Project Ideas

 

The projects below are ones that have been previously suggested by faculty.  It is not an exhaustive list nor is it intended to be restrictive.  Other projects will be considered as long as they possess the requisite criterion that they provide "a major integrative experience in applying the principles of design and project management to the design of a major mechanical engineering system".  Students are highly encouraged to carry out these projects in teams.  However, except where otherwise specified, a project may be considered for approval by an individual.

Note: project titles in red have are combined EE/ME projects with intended teams of 2 EE and 2 ME students. Other projects may include students from other departments as well.

 

******** NEW Projects ********

Dynamometer for Small DC Motor-gearboxes
Advisor: Dr. Lawton

Students in junior design need a convenient way to measure torque and power curves of DC motor-gearboxes. A device was previously designed and constructed that measures torque and power curves of DC motor-gearboxes. The requirements and components of the device were originally specified as:

  • an adjustable motor mount that constrains DC motors or motor-gearboxes (such as typical Tamiya units)
  • a means of measuring torque in a range of up to 5 in-lb with an uncertainty of 5%
  • adapters that connect motor shafts (diameters of 0.1-0.25”) to the torque measurement device
  • a base to which components are mounted
  • an ability to measure torque and power curves in a reasonable amount of time
  • a means of displaying torque and power curves
  • a "bench-top" configuration
The second iteration of the device fulfills many of the objectives. It is a bench-top unit that has been used to measure stall torque and power curves for several gearboxes. However, several issues remain with the current system. Issues with the current device include:
  • lack of a means of shock-loading the gearboxes when power is shut off after a motor reaches top speed
  • lack of error budgeting and calibration
  • lack of extensive testing of gearboxes
  • improvement of the user interface
The objectives of the new project are to:
  • implement an electrically-controlled clutch (or some other means) that can decouple the motors to prevent gear failures after a run is completed
  • perform error analysis and calibration so that uncertainties of the instrument are known
  • perform testing of motor-gearbox units in order to characterize torque and power curves of gearboxes commonly used in junior design
  • make the interface easy to use, as necessary



Waterproof Splint - BSN Medical

A research consultant for BSN Medical has a project. This company is known for the compression stockings that are commonly put on postoperative patients; however they are venturing into other avenues of fracture management. They will be launching a posterior padded splint that is waterproof. In the past a posterior padded splint has been made out of plaster of paris and applied with an ace bandage, and of course you could not get it wet. They have a new splint material that a person can get wet via bathing, swimming, etc and have devised a water proof porous ace bandage to secure it with. This outer wrap is a slick material and the clasps that are normally used on ace bandages will not secure the material. They would like to see what senior student could come up with as a senior project for securing this product that is reusable so the patient may take the splint on and off for therapy, wound care, etc. Please contact Dr. Nussman, donna.nussman@gte.net, and Dr. Hocken if you are interested.

 

Human Powered Vehicle Project
Advisor: Dr. Russ Keanini

Website: http://www.asme.org/Events/Contests/HPV/Human_Powered_Vehicle.cfm