Project Number 1 Project Name - mech.utah.edu · This project will focus on the development of an...

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List of Projects ME EN 4000 Spring 2019 Page 1 of 19 Project Number 1 Project Name Central-Suction Electrocautery Pen Faculty Name Dr. Dan Adams ([email protected]) Project Description Many surgical procedures require electrocautery, in which blood vessels are burned and sealed to stop bleeding. However, electrocautery produces a smoke plume, which limits the surgeon’s visibility and causes breathing problems for the surgeon as well as other members of the surgical team. This problem if often addressed using a variety of vacuum-based fume exhaust systems. The primary challenge associated with smoke removal is that the vacuum source must be placed in close proximity to the cauterization site to be effective, and yet it cannot obscure the vision or the procedures of the surgeon. This project will focus on the development of an electrocautery pen with an integrated central suction core that removes all electrocautery-produced smoke. Through the use of a suction tube integrated into the electrocautery pen, the vacuum source can be placed directly in front of the cauterization site while minimizing visual obstruction of the surgeon. Other design considerations will include an ergonomic design with full functionality and the elimination of possibly entanglement of the suction and electrocautery cords. This senior design project is being sponsored by a Salt Lake City surgeon, who will provide the required equipment (such as standard electrocautery pens and vacuum exhaust equipment) and any supplies required for the successful completion of the project. Additionally, students will be provided access to the operating suite as needed. Project Objectives/Desired Outcomes 1. Design and development of vacuum tube based smoke exhaust system with an optimal central vacuum tube diameter and vacuum port opening to maximize smoke removal when placed in close proximity to an electrocautery site. 2. Incorporation of the vacuum tube based smoke exhaust system into the central core of an ergonomically-designed electrocautery pen without obscure the vision of the surgeon. 3. Design of the electrical and suction attachments for ease of connectivity and movement in the operative field. 4. Design of a mechanism for both pinching and clasping tissue together to help focus the electrocauterization at the tip of the pen Project Engineering Skills Numerical fluid flow simulations and experimental validation Mechanical design Stress analysis Rapid prototyping, manual machining, and/or CNC machining Desired Team Size 3-4

Transcript of Project Number 1 Project Name - mech.utah.edu · This project will focus on the development of an...

List of Projects

ME EN 4000 – Spring 2019 Page 1 of 19

Project Number 1

Project Name Central-Suction Electrocautery Pen

Faculty Name Dr. Dan Adams ([email protected])

Project Description Many surgical procedures require

electrocautery, in which blood

vessels are burned and sealed to stop

bleeding. However, electrocautery

produces a smoke plume, which

limits the surgeon’s visibility and

causes breathing problems for the

surgeon as well as other members of

the surgical team. This problem if

often addressed using a variety of

vacuum-based fume exhaust systems.

The primary challenge associated

with smoke removal is that the vacuum source must be placed in close proximity

to the cauterization site to be effective, and yet it cannot obscure the vision or the

procedures of the surgeon.

This project will focus on the development of an electrocautery pen with an

integrated central suction core that removes all electrocautery-produced smoke.

Through the use of a suction tube integrated into the electrocautery pen, the

vacuum source can be placed directly in front of the cauterization site while

minimizing visual obstruction of the surgeon. Other design considerations will

include an ergonomic design with full functionality and the elimination of possibly

entanglement of the suction and electrocautery cords.

This senior design project is being sponsored by a Salt Lake City surgeon, who

will provide the required equipment (such as standard electrocautery pens and

vacuum exhaust equipment) and any supplies required for the successful

completion of the project. Additionally, students will be provided access to the

operating suite as needed.

Project

Objectives/Desired

Outcomes

1. Design and development of vacuum tube based smoke exhaust system with an

optimal central vacuum tube diameter and vacuum port opening to maximize

smoke removal when placed in close proximity to an electrocautery site.

2. Incorporation of the vacuum tube based smoke exhaust system into the central

core of an ergonomically-designed electrocautery pen without obscure the

vision of the surgeon.

3. Design of the electrical and suction attachments for ease of connectivity and

movement in the operative field.

4. Design of a mechanism for both pinching and clasping tissue together to help

focus the electrocauterization at the tip of the pen

Project

Engineering Skills Numerical fluid flow simulations and experimental validation

Mechanical design

Stress analysis

Rapid prototyping, manual machining, and/or CNC machining

Desired Team Size 3-4

List of Projects

ME EN 4000 – Spring 2019 Page 2 of 19

Project Number 2

Project Name Cooking without Gas [Industry Sponsored Project]

Faculty Name Dr. Shad Roundy ([email protected]). Sponsored by Marshall NLV, llc.

Project Description

Project

Objectives/Desired

Outcomes

1. Gas range retrofit

2. Demonstrate functionality by cooking a meal with culinary arts students

3. Participate in video documenting the meal, the prototype, and a bit of the

project (video will be sponsor’s responsibility)

Project Engineering

Skills

Desired Team Size 3 ME, 1EE, 1MS

Project Number 3

Project Name Gattling Gun Air Cannon

Faculty Name Dr. Owen Kingstedt ([email protected])

Project Description Mascots across the nation use air cannons to launch prizes to spectators during

sporting events. These prizes range in size and shape with common examples

being t-shirts, plush toys, and miniaturized foam sports balls. The objective of

the senior design project is to create a rapid-fire air cannon capable of launching

the aforementioned prizes into stands.

Project

Objectives/Desired

Outcomes:

1. The design must be operated and transported by a single person

2. The design must be portable and capable of launching no less than 6

projectiles before being reloaded.

3. Projectiles must be able to be fired at a rate of 1 Hz.

4. The design must be operable by a single individual with limited peripheral

vision and dexterity equivalent of wearing heavy gloves to mimic that of a

mascot.

Project Engineering

Skills: Mechatronics

Plumbing fabrication/fitting

Product Safety

Desired Team Size 3-5

List of Projects

ME EN 4000 – Spring 2019 Page 3 of 19

Project Number 4

Project Name Powered Swim Wheelchair

Faculty Name Andrew Merryweather ([email protected]) & Dr. Jeffrey Rosenbluth

Project Description Currently it is difficult and

inconvenient for persons in

wheelchairs to independently

transfer in and out of bodies of

water such as lakes and pools. A

waterproof powered wheelchair that

can be operated independently

would enable the user to enter and

exit recreational swimming areas

more comfortably. The objective of

this project is to design a powered

wheelchair that will enable persons

with varying levels of disabilities,

including paraplegics and

quadriplegics, to independently

enter and exit a recreational body of

water. The customers that will be operating this wheelchair highly value

independence and this project is focused on giving these individuals a more

independent and safe way to go for a swim in a recreational setting such as a

lake.

Project

Objectives/Desired

Outcomes

Key Focus Areas:

The device will be designed such that it can be operated by the user

autonomously. The mobility platform will be waterproof, such that it can be

completely submerged without damage to any of its systems. The mobility

platform will be able to traverse several different kinds of terrain including

gravel, sand, and dirt.

Project Engineering

Skills Mechanical: the mechanical system will involve the connections and drive

system. Incorporated into the drive system are all components related to the

locomotion of the device. Along with this, is also included all structural

components and frame assemblies.

Electrical: the electrical system will involve all wiring, motors, human

interfaces, electrical control hardware, power supplies, regulators, and

additional circuitry.

Software: the software area includes the programming of any controllers and

the implementation of control theory to provide a “handshake” between the

mechanical, electrical and human interface subsections. Control of the

device will be achieved by using a controller that may be specifically built

for our customer needs and limitations.

Desired Team Size 4-5

Additional

information or

comments

$2500 is available to support project

Other focus areas should include:

* Ergonomics: the ergonomic area will be influenced by other processes to make

the device minimally stressful and comfortable for the operator to use. This area

will also be involved in the creation and implementation of the methods needed

for the operator to be able to control the movement and locomotion of the swim

apparatus. The mobility platform, including the seat back, seat bottom, armrests,

List of Projects

ME EN 4000 – Spring 2019 Page 4 of 19

headrests and footrests will be designed to be fully adjustable in order to

accommodate a variety of customer preferences and comforts.

* Safety: the safety area will involve the creation of a necessary components and

systems that will enable the wheelchair to operate without reasonable danger of

injuring the operator or any assisting individual who may accompany the

operator.

Project Number 5

Project Name Wireless shoe-embedded perturbation device

Faculty Name Dr. Andrew Merryweather ([email protected])

Project Description We constructed a prototype of shoes

that can deliver an unexpected or

expected perturbation during

overground gait. The basic prototype

can deliver unexpected and expected

(through an auditory warning tone)

perturbations for a single step, but

the device can be improved through new mechanical and control system

designs.

Our current applications are seeking to use this shoe as a rehabilitative tool in

people with balance problems. We are seeking to improve the hardware design

and integrate the control of the shoe into wireless platforms to enable reliable

external control. The key advancements sought in this project are improving the

durability of the device and enabling wireless communication within a compact

package.

Project

Objectives/Desired

Outcomes

1. Full motion of arm completed in under 125 ms.

2. Total package contained within the sole of a shoe.

3. All wireless communication to external control within 50 foot range.

Weight capacity >= 300 lbs.

Project Engineering

Skills Mechatronic design (electro-mechanical design and programming)

Machine Design

Rapid prototyping, machining

Desired Team Size 4-5

List of Projects

ME EN 4000 – Spring 2019 Page 5 of 19

Project Number 6

Project Name Ultrasonic power and data feedthrough for pipelines

Faculty Name Dr. Shad Roundy ([email protected]) and Dr. Steve Burian

Project Description Urban water infrastructure

suffers from a lack of

knowledge of the pressure

throughout the pipelines. This

problem could be solved by

remote wireless pressure

sensors placed throughout the

pipeline. However, getting

power and data to and from

pressure sensors inside water

pipelines is an unsolved

challenge. The goal of this

project is to design and

develop a system for

powering and getting data from a pressure sensor inside an urban water pipeline.

In one possible implementation, we envision an ultrasonic power and data

transmission system to transmit power and data through the metal wall of the

pipe. A piezoelectric ultrasonic transmitter could be attached to the outside of the

pipeline. A matching ultrasonic receiver and pressure sensor would be attached

to the inside of the pipeline. The transmitter would power up the sensor, which

would then take a reading and transmit the data back. The team would need to

design the piezoelectric transmitter and associated electronics. The team will also

design the ultrasonic receiver and integrate it with a commercial pressure sensor

and associated electronics enabling multi-function (power and data)

transmission.

Although we have envisioned an ultrasonic power transfer system with an active

(i.e. powered) pressure sensor, the senior design team may come up with other

possible solutions to the problem, which would be welcome.

Project

Objectives/Desired

Outcomes

1. Demonstrate power transmission through the wall of a steel pipe.

2. Demonstrate data transmission through the wall of the steel pipe using the

same system.

3. Demonstrate a full operating system taking pressure measurements using

only transmitted power.

Project Engineering

Skills Practical electronics (i.e. implementing circuit board level electronics)

Finite element analysis to simulate ultrasonic pressure wave transmission.

Mechatronics

Desired Team Size 4-6

List of Projects

ME EN 4000 – Spring 2019 Page 6 of 19

Project Number 7

Project Name Enhanced design of an incendiary (fire) wind tunnel

Faculty Name Professor Eric Pardyjak ([email protected]), Professor Rob Stoll

([email protected]), and Dr. Kochanski (Atmos. Sci.)

([email protected])

Project Description During the 2017-2018 academic year, a

student team designed and built a tilting

wind tunnel capable of safely modeling

and visualizing laboratory-scale

wildfires as part of an NSF funded

interdisciplinary wildfire spread project.

The wind tunnel will ultimately be used

as an education tool for illustrating the

impacts of various affects on smoke and

fire propagation in an idealized setting.

This year, a senior design team will

modify the tunnel to include the ability to

demonstrate the impact of a range of

fuels, fuel distributions, and wind

conditions. Furthermore, it is expected

that this year’s team will add

instrumentation that will allow fire

temperatures, rates of spread, and winds

to be quantified. Funds will be provided

for the purchase of materials and supplies

to support the project.

See:

2017-2018 Senior design team final video: VIDEO LINK

http://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/news/160628-indoor-

wildfire-prediction-vin for a video example of a research grade wind

tunnel for the study of the impact of fuel mixture and distribution on

wild fire propagation and

http://www.nytimes.com/2013/09/22/magazine/into-the-

wildfire.html?pagewanted=all for a popular press article discussing the

importance of understanding wildfire behavior.

Project

Objectives/Desired

Outcomes

1. Visualize and qualitatively assess smoke dispersion and fire-spread rate.

2. Develop methodologies to simulate the impact of fuel type and distribution.

3. Add the capability to test different wind conditions (adding a prime mover,

e.g., an array of fans to control the flow field).

4. Quantify fire-spread rate, smoke dispersion, and fire heat release.

5. Develop a comprehensive set of educational videos on firespread.

Project

Engineering Skills Fluid Mechanics and heat transfer

System design and system safety

Mechatronic design

Applicable manufacturing and machining techniques

Desired Team Size 4-6

List of Projects

ME EN 4000 – Spring 2019 Page 7 of 19

Project Number 8

Project Name Dynamic Manual Wheelchair Braking System

Faculty Name Andrew Merryweather ([email protected]) & Dr. Jeffrey Rosenbluth

Project Description The Dynamic Manual Wheelchair Braking System is a hands-free, dynamic, and

static braking system that provides manual wheelchair users with an

unprecedented level of braking control. The system does not change the look of

the chair and enables users to remove the parking brake feature installed on most

manual wheelchairs.

Project

Objectives/Desired

Outcomes

Concise technical summary:

We propose a novel wheelchair braking system that will allow for both static

and dynamic braking while utilizing much of the existing wheelchair hardware.

This system will be operated using the internal rotation of the forearms, allowing

SCI users with injuries up to C6 to operate without needing hand function. Brake

operation will be performed using a modified armrest and armrest receiver, and

in most cases the existing armrest mounting hardware can be used.

Braking force will be achieved using a standard bicycle brake pad that will apply

a variable force to the wheelchair rim, creating friction. The brake pad position

and rotation would be adjustable to allow for optimal placement on a variety of

different wheelchair rims and frame from different manufacturers. Once

positioned properly, set screws can be tightened to lock the brake linkage in

place.

The main pivot point would be a female receiver located towards the rear of the

wheelchair. This receiver could be a drop-in replacement for the original armrest

receiver, and ideally would utilize the same mounting hardware. This receiver

could also be the same inner diameter as the original, allowing for backwards

compatibility. The receiver would utilize a vertical locking mechanism to ensure

the armrest/brake couldn’t easily pull out of position once inserted. The simplest

such mechanism would be a spring detent that required a certain amount of

vertical force to insert/remove the armrest from the receiver, though other means

will be investigated. The locking mechanism must obviously allow for a

rotational DOF to enable braking.

Alongside the vertical lock, the receiver will be designed in such a way as to

limit the range of motion on the rotational axis. This could be achieved using a

pin/slot mechanism between the armrest and receiver. The ROM would be

limited on armrest internal rotation by the brake pad intersecting the rim, but

external rotation would need to be limited by this other means. The system will

also utilize a light torsion spring to return the armrest/brake to this maximum

Additionally, for static braking, a mechanism will be developed to lock the pads

against the rim in a “parking brake” position. This function will provide

additional safety during stationary activity on uneven terrain and during

transfers.

The armrest itself will consist of two pads – one horizontal to provide traditional

armrest support for elbows and forearms in a resting position, and one smaller

vertical pad on the inner front portion of the armrest to allow braking force to

be applied by the forearms. The position of this vertical pad would be adjustable,

allowing the system to fit any arm length in the optimal position.

List of Projects

ME EN 4000 – Spring 2019 Page 8 of 19

Advantages:

Hands can remain near rims

Differential braking for safe downhill maneuvers

Manual Wheelchair will no longer need parking brake

Minimal or no added weight

Added safety of automatic braking when transfer is in progress

Maintain stock wheelchair look

Project Engineering

Skills Mechanism Design and Analysis – CAD

Prototyping and Fabrication

Human Factors and Ergonomics

Desired Team Size 4-6

Additional

information or

comments:

Project Partnership with School of Medicine

List of Projects

ME EN 4000 – Spring 2019 Page 9 of 19

Project Number 9

Project Name Solar-Powered Thermo-Chemical Energy Storage

Faculty Name Professor Kent Udell ([email protected]) Project Description Thermo-Chemical batteries can store thermal

energy and then use it at a later time for either

heating or cooling applications. Through

research funded through ARPA-E, we have

learned the secrets of packaging ammonia-

saturated magnesium chloride in a way that

should provide enhanced heat and mass

transfer performance in a configuration well-

suited for solar recharging. And the

temperatures produced are high enough to

heat an oven. We now need to find a good way

to recharge the thermal battery with solar

energy. That is the aim of this project.

The team will design and construct the solar

energy concentration and collection system,

ammonia condensers, the magnesium

chloride salt cooling system and liquid

ammonia holding system. A one ton air

conditioning target is sought. Evaporators for

refrigeration or air conditioning, and heat

exchangers for air, water and oven heating

will be provided.

Project

Objectives/Desired

Outcomes

1. Design and produce a high performance cylindrical solar absorber including

the spectral surface coatings and evacuated tube vacuum sealing system

2. Design and build the parabolic reflector including stand to allow sun tracking

and supports that can withstand wind forces.

3. Chose, procure, and assemble cooling systems for salt and ammonia vapor.

4. Select QuickConnects for attachment of heating circuit tubing and ammonia

circuit tubing to trailer with modified appliances (trailer modification not

responsibility of team).

5. The desired outcome is a mobile, full-size demonstration of the next

generation of solar thermal energy storage.

Project

Engineering Skills Heat transfer analysis including selection of heat exchangers and thermal

design of the solar collector.

Solidworks skills to produce 3-D renderings of the collector and to calculate

potential wind loads

List of Projects

ME EN 4000 – Spring 2019 Page 10 of 19

Manufacturing expertise to fabricate the absorber cylinder and sealing

systems.

Desired Team Size 5-6

Project Number 10

Project Name Creation of R2-D2 [Student Proposed Project]

Faculty Name Prof. Kent Udell ([email protected]),

Primary contact: Bobby Brisendine ([email protected])

Project Description The goal is to create a functioning R2 unit with basic autonomy. As well as more

advanced functions being remote control.

Project

Objectives/Desired

Outcomes

Project Engineering

Skills

Additional

information or

comments

The power system is estimated to be around $150 with a computer costing

around $50. the mechanical components like motors are estimated at $100 and

cost of material for the body is estimated at $100 for a total of $400

Desired Team Size 5

List of Projects

ME EN 4000 – Spring 2019 Page 11 of 19

Project Number 11

Project Name MEK Wind Turbine

Faculty Name Prof. Meredith Metzger ([email protected])

Project Description At the University of Utah, we are

exploring the feasibility of harvesting

wind energy in the urban/suburban area

through the use of small vertical axis

wind turbines, as shown in Fig. 1. This

senior design project will focus on the

implementation of a quarter-scale vertical

axis wind turbine that will be mounted on

the rooftop of the Mechanical

Engineering Kennecott (MEK) building

and used for the purpose of performance

testing. The turbine blades and support

frame have already been fabricated by a

prior senior design team, following the

design guidelines of Nguyen and Metzger

(2017). The blades are comprised of

composite materials to keep the moment

of inertia of the turbine as low as possible,

allowing the turbine to respond quickly to

changing winds in order to capture the

maximum amount of energy available in

the gusty wind conditions characteristic

of Salt Lake City. An illustration of the

turbine is shown in Fig.2. The main tasks

to be accomplished this year are: (i)

design the shaft/bearing system including

balancing, (ii) implement an electrical

breaking system for high wind situations,

(iii) implement a generator to recharge a

battery, (iv) perform laboratory tests to

validate the design, and (v) install a fully-

functional prototype on the rooftop of the

MEK building. The proposed installation

location is shown in Fig. 3.

Project

Objectives/Desired

Outcomes

1. Implement a fully functional prototype of a quarter-scale vertical axis wind

turbine on the MEK rooftop.

2. Design and build the electro-mechanical systems of the turbine

3. Run validation tests of the aerodynamic performance and structural integrity

of the prototype

Project Engineering

Skills Basic Machine Design

Computer Programming, Fluid Mechanics, Solid Mechanics, Mechanics of

Composite Materials

Machining and Basic Fabrication

Desired Team Size 3 - 4

List of Projects

ME EN 4000 – Spring 2019 Page 12 of 19

Project Number 12

Project Name Granular Application System For UAV

Faculty Name Prof. Meredith Metzger ([email protected])

Project Description The Salt Lake City Mosquito Abatement

District (SLCMAD) controls the population

of mosquitoes to protect public health and

increase the quality of life for residents of

Salt Lake City. Most of the mosquito control

efforts are conducted against juvenile

mosquitoes which live in water. Many of the

prime mosquito habitats are freshwater

marshes around the Great Salt Lake. Thick

vegetation found in these wetlands makes it

hard for liquid pesticides to reach the surface

of the water, so SLCMAD uses granular

formulations for many pesticide

applications. Traditionally these pesticide applications to wetlands have been

done on foot, by ATV or with a large tracked vehicle. These methods are labor

intensive, cause heavy wear to equipment and can damage the environment.

SLCMAD recently purchased a DJI AGRAS MG-1S unmanned aerial vehicle

(UAV) to make pesticide applications. This UAV comes with a system to apply

liquids but not granules. This senior design project will focus on the design and

fabrication of a granular application system for the MG-1S.

Project

Objectives/Desired

Outcomes

1. Design and fabricate a fully functional prototype of a granular application

system for the MG-1S UAV.

2. Device can carry 20 lbs of granular product and produce a 20 ft swath

3. Device has a granular applicator compatible with MG-1S electric system

Project

Engineering Skills Fluid Mechanics

Machining and Basic Fabrication

Circuit Design and Electric Motors

Desired Team Size 4-7

List of Projects

ME EN 4000 – Spring 2019 Page 13 of 19

Project Number 13

Project Name Mobile Particulate Filtering Device [Student Proposed Project]

Faculty Name Professor Kam Leang ([email protected])

Primary contact: Michael Campbell ([email protected])

Project Description I hope to create a small prototype of a flying air filter.

Project

Objectives/Desired

Outcomes

I wish to eliminate smoggy, pollution-filled air along the Wasatch Front. Indoor

air filters have the technology to clean the air but only in a limited space. External

air filters which can clean large volumes of air exist but are not mobile which

limits their effectiveness to a localized area. I am proposing that a large, external

air filter can be attached to a drone which will filter the air as it flies.

Target Users: Hospitals, Government agencies, Individuals with respiration

problems.

Project

Engineering Skills Fluid Mechanics

Machining and Basic Fabrication

Circuit Design and Electric Motors

Desired Team Size 6

Additional

information or

comments:

$2000

Additional funds can be obtained from business partners of the UCAIR

organization, including Merit Medical and Dominion Energy.

List of Projects

ME EN 4000 – Spring 2019 Page 14 of 19

Project Number 14

Project Name Andrology Clinic in a Box

Faculty Name Professor Bruce Gale ([email protected]) & Alex Jafek ([email protected])

Project Description Our lab has recently developed technology capable of preparing semen samples

for intrauterine insemination (IUI). The central element of this platform is a

microfluidic spiral channel which uses Dean flow to separate particles based off

of their size. At this point, one of the main hurdles to commercialization is the

development of an instrumentation system capable of processing the device

through the spiral channel in an automated way. Last year, a Capstone team

successfully developed a preliminary prototype of the design demonstrating

integration of temperature control, pumping, and valving. This year, we are

seeking to recruit another Capstone team to advance the instrumentation system

even further by building upon the successes of the last team.

Students on this Capstone team should have an interest in product design and an

ability to think creatively about mechatronic integration. There are fundamentally

three shortcomings with the existing platform that we would want to see solved

by a Capstone team:

1. An ability to start directly from a sample cup (as opposed to preloaded in

a syringe)

2. A design that employs a replaceable cartridge design

3. An ability to employ our advanced protocol (which requires processing

the unselected portion)

Project

Objectives/Desired

Outcomes

1. Functioning prototype that can be used in the clinic including temperature

control, pumping, and valving that has the footprint of a printer.

2. Demonstration of all critical performance metrics listed (start from sample

cup, replaceable cartridge, integration of advanced protocol)

Project

Engineering Skills Mechatronic design (electro-mechanical design and programming)

CAD and product design

Rapid prototyping, manual machining, and/or CNC machining

Desired Team Size 4-5

List of Projects

ME EN 4000 – Spring 2019 Page 15 of 19

Project Number 15

Project Name Realtime pest monitoring device for agricultural systems

Faculty Name Professor Kam K Leang ([email protected]) and Professor Rob Stoll

([email protected])

Project Description A wide range of agricultural pests (e.g., insects) have a significant impact on

agricultural productivity both directly and indirectly as plant disease vectors (e.g.,

means of transmission). Effective and sustainable responses to pests require

knowledge of their location and activity levels. Unfortunately, most monitoring

systems use manual pheromone traps (bug lures) which require the deployment,

collection, and then counting of trapped insects. This process means data is both

sparse spatially and in time. As a result to deal with the most impactful pests,

agricultural managers typically take extreme measures (full field broad spectrum

insecticide application) at any detection with negative consequences for both the

pests and beneficial insects. The goal of this project is to develop a realtime

pheromone trap to detect and trap male grapevine mealybugs. The challenges

include the small size of the bugs (~1 mm) and their relatively poor flying

ability. This project will construct a realtime trap prototype that can be deployed

in agricultural fields to improve management decisions. Initial funds of $1K in

addition to nuts and bolts funds will be provided to the team with additional

possible for parts through the USDA if justified. While this is a prototype, the

long term goal is to keep costs low enough to deploy multiple sensors in the field

and to keep the device light enough to deploy using UAVs.

Project

Objectives/Desired

Outcomes

Project

Engineering Skills

Desired Team Size

Additional

information or

comments:

Team will be given ~$1K in addition to the nuts/bolts funds for parts and

materials. The teams will work with researchers in the USDA Agricultural

Research Service and the Cooperative Extension Services.

List of Projects

ME EN 4000 – Spring 2019 Page 16 of 19

Project Number 16

Project Name Fast response fungal spore collection device for agricultural systems

Faculty Name Professor Rob Stoll ([email protected]) and Professor Kam K Leang

([email protected])

Project Description The primary transport mechanics for many fungal plant pathogens is the

wind. Spores from fungal pathogen colonies are transported away from infection

sites by unsteady (turbulent) fluid motions to new susceptible tissue (leaves). To

better understand how pathogens spread through the air (and the associated

propagation of diseases in plant systems), we need to be able to measure the

concentration of spores at different points within the plant canopy. The goal of

this project will be to develop a realtime airborne spore identification and

counting device for use in agricultural systems. Currently, spore identification

and quantification (counting) for airborne fungal agricultural pathogens is

performed manually using a combination of traps (to sample) and laboratory

analysis. A devices is needed that can take measurements of spores in the field in

real time to vastly improve management decisions and enable the automation of

management decisions (e.g., localized fungicide application). The device must be

rugged enough to be deployed in harsh environments (i.e. agricultural fields). A

successfully developed device will be deployed with USDA science collaborators

in agricultural fields and tested against traditional impaction trap based methods

(which require laboratory analysis). This project is perfect for a motivated team

of 3-5 students with the expected design components that use students knowledge

of fluid mechanics, automation and system design (mechatronics), and machine

vision and learning techniques. Initial funds of $1K in addition to nuts and bolts

funds will be provided to the team with additional possible for parts through the

USDA if justified. While this is a prototype, the long term goal is to keep costs

low enough to deploy multiple sensors in the field and to keep the device light

enough to deploy using UAVs.

Project

Objectives/Desired

Outcomes

Project

Engineering Skills

Desired Team Size 3-5

Additional

information or

comments:

Team will be given ~$1K in addition to the nuts/bolts funds for parts and

materials. The teams will work with researchers in the USDA Agricultural

Research Service and the Cooperative Extension Services.

List of Projects

ME EN 4000 – Spring 2019 Page 17 of 19

Project Number 17

Project Name Morphing Drone for Aggressive Dynamic Flight [Student Proposed Project]

Faculty Name Professor Kam K Leang ([email protected])

Primary contact- Gordon Kou ([email protected])

Project Description To create a drone that can more easily maneuver sharp turns at higher speeds.

Project

Objectives/Desired

Outcomes

A flying prototype that actuates in all proper degrees of freedom. (Target Users-

Drone Pilot)

Project

Engineering Skills

Desired Team Size

Additional

information or

comments:

$1000. Additional funds will be sought from private companies that ideally have

a stake in aerospace technologies.

List of Projects

ME EN 4000 – Spring 2019 Page 18 of 19

Project Number 18

Project Name L3 Technologies Industry Sponsored - Lead-Free Solder Project [Industry

Sponsored Project - Pending]

Faculty Name Pending, Temporary student contact: Holly Alvarez ([email protected])

Project Description

Most products that require any type of electric conduction, require soldering.

Leaded solder has been commonly accepted as the most reliable soldering

material among industry. Therefore, L3 Technologies currently uses leaded solder

for all manufacturing applications. However, as part of the RoHS (Restriction of

Hazardous Substances) directive, L3 has initiated a project to replace all leaded

solder processes with a lead free solder. Doing this will provide a safer

environment for product manufacturing and a safer end use product for

consumers. Many companies have already switched to lead free solder. However,

most companies do not produce military grade products that must withstand

rigorous testing and meet military specification requirements. To convert to lead-

free solder the following must be addressed.

Structural integrity of solder joint

Aesthetic appearance of solder joint

Lifespan of solder joint

Designing for high conduction requirements

Thorough quality testing

Soldering production cost

This project requires all team members to be security approved upon the start of

the project. This project will provide team members with valuable experience

working with senior level engineers and management at L3 and exposure to the

L3 work environment.

Project

Objectives/Desired

Outcomes

1. Develop detailed understanding of L3's soldering applications and goals

2. Create a design of experiments to formulate a No Clean, lead-free soldering

paste that meets product requirements

3. Test formulated solder using numerous test methods

4. Analyze test data to determine most optimal soldering process that aligns with

ISO requirements

5. Internally published test report and white paper

6. Implement new soldering process within manufacturing and operations

Project

Engineering Skills Problem solving: The process will need a formulated lead-free soldering paste

that meets L3's application as described.

Electrical: To develop a working process, understanding electrical

conductivity and routing will be useful.

Test: Know how to carry out a properly organized experiment to eliminate

variability and error. Prior DOE experience is preferred. Various tests will be

performed for each test sample.

Technical writing: Our team will be publishing a thorough test report and

white paper.

Manufacturing: This soldering solution will be implemented throughout L3

manufacturing and operations. Training can be provided.

Desired Team Size 4-6

Additional

information or

comments:

L3 Technologies will be funding all project costs.

List of Projects

ME EN 4000 – Spring 2019 Page 19 of 19

Project Number 19

Project Name Modular Manipulator with 6 Degrees of Freedom for Drone [Student Proposed

Project – No longer accepting new member]

Faculty Name Dr. Mark Minor ([email protected])

Primary contacts: Ryan Kitchen ([email protected]), Klaus Griessmann

([email protected])

Project Description For many industries, there is constant routine maintenance that must be done.

However, this routine maintenance is not always in the safest or most convenient

spots. For example, workers in the powerline and wind farm industries work

around many hazards for oftentimes simple repairs. We propose that these

dangers and time consumers can be mitigated through the use of drone

technology.

This project will focus on the development of a manipulator, with 6 degrees of

freedom, that will have a modular head. The modular head will make it so a

different tool type can be created and attached to the arm, depending on what

tasks need to be done. The heads that we will focus on for this project are a soft

grabber and an impact drill. We will also consider a soldering iron and a precision

cutter.

Project

Objectives/Desired

Outcomes

Project

Engineering Skills

Desired Team Size

Project Number 20

Project Name Racing oil and water Heat Exchanger [Student Proposed Project – No longer

accepting new member]

Faculty Name Pending

Primary contact: Todd Salazar ([email protected])

Project Description I wish to build a rebuild-able heat exchanger for oil and water systems for use in

the automotive racing industry with an emphasis on off-road vehicles. The

preliminary design is for a cross flow type exchanger primarily made out of

aluminum and copper. Target Users: professional and amateur race teams.

Project

Objectives/Desired

Outcomes

I would like to have a working prototype by design day.

Project

Engineering Skills

Desired Team Size