In the previous blog, we were still working on prototype fabrication. When we tested the device with a small spare tire before it was completed, the tipping and attachment points the team expected would be issues were not. The top half of the device would lean forward when the tire was placed in the roller arms. To address this, we added brackets to support it and ensure the scissor jack would maintain a rigid vertical position. A clear picture of the brackets is in Figure 1. We also added wheels so the device can be easily moved around. We have completed our prototype. A photo of this first completed prototype is found in Figure 2.
We are now moving on to testing and validating the prototype, which is the last milestone planned for this project. The team has done some preliminary and basic validation, such as measuring the device’s dimensions. It was 32.5” x 19.75” x 14” or 5.2 ft^3. This current iteration meets the 8 ft^3 collapsed volume specification in our project. We have also tested the device with a 60 lb and timed if it could hold it for a minute. This basic validation can be seen in Figures 3 and 4.
We are currently working on purchasing the right strain gauges that will work with the mechanical engineering department’s strain indicator and learning how to use all these tools. Additionally, we are working on modifying the more technical/complex parts of validation plan because we originally planned to place the strain gauges at the attachment points. After going through prototype fabrication, we found this plan unfeasible and no longer a sufficient way to test the device.
Obstacles in the testing phase we anticipate are potential damage to the prototype and the learning curve that comes from properly using the more complex measurement devices (i.e., strain gauges). The kind of testing this project requires is inherently destructive since we intended to build a device that lifts a 100 lb wheel. We will limit the amount of testing so the device is at less risk. If damage does occur, the team is currently under budget and still has leftover steel/materials so that we can address this issue. As for learning how to use the strain gauge and other measurement devices, we are currently consulting the manual, data sheets, and various videos. If the team still encounters problems, we may contact professors or graduate students for help with using these devices.
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