Significant Risks and Management Strategies:
Our primary risks include technical challenges in integration, potential mechanical failures, and ensuring precise control over the moving parts. We are managing these risks through rigorous testing, collaboration, and contingency planning. Specifically, we’ve focused on enhancing communication between subsystems and refining our designs to prevent mechanical wear and tear.
Design Changes and Cost Implications:
We’ve made several changes to our design. These include implementing limit switches for motor control and modifying the power electronics for more precise ammeter readings. The changes incurred some costs, primarily in terms of additional components and time spent on redesigning certain aspects. However, we’ve mitigated these costs through efficient team collaboration and leveraging our skills in electronics and mechanical design.
Updated Schedule:
Currently, we are on track with our project timeline. There have been no significant schedule changes this week, and we intend to maintain this momentum. Our updated Gantt chart, presented during the interim demo, accurately reflects our current progress and upcoming milestones.
Progress Highlights and Next Steps:
– Anirud worked with Luca and Callum on the integration of our subsystems. This collaboration was essential for our interim demo.
– Anirud managed to implement the limit switches for the motor rails and procured the wood for the table’s top surface, cutting it to the required dimensions.
– On the charging subsystem, the new ammeters have improved our device detection capabilities, although some fluctuations in current readings require further investigation.
Next Week:
We plan to etch channels into the wood for PCB placement and mount the PCBs onto the table. Integration of the ammeter sensing code with motor control is a priority. We’re also focusing on debugging the matrix and beginning its integration with the motor system.
Conclusion:
Our project is progressing well, and we’re mostly working on integration and refinement. The team is highly motivated to go beyond our Minimum Viable Project, ensuring that Chargin’ is not only functional but also exemplifies innovation and technical excellence.
Validation:
Anirud:
– Testing for Device Detection Reliability: Verify that the charging subsystem consistently detects various wireless charging devices (phones, earbuds) across multiple trials.
– Current Fluctuation Analysis: Examine the extent of current fluctuations observed in the new ammeters and their effect on detection speed and charging performance.
– Integration with Mechanical Movements: Assess the coordination between the charging mechanism and motor movements, ensuring seamless and accurate positioning of the charging coil.
Luca:
– Motor Speed and Distance Accuracy: Conduct precise measurements of the time taken for motors to traverse the stage and the accuracy of their end positions.
– Backlash Quantification: Utilize the limit switches to accurately measure and quantify any backlash in the mechanical stage, ensuring consistent movement.
– Motor Noise Level Testing: Evaluate the decibel levels of motor noise during operation, ensuring it falls within safe and acceptable limits for user environments.
Callum:
– Sensor Response Testing: Run tests on each sensor board with a magnet to confirm they generate appropriate outputs.
– Decoding Algorithm Accuracy: Test the decoding process by manually sending specific values to the sensor matrix and comparing the Arduino outputs to expected results.
– Device Tracking and Mapping Verification: Validate the accuracy of the device tracking system by placing devices at known locations and checking if the system accurately maps and stores their positions.
Updated Gantt Chart:
