Concept & Design
For the concept procedure, certain aspects of the project held a greater priority in order to complete the rest of the prototype. We were given a pallet (2:1 ratio from industry size) and so decided to construct a set of shelves to contain it which adhered to the requirements stated in the proposal. Subsequently, once dimensions of the shelves were known, rough dimensions for the radio shuttle body could be determined. In addition, systems within the radio shuttle (such as the lifting and drive systems) could then be designed as the dimension limits were understood.
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Mechanisms which would provide the means to meet the tasks as set out in the project brief were given priority during the concept and designs stages. This would primarily include the lifting mechanism and the drive system of the radio shuttle.
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Our process for concept generation and design was relatively straightforward. We were given preferences from the client (such as a 4-bar linkage to perform the lifting of the pallet) and then had to generate concepts around these. Once a concept was selected by the group it was put forward to the client in order to determine if any modification was warranted. After the all clear was given to implement, we were able to design in more detail before generating a 3D model on Solidworks which then be added to the radio shuttle assembly model. Finished 3D models would once again be shown to the client for a final clearance and then the manufacture of these parts would commence.
Concept ideas were hindered by the resources available (some designs had to include specific motors sourced within the university) and also the cost of potential components.
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Concept and design descriptions as well as 3D Solidwork model views for key radio shuttle structures and components can be researched more below. A section depicting the final model of the radio shuttle prototype is also included beneath.
