Design Process

The  process started with some brainstorming for different possible designs that could satisfy the project requirements. 

Four different designs were found that would satisfy our customers needs.  Evaluating the different designs using Finite Element Analysis (with ALGOR FEA), communication with the machine shop, and weighing all the positives and negatives; a design was selected (Figure 4). 

Figure 4.  An exploded view of the design selected.

With the actual fixture in place it was time to meet the other needs by the sponsor.  To allow for the fixture to have side visibility, plexi-glass was chosen as the material. 

Because the shaft was required to move in 5 degree increments, it was decided to use a Step Motor. 

IMS MDrive17

Figure 5.  The step motor that was chosen for our design.

To measure the contact forces in the design load sensors were chosen.  For the contact loop resistance a simple ohmmeter or micro- ohmmeter was chosen.

With the design and setup complete, its time to move on to the fun part.  Time to build!!!