This week I repaired the axle of the chip collection system with a better design less prone to shearing off at the motor coupling and better at holding the conveyor in place. Additionally I made a new motor mount so that the motor is attached more robustly.
I also connected the color sensing into the chip hopper and conveyor belt to complete integrating those systems so they are running smoothly. Having more pieces integrated also means we can move forward on integrating with other systems in this project.
I think I am on schedule, but with final demos approaching I am hoping to get to final integration as soon as possible so any debugging can be worked on this week.
I hope to complete the chip collection and return, fully integrated and mostly integrated with my other group members portions of the project.
I had to spend a lot of time learning how to use Autodesk Fusion. My portion of the project required significant fabrication as I am making something that does not exist, so nearly every part of it is 3d printed so I have something to hold my circuit and allow the circuit to control the flow of chips mechanically. I learned this through watching lectures online about how to 3d model, and had some mechanical engineers I know at CMU walk me through the basics.