Work Night 4.25.19

Work Night

Date:4.25.19
Location: Logan HS
Time: 5:15-7:15 PM
Students: Avery, Tanner, Seth, Alex, Paige, Thomas and Austin
Goal: Test new generator configuration under load.

We have been having more difficulties with our limb tester. We blew a 12.5 microFarad capacitor and need to order a new one. The capacitor is used in motor startup for the tester. All testing stopped until we got it back up and working. Also, some of the bearing and moving parts needed to be greased and refitted with normal wear and tear occurring from use over the course of the year.

Once we fixed the tester we were able to start collecting new data on our 18 V generators and new 12 V generators to see which ones would give us the highest current output. We finished the night by getting most of the data collected and still have to try a mixed configuration (one 18 V and one 12 V generator) wired together to see how that looks. Once all the data is collected we can make a decision on which configuration is the most efficient for us. Keep in mind that our generators are really stock DC motors that we are re-purposing for this application.

Software has made some nice advances and our wireless (Bluetooth) connection is now configured for 2 voltage inputs and one enable (on/off) switch. Bench testing was positive on the setup so we will mount the new board this week and then test it next week with the limb tester and full charging circuit. If that is function, we will have made hit all our targeted goals.

We are still progressing on the patent application. Work is slow as it is new for us. Our industry contacts  have been very helpful here as some of them are patent holders and are very willing to help us with the terminology and process.

New 12 V motors that came in from India. Notice the packaging.

The new motors came with this envelope indicating they were the first motors Portescape had made of this variety. They are still stock motors, but apparently they were the first run.

Motors after we added the pinion gear and extension wiring and shielding. Notice the manufacturing label on them indicating 001 and 002.

Paige and Austin working on the wireless connection circuit board amid the clutter of pizza and treats.

Tanner, Seth and Avery working on the design for the production concept.

Wave form output for our 18 V motors through the charging system. The yellow line indicates the capacitor charging and the blue line indicates the duration of the constant voltage supplied.

Seth measuring Thomas' forehead...not sure what that has to do with the project, but it looks like they are having fun.

Wave form output with our new 12 V motor output through our charging system. The blue line indicates some transient activity is happening toward the end of the wave form.