When it comes to design, everyone has an opinion. This can negatively or positively influence
outcomes. Without a clear methodic process
to logically weigh opinions, the design will likely be subjective, ad hoc and fail. Ultimately,
the final design must please the customer (end-user). One works with the customer to identify
and understand a wishlist e.g. cost, deadline and performance. The objective
of this Freshmen Design web page is introduce the design process and reinforce
concepts through a hands-on design challenge. This year, students will use the LEGO NXT
Mindstorms kit to prototype and demonstrate their design.
Given the dynamic nature of this site, students should habitually view this site,
at least weekly. Files are posted for both student preparation, documentation and
resources. Documents are posted as Adobe PDF files which are viewable with
Acrobat Reader
paul@coe.drexel.edu
Industry Day - 01/29/07
Handouts
Announcements: For next meeting
- 4-person Team Registration: Deadline Feb. 2, 2007.
- LEGO NXT kits will be distributed in class next week
Teams:
- Team 8-1Oh: Elmer Christian (PM), Justin Morcate, Matthew Matteis, Song Han
- Team 8-2Oh: James Kerak (PM), Luke Irvin, Matt Kazana, Jules Scogna, Kyle Kern
- Team 8-3Oh: Nick Klingbeil (PM), Ian Fitzpatrick, Darius Jones, Chris McGlinn
- Team 8-4Oh: Barry Kline (PM), Eric Lamberti, Jessica Falcon, Christian Innarone
- Team 8-5Oh: Scott Larson (PM), Brian Klem, Kranthi Kandimalla
- Team 8-6Oh: Melinda Paabo (PM), Matt Kraus, Nick Torba, Katie Kimmel
Training - 02/05/07
Lesson Plan: LEGO Assembly, Programming and CAD
NXT Mindstorms is LEGO's 2nd generation robot invention system. While many parts
are based on LEGO's Technic product line, there are substantial differences that
warrants a tutorial.
Handouts, slides and Homeworks
Trade Studies - 02/19/07
Lesson Plan: Trade Studies and Gap Analysis
Trade studies identify all potential solutions. A gap analysis critically assess tje strengths and
weaknesses of each solution. Together trade studies and a gap analysis attempt to quantitatively
determine a design team's direction and define the a path forward to delivering the best solution
that meets a challenge's thresholds and objectives.
Handouts, slides and Homeworks
- MedEvac Proposal Oral example
- MedEvac Proposal Report example
- MedEvac Final Solution Report example
- Homework: Trade Study and Gap Analysis Report due next week
Proposal - 03/05/07
Lesson Plan: Risk Assessment and Proposal
After performing trade studiesn and gap analyses, candidate designs start to emerge.
Even the top candidate solution can potentially fail. Or, perhaps the team might
have under or overestimated a design criteria. Risk Assessment quantitatively
examines each aspect of the candidate design. A risk reduction plan, provides
courses of action, should the risk become true.
Handouts, slides and Homeworks
Lego Resources
Some plans for additional NXT robots:
- This 2-motor robot, called Jenn Too, is similar to the NXT Tribot.
The authors use this to demonstrate Bluetooth capabilities
Davis, B., Isom, J.,
"NXT Robotics: First Build", SERVO Magazine,
pp. 18-20, Oct. 2006
- This is the Bluetooth controller plans for Jenn Too
Davis, B., Isom, J.,
"NXT Robotics: Remote Control", SERVO Magazine, pp. 14-16, Dec. 2006.
- Gobot is another 2-motor Tribot-type robot
Isom, J.,
"NXT Robotics: Remote Control" , SERVO Magazine, pp. 74-77, Feb. 2007
- The Runt uses the Hitechnic compass
Isom, J.,
"The Runt and the Compass" , SERVO Magazine, pp. 18-21, April 2007