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.)
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
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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
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
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
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.
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Objectives/Desired
Outcomes
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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
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