My Independent Engineering Projects
RC Quadcopter
BLOOPERS/CHALLENGES
Eyeballing Measurements: In my initial prototype, I made the mistake of eyeballing measurements when designing the arms and body of the drone, resulting in arms being too long and thin and a drone body that was unnecessarily large and flimsy.
Radio Module Compatibility: I encountered significant challenges with the radio modules that failed to communicate effectively, despite spending days tinkering with the code. Even when switching to two modules with external antennas, the problem persisted.
Radio Interference: I discovered that the modules worked for about 30 minutes before suddenly losing their ability to transfer data. This intermittent problem persisted due to the high-density of Wi-Fi networks and electronic devices in my Manhattan apartment.
Lack of Full Testing: Despite the extensive effort I put into building the drone, I was unable to conduct a full fly test due to the absence of a safe and controlled testing environment.
These bloopers and challenges served as valuable learning experiences, demonstrating the importance of precision in measurements, thorough component selection and understanding, environmental considerations, and the need for comprehensive testing in any engineering project.
RC Hovercraft
BLOOPERS/CHALLENGES
Skirt Inflation Issues: The most challenging part of the project was attaching the plastic skirt to the hovercraft. It took several attempts with different shapes and attachment methods to get it to properly inflate. Even when a suitable design was found, it still wasn't perfect and lacked stability.
Missed Weight Optimization: Weight balance issues in the vehicle, with the back being significantly heavier than the front, contributed to problems with the skirt's inflation.
Removing one of the motors used for steering, replacing it with a lighter motor could have saved weight. Additionally, repositioning the central motor to better balance the weight distribution and to reduce the overall frame size. Choosing smaller motors, while sacrificing some power, would have compensated for the weight they would save. These weight optimization measures could have enhanced the hovercraft's performance.
These bloopers highlight challenges in achieving proper skirt inflation and missed opportunities to optimize the weight and design of the hovercraft for better performance.
Obstacle Avoiding Car
BLOOPERS/CHALLENGES
Inexperienced with Arduino: Struggled due to being a first-time user of Arduino, which required a learning curve.
Custom Component Fabrication: Faced difficulty in creating custom components, resorting to melting acrylic to achieve the desired shape for sensor placement, which was unconventional and less effective.
Lack of Component Knowledge: Started the project without a clear understanding of the necessary components, resulting in being stuck during the build process.
Soldering Inexperience: Limited knowledge and experience with soldering made wire connections more challenging, leading to difficulties in building the project effectively.
In my project, I encountered several challenges. As a newcomer to Arduino, there was a learning curve, and I had to get creative with custom component fabrication by melting acrylic. I started without a clear idea of the necessary components and struggled with soldering. However, these challenges provided valuable learning opportunities, highlighting the importance of better planning and skill development for future projects.
RC Controller / Transmitter
BLOOPERS/CHALLENGES
Size Constraints: Balancing the integration of essential components posed a challenge, requiring meticulous design to ensure functionality without compromising the ergonomic profile of the remote control.
Joystick Placement: The challenge in hoisting the joysticks stemmed from the delicate balance between their internal mechanics and the limited space within the controller. Despite iterative prototyping, achieving the desired level of seamless integration proved to be more intricate than anticipated.
Radio Module Issues: A compatibility issue with the radio module I planned for, which included an anticipated antenna, necessitated a deviation from the original design. The replacement module, while resolving functionality issues, introduced an aesthetic anomaly as it lacked the antenna I accounted for in the model.
The creation of this custom remote control posed challenges in balancing size constraints, joystick placement, and unexpected issues with the radio module. Despite these hurdles, the project served as a valuable learning experience. Navigating the intricacies of design, adaptability, and problem-solving became key takeaways, reinforcing the significance of flexibility and resilience.
