Manufacturing Engineering
Process Improvements – Hole plug install
Sponsor: Toyota
The project is related to improvement to a part installation. The part is a plug on the underside of the vehicle which is used to cover the hole in the body for prevention of rust. The TM must use both hands and fingertips to install because a tool to improve process does not exist. We would like to improve this process ergonomics, cycle time (amount of work needed to complete task) and maintain quality. The idea is to have a tool which would have multiple plugs loaded and they don't have to pick by hand install.
Ingot Growth Oven Frame
Sponsor: MicroPower
The system uses the currently available growth oven. The system motors for ampoule spin and z axis control and a heating and a cooling elements for precise heating and a cooling.
Chair and wheelchair exercise unit
Sponsor: ChairCycle, LLC
The team will improve an exercising mechanism which has non-impact, multi-axis, strength, aerobic and range of motion activity without altering ground reaction forces on the chair and wheelchair, with no need for locking the wheels.
Centrifugal Power Transmission
Sponsor: New Beginnings
In this project the team will focus on the design optimization including the mechanical mechanism, structure, and materials of a Centrifugal Power based apparatus capable of transferring power at zero lost, to optimize the product and improve the efficiency of the system (e.g., lighter, lower cost, less energy waste, easy to manufacture and assemble in low quantity and mass production, etc.)
Mars Drill Design & Automation
Sponsor: NASA - Texas Space Grant Consortium
Develop and demonstrate a concept for a fully robotic drill capable of reaching at least 20 meters in depth on the planet Mars and allows for cutting the cylindrical samples.