Calendar

SES # LECTURE CONTENTS LAB ACTIVITies KEY DATES
1 Course introduction, contest overview Explore kit and contest  
2 Problem definition and design  
3 Actuators - DC motors, servomotors, pneumatics Build a simple car and preliminary strategy HW 1 out
4 Creating CAD components 1  
5 Creating CAD components 2 Design concept  
6 Mechanisms (2D kinematic analysis) Design of most critical module

HW 1 due

HW 2 out

7 Creating CAD assemblies  
8 Mechanisms (synthesis of 4 bar mechanisms) Fabrication of most critical module  
9 Creating CAD assemblies 2 HW 2 due
10 Quiz 1 Fabrication of most critical module Quiz 1 due
11 Creating CAD drawings  
12 Gears - basics, terminology, involute curve Demonstration of most critical module HW 3 out
13 Gears - strength, gear trains  
14 Microcontrollers Integration of design  
15 Lab time  
16 Sensors Demonstration of integrated machine HW 3 due
17 Lab time  
18 Belts / chains / cams Design iteration  
19 Quiz 2 Quiz 2 due
20 Lab time Fabrication of improved machine  
21 Optimization Demonstration of improved machine  
22 Professional ethics HW 4 out
23 Review of festivity procedures

Final refinements

Design Festivity at Johnson Rink in the evening (First round after 1 day, and finals after 2 days)

 
24 A review of this year's machines

Debriefs with section

Locker cleanup and recycling

 
25 Course summary / feedback HW 4 due