased to 13 inches. This extended length allows for the rails to be raised so that the shoe can be attached to the bogie and contact the source of electricity.

50 of these brackets are to be made for the length of the track.

Project Deliverables

This week, we worked on gathering our model designs; sample materials, sketches and drafts of our overall design. The second wave of presentations will be done next week and we will be continuing to plan our designs to shif the bracket. So far the model is finished and we will be able to install it by next semester, the material can be made of wood but preferably 3D printed.

Fall End Presentation

This week we prepared our presentation and projected the schedule for the break into the next semester.

Reconnecting Shoe to Conductive Rail

When contacting the rail with the collector shoe, there are multiple scenarios in which contact has to be smooth and flush while the bogie transitions through turns and inclines. The first scenario is when the shoe goes through an upwards or downwards incline; in this case when the bogie wheel attaches to the incoming rail - left or right, the shoe will attach in the same manner. The contact occurs in an incremental movement towards the strip and will not cause physical damage by hitting the outer rail. This is the same for turns as well, since the entire track is designed in a manner that allows for the bogie wheel and shoe to meet in a direction that doesn't conflict into other parts of the track, there will be no faults in reconnecting with the track and rail.

Rapid Prototyping 3D Printing

We have currently reached the stage in which a 3D printer would prove benificial to our prototyping design. Over the course of the week we made preparations to print however, on our arrival the project printer was out of order. The 3D printing stage will be postponed until further notice. Integration design will still carry on and implementation is nearing completion.

Budget Calculation

Wayside Team, Fall 2016

Proposed Budget

A.         Equipment

Item Requested	Specifications	Quantity	Unit Cost	Amount
20 Mil Copper Strip 0.75 X 100’	100 ft, 20mm, 0.75”	4	129.99	519.96
Current Collector	60A, Single Arm	4	7.50	30.00
Shipping				80.00

Total $629.96

1. The copper strip will be lined alongside the track in pairs as a 4^th rail design. The estimated length required is approximately 280 ft. according to the current half-scale model.

2. The current collector is a single arm attachment that will be able to transfer the necessary power requirements to the bogie. This is of high priority to continue designing an appropriate integration onto the chassis.