11/16-11/29

In the past couple of weeks I have been gotten the quote from Vanderbend and been taking inventory of some parts I did not know we had. I compared the parts to our designs and some of them look like they could be used and we may not need them to be manufactured. This could save us a good chunk of change. The issue right now is if the manufactured parts have warped at all while in storage. I am also unsure if it is made of 6061 aluminum or 5052 aluminum. Even if the components measurements are within our specified measurements, if they are made of the 6061 aluminum, the parts may not last as long. When bending 6061 aluminum, the material will usually try to return to its original shape over time. 5052 aluminum is less likely to do this. The quote we got from Vanderbend would be using the 5052 aluminum.

11/9-11/15

Last week I got in contact with Scott at Vanderbend. We are still waiting to hear back with a quote, but we do know that the track would be made from 5052 aluminum as it is better for forming, according to Scott.

I got a better idea about what the other groups are doing during our 1/12th scale team meeting. It appears that all of us have slightly different ideas, however, because we are communicating we are starting to see future problems and we have ideas on how to solve them. For example, the controls team and positioning team are still testing which sensors they want to be using. This could affect how much clearance the bogie will have from the track. As the track team, we know if they use a sensor that leaves minimum clearance, we would have to put a bit more work into the track. (essentially we would have to counter bore certain bolts) If the teams allow for more clearance, the track has a bit more space for mounting brackets.

I also spoke with the full scale team about a manufacturing meeting. I let them know that I was having trouble coordinating the different groups, and informed them they are free to take over. Since then, I know Winter has made significant progress on getting something coordinated.

I also spoke with Eric and relayed the information to the 1/12th scale team about financing our project. We all have a good idea on how to go about funding this project. This is an important time because all the groups are looking at what it would cost to actually build their respective projects.

11/2-11/8

At this time I have contacted Vanderbend and have created a bit of a dialogue with Scott Bryant. I sent them drawings of the parts we would need manufactured and waiting for a quote. I sent him an overall design to give an idea of the larger project and then each part that needs to be manufactured. Then each part would have to be replicated either 4 or 8 times.

I am also trying to get several groups together to meet with Vanderbend to see if we can get some advise and feed back on our designs. I have a lot of different groups giving me different information and different times. The nature of the task and situation got me a little bit frustrated, and I only made small steps in coordinating these groups, my group, and Vanderbend. My focus has been on my other classes and work. I plan to approach each group today and inform them of my progress or lack of progress. From there I plan to see the best method for us to move forward and accomplish our goals before our deadlines. At this time I think my group is still a bit ahead of schedule, but less ahead of schedule than we have been. I am assuming that is the case for other groups, but I cannot speak on their behalf.

10/26-11/1

Last week during class, the 1/12th scale subteams did presentations again. This time was more informative for us as I could see where other teams are in relation to us. At this time we are trying to get manufacturing started. I know we have an in-house fabrication team, and I talked with them and they seem far enough along that they could be manufacturing parts for us in a timely manner. We as a 1/12th scale track improvement team will still be pursuing professional manufacturing options just in case the fabrication team encounters set backs.

I am trying to coordinate with several groups to meet with Vanderbend. At this time it has been challenging to get several people together from several teams. I have contacted Vanderbend to get a running dialogue going, but at this time we do not yet have a meeting scheduled.