Root AI / AppHarvest
Robot Design Co-op Spring 2021 - AgTech and Agriculture Company, Woburn Office - https://www.appharvest.com/agtech/
Simplified tensioning mechanism for harvesting robot
Updated Tensioning Mechanism
Problem: Adjusting the tension on the drive-train belt was difficult with the existing mechanism given poor tool access. Secondly, The existing design had wide protruding section that raised fabrication cost by necessitating thicker stock and extra machining time. Finally
Action: I modified the existing tensioning mechanism by repositioning the shoulder bolt pivot
Result: The system has been met with excitement for its use because it allows for much easier tension adjustment and cost reduction.
Skills Involved: Mechanical Design, DFM, SolidWorks Modeling & PDM, Confluence documentation.
Simplified UI Box
Problem: The existing user interface panel assembly comprised of a 3D printed enclosure that utilized heat-set inserts. Printing these enclosures and installing inserts took valuable time and would not be scalable in the future. Additionally, the enclosure had little additional interior space, making wiring difficult.
Action: Worked with several enclosure vendors to evaluate COTS and custom solutions. Created down-selection documentation. Verified compatibility of finalist options with existing robot assembly. Retrieved quotes for various quantities for final enclosure section.
Results: Pulled internal part numbers for new enclosure and updated relevant assemblies in PDM to use the new enclosure.
Skills Involved: SolidWorks PDM, Confluence documentation, Vendor Communication
Note: drawing has been blurred to hide sensitive information
Custom Crate Generation
Problem: Several components needed to be shipped but were too large and heavy to be sufficiently protected by a regular shipping box
Action: Several crate vendors were contacted and quotes were retrieved. A down-select was performed based on vendor cost and timeline. After final crate vendor had been selected a simplified model was generated, from which drawings including the relevant mounting points and exclusion zones were generated.
Results: The crates were delivered in time to facilitate the required transport. The components fit well in the crates and were protected in transport.
Skills Involved: SolidWorks Drawings, Model Simplification, Vendor Communication