Day 18: Critical Design Review, Prototyping, Programming, Manufacturing

Critical Design Review

Today was our 2011 Critical Design Review (CDR).  The CDR follows the Preliminary Design Review and includes nearly completed detailed designs.  Many of the items presented may already be complete or in progress.  This review phase is considered critical because it is at a point in the schedule where the detailed design should be complete and manufacturing is partially in progress, costs and completion dates are better known, and the remaining details have been worked through to ensure on time and thorough completion of the project fulfilling the objectives outlined in the PDR.  It is critical in the sense that any unforeseen hurdles, oversights, delays in schedule, or design challenges may cause the project to be delayed or become unsuccessful.  This review gives the key players (mentors, sponsors, and involved students) the opportunity to address concerns and to give a critical analysis of the design decisions made and the path forward being taken to ensure their time, money, and resources are being spent in the best possible manner.

Critical Design Review

Prototyping

Today, the prototyping team was hard at work working on the minibot.  They developed a new concept for a clamping latch which has functioned well in the prototype tests.

New minibot latch concept.

Programming & Controls

Today, the programming team reached several major milestones.  The simulator team successfully modeled a basic dead-reckoning autonomous mode.  Furthermore, the robot team was able to successfully control Onslaught’s pneumatic system.

The controls team also came up with a preliminary list of sensors for the robot.

• 2 Drivetrain Encoders
• Drivetrain Gyro
• Elevator Encoder
• Arm Potentiometer
• 2 Roller Encoders
• Roller Limit Switch

Manufacturing

Today, the manufacturing and assembly team was very hard at work.  We received the water jetted base plates from our sponsor BAE systems and assembled the frames.  On the mill, the team was working on several parts for the elevator.

Tomorrow, we will bring our first batches of parts to the anodize and welding sponsors.

Team members assembling the frames.

Completed Frames Ready for Welding