Design Process Summary
1st Prototype
·
Initial concepts were conceived after examining
materials available at the university and concepts sketched using Google Sketch Up.
· The concept selected was the one that had the highest ease of manufacture.
· The parts needed were 3D printed and the rest assembled, cut or molded into the required shape.
· The whole structure was then assembled and painted.
· The concept selected was the one that had the highest ease of manufacture.
· The parts needed were 3D printed and the rest assembled, cut or molded into the required shape.
· The whole structure was then assembled and painted.
2nd Prototype
- The initial designs of the prototypes were conceived using Google Sketch Up.
- These concepts were narrowed down using Pugh’s design selection theory; from this the best concept for the projects requirements was found.
- The design for this concept was verified with the European Standards for elevators and a finalised design of the cabin was created dimensions 0.25mx0.25mx0.2m.
- From the final design and the materials available the mass of the cabin and counterweight could be estimated.
- Using these estimations the power required to drive the system was calculated along with the minimum safety diameters of the pulley and wire rope.
- A motor was sourced at the university to provide this power except at an rpm which was too high.
- A speed reducer was then designed at a 9:1 ratio to operate the lift at the correct speed.
- A brake for the system was then purchased from a bicycle shop and a system using a power screw was conceived to apply the brake off and on.
3rd Prototype
- Local factories visited to understand door mechanics
- Sketches created using sketch up
- Full door modeled using SolidWorks
- Parts cut from aluminium or 3D printed
- Assembled and tested with the motor
- Attached to cabin