Department of Electronics and Mechanical
MECH690 Mechanical Design Project, Summer 2010
Mid-Semester Report
VERSATILE MECHANIC’S CREEPER
Project Manager: Mathew D. Hudon Signature: ____________________ Date: ______
Team Member: Christopher J. Llanes Signature: ____________________ Date: ______
Team Member: Andrew S. McDonough Signature: ____________________ Date: ______
Team Member: Timothy J. Rachielles Signature: ____________________ Date: ______
Project Advisor: Xiaobin Le
Department of Electronics and Mechanical Wentworth Institute of Technology
550 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115 June 17, 2010
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Table of Contents
Summary of Project……………………………...……………………………………………..…4 Executive Summary.…...…………………………………………………………………….……5 1.) Introduction……..…………………………………………………………………………..…6
2.) Needs Assessment….…………………………………………………………….……………7
3.) Design Specifications……………………………………………………………….…………8
4.) Design Options……………….…………………………………………………………..……9
4.1.) Analysis of Design Options…………………………………………………….……9
4.2.) Decision Matrix………………………………………………………………….....13
5.) The Design of the Project………………………………………………………………...…..14
5.1.) Analysis of the Design……………………………………………………………...15
5.2.) Experimental Results and Analysis………………………..……………………….15
5.3.) Assembly Tolerance and Part Dimensions………………………………………....15
5.4.) Manufacturing Routing………………………………………………………….….15
5.5.) Cost of Parts………………………………………………………………………...16
5.6.) Assembly and Detail Drawings…………………………………………………….16
6.) User Manual…………………………………………………………………………….……16
6.1.) Parts List……………………………………………………………………………16
6.2.) Assembly Instructions……………………………………………………………...16
6.3.) Operation Instructions…………………………………………………………...…16
7.) Conclusions……………………………………………………………………………….….16
8.) References………………………………………………………………………………...….16
9.) Appendices………………………………………………………………………………...…16
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9.1.) Team Qualifications………………………………………………………………..16
9.2.) Resumes of Team Members…………………………………………………….….18
9.3.) Weekly Working Notes of the Group………………………………………………23
9.4.) Samples of Engineering Notebooks of Team Members………………………...….28
9.5.) Breakdown of Tasks………………………………………………………………..28
9.6.) Group Schedule and Progress………………………………………………...…….29
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Versatile Mechanic’s Creeper
Summary of Project
The main goal of this mechanical design project is to improve a product that currently
exists on the market. We do not aim to reinvent such a valuable tool used by mechanics,
however intend to ease their everyday working conditions by making it easier for them to work
under the car.
The main objective for our creeper design is to make the mechanic capable of adjusting
the backrest of the creeper to different angles while laying down on the creeper. Current designs
require you to roll out from under the car, get off the creeper and adjust the backrest, and then
roll back under the car. This design will save time for the mechanic and increase his/her work
efficiency. This product will be geared towards the small garage owner or mechanic who cannot
afford a carlift and only has the capability of putting their car on jack stands.
After design and analysis is complete, we will build a prototype model that will
incorporate all of our design specifications, including such criteria as keeping the weight down
and keeping the cost low. We will accomplish this all while building a strong and practical
design.
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Versatile Mechanic’s Creeper
Executive Summary Breakdown of Tasks Mathew D. Hudon
! Main frame design and analysis ! Technical report writing
Christopher J. Llanes ! Design and analysis of scissor lift mechanism ! Helping with technical reports
Andrew S. McDonough ! Design and analysis of backrest subassembly, as well as input on drive system ! Helping with technical reports.
Timothy J. Rachielles ! Design and analysis of drive system, as well as input on scissor lift mechanism ! Helping with technical reports.
Performance of Team Members
Project Manager: Mathew D. Hudon Signature: ____________________ Date: ______
Team Member: Christopher J. Llanes Signature: ____________________ Date: ______
Team Member: Andrew S. McDonough Signature: ____________________ Date: ______
Team Member: Timothy J. Rachielles Signature: ____________________ Date: ______
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Versatile Mechanic’s Creeper
1.) Introduction
Many automotive enthusiasts, “do-it-yourself-ers”, and mechanics use what is called a
“creeper” every day. It is essentially a platform on wheels to help you slide in and out from
underneath a car. The idea to redesign the creeper came about during a routine automotive
repair. The creeper being used was uncomfortable, non-adjustable, and was overall difficult to
use to the point where it was questionable whether or not to even use one. Then, while sitting in
a La-z Boy recliner, the thought of “why can’t
someone be this comfortable while working under a
car?” came to mind. It has almost become accepted to
be uncomfortable while working underneath a car, and
this is what we are out to change.
To redesign something that already has such a
large presence in the market today is challenging and
requires a lot of research. Some of the design concepts
that have been discussed to raise the back were a pneumatic piston, a pneumatic balloon that
inflates, hydraulic piston, electronic motor, a ratchet system like in a come-along, and a hand
crank attached to a scissor lift. The creeper will have additional items that will make it more
pleasurable to use, such as work lights to see underneath the
car, and magnetic tools/parts trays to keep items at the ready.
This design will help us recreate the creeper and make it as
comfortable as possib le while allowing ease of use and
keeping the cost down.
Figure 1. Current creeper used in industry
Figure 2. Original Creeper design
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2.) Needs Assessment
Our project is a new take on an old classic, the automotive creeper. Current automotive
creepers do not offer much in the way of features or even comfort and we aim to solve this
problem by incorporating some unique design features. Automotive creepers today are often not
designed with human ergonomics in mind causing lower back, neck, and shoulder strain, which
in turn causes less time working and possible minor injury. With an adjustable backrest and
head rest system, those problems will be alleviated.
Versatility is also a main concern of ours. To solve this problem, a lighting system and
tool and hardware storage system will increase time spent working, instead of sliding in and out
from under the car. The technology behind our design exists and is easily accessible to the
public. However, our design will bring profit to the potential client due to the unique design
features that no other product on the market has today. Our team is comprised of automotive
enthusiasts who are all mechanically proficient with excellent hands-on, practical, backgrounds.
After conducting a survey, we found a trend among fellow automotive enthusiasts in
what they want out of an automotive creeper. The bulk of the people who responded do most of
the work done to their own cars, meaning they don’t normally bring it to a shop and that they
normally do not use a creeper because they are constructed poorly, are inconvenient, and are
poorly designed. Most people found the quality of build, reliability, comfort, and options to be at
the top of their list when considering the purchase of a creeper. Several people actually
described our project without them knowing what our plan was to design. Weight and cost were
two of the least important things selected among the survey takers.
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3.) Design Specifications
Creepers on the market today fail to meet the requirements of DIY mechanics and car
enthusiasts alike. A survey was conducted to determine the needs of the common creeper user.
From the survey results we were able come up with design criteria to meet our needs assessment.
Most of the survey responses requested comfort and functionality as a must. Due to this request
we will not only design a strong and functional creeper, but also one that improves upon the
comfort of current creepers on the market. The design specifications for our creeper design are
as follows:
! Design Load: 300 lb
! Factor of Safety: 2
! Backrest Lift Angle: ! 45 degrees
! Length x Width: 48 in. x 28 in.
! Total Weight : ! 25 lb
! Caster Size: 3.5 in.
! Memory Foam Padding for entire creeper
! Oil resistant fabric to protect Memory Foam Padding.
It is important to note that, for the use of this creeper, the following boundary conditions
must be present:
! Car must be sitting on jackstands with a minimum ground clearance of 2 feet.!
! The floor that the creeper will roll on must have a hard surface that will accommodate a creeper
ground clearance of 1.25 inches.!
These parameters are described in Figure 3:
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Figure 3. Boundary Conditions
4.) Design Options To satisfy the main design criteria of adding a lifting mechanism to the backrest of a
creeper, we developed several design options. The main ideas we came up with to solve this
problem are of the following:
1.) Pneumatic piston
2.) Hydraulic piston
3.) Inflatable bag
4.) Scissor lift
5.) Ratchet system (come-along)
6.) Spring with locking capability
4.1.) Analysis of Design Options
Option 1 – Pneumatic piston
This design option would involve fastening a piston-cylinder to the main frame and,
through manual operation of a bicycle pump, the piston would extend outward and therefore lift
the backrest. Another way of getting air into the cylinder would be through the attachment of an
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airhose to the creeper. However, this could impose problems due to the fact that you may roll
over the hose with the creeper.
Option 2 – Hydraulic piston
The hydraulic piston would act on the same principle as in Option 1, however hydraulic
fluid would be forced into the cylinder. We have come across a problem when trying to figure
out how these type of piston systems could work. Because the creeper has such a low profile and
there is limited space, it is hard to mount the piston at an angle where the force would be
somewhat normal to the backrest. When the piston is mounted in a horizontal position on the
same plane as the main frame, it is hard to get a y-component force out of the piston.
Option 3 – Inflatable bag
This inflatable bag would be mounted behind the backrest. When air would be pumped
into the bag, the volume would increase, therefore lifting the backrest. This would also require
the attachment of an airhose.
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Option 4 – Scissor lift
The scissor lift would be mounted on the main frame behind the backrest. A main
concern with a scissor lift is that it usually only lifts something that is normal to where it is
extending. However, we would propose the idea of modifying the top plate of the scissor lift
where there would be a pin that slides in a slot that has been machined into the backrest. This
would account for the changing angle of the backrest relative to the scissor lift. The lift would
extend and contract due to a threaded rod connected to the bottom of the lift, which would be
driven by a crank and driveshaft mechanism (user operated).
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3-D Model of Scissor Lift concept
Option 5 – Ratchet system (come along)
This system would have a hand crank with gears and chain and, through the efforts of the
user, would gradually lift the backrest. The crank would have a ratchet mechanism. The chain
would connect the hand crank to a gear mounted on the backrest pivot.
Option 6 – Spring w/ locking capability
This would involve attaching an axial spring near the pivot of the backrest. When the
backrest is horizontal, the spring would be locked, exerting no force on the backrest. If the user
wanted to increase the angle of the backrest, the spring would be unlocked.
Options 1, 2, and 4 will be investigated further through research and development.
Option 4 seems very practical to us, however 1 and 2 are definitely in consideration because a
piston can definitely provide more than enough force to lift the back rest.
The main frame of the creeper must be strong, lightweight, and relatively cheap to build.
Therefore, we have developed 3 design options for the frame:
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1.) 1/16” wall, 1”x1” AISI 1020 steel tubing
2.) 1/16” wall, ¾”x¾” AISI 1020 steel tubing
3.) 1/8” wall, 1”x1” 6061 Al. tubing
Also, for human ergonomic considerations, the padding used on the creeper must be oil
resistant as well as comfortable. Therefore, we are currently putting together ideas that would
include a memory foam style padding wrapped in an oil resistant material.
4.2.) Decision Matrix
Decision!Matrix"Frame
Decision!Matrix"Lift!Mechanism
Step!1:!List!options!as!rowsStep!2:!Determine!important!attributes!and!add/remove!columns,!as!appropriateStep!3:!Assign!relative!weights!to!each!attribute!Step!4:!Options!with!the!highest!scores!should!be!considered
Scoring"">!1"5!pointsWeighing!Factor 100.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 95.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 85.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 85.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 80.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 75.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Option Cost Weight Low!Profile Capabilities Availability!of!Parts Ease!!of!use Total(Weighing!Factor!x!Score)Scissor! 4 4 4 4 4 4 1829Pneumatic!Cylinder 2 4 3 4 3 5 1790Hydraulic!Cylinder 2 3 3 4 3 5 1695
Step!1:!List!options!as!rowsStep!2:!Determine!important!attributes!and!add/remove!columns,!as!appropriateStep!3:!Assign!relative!weights!to!each!attribute!Step!4:!Options!with!the!highest!scores!should!be!considered
Scoring"">!1"5!points100.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 95.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 90.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 85.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Option Cost Weight Strength Availability!of!Parts Total(Weighing!Factor!x!Score)1"!x!1"!1/8"!wall!Steel 2 1 5 5 11701"!x!1"!1/16"!wall!Steel 3 2 5 5 10103/4"!x!3/4"!1/8"!wall!Steel 4 3 5 5 15603/4"!x!3/4"!1/16"!wall!Steel 5 4 4 5 1665Aluminum 4 5 2 5 1480
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Decision!Matrix"Sub!Frame
.) The Design of the Project
atrix section, we narrowed down our design options based
!Scissor!Lift!
! Main!Frame:!¾”x¾”,!1/16”!wall!AISI!1020!steel!tubing!
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As described in the decision m
on criteria such as cost, weight, strength, availability of parts, capability of parts, maintenance,
etc. These factors were scored on a basis of 1 to 5 and then multiplied by a weighing factor
which gave a score indicative of our intentions for a final design. The final design parameters
are of the following:
! Lifting!Mechanism:
Decision!Matrix"Drive!System
Step!1:!List!options!as!rowsStep!2:!Determine!important!attributes!and!add/remove!columns,!as!appropriateStep!3:!Assign!relative!weights!to!each!attribute!Step!4:!Options!with!the!highest!scores!should!be!considered
Scoring"">!1"5!points100.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 95.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 95.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 90.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 85.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 85.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Option Cost Weight Durability Capabilities Minimum!Maintenance Ease!of!Use Total(Weighing!Factor!x!Score)Drive!Shaft 3 4 4 5 4 3 2105Chain!and!Sprocket 3 4 4 5 4 3 2105Pneumaitic!pump 2 3 4 5 3 5 1995Hydraulic!Pump 2 3 4 5 4 5 2080
Step!1:!List!options!as!rowsStep!2:!Determine!important!attributes!and!add/remove!columns,!as!appropriateStep!3:!Assign!relative!weights!to!each!attribute!Step!4:!Options!with!the!highest!scores!should!be!considered
Scoring"">!1"5!points100.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 95.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 90.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! 80.00!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Option Cost Weight Strength Availability!of!Parts Total(Weighing!Factor!x!Score)3/4"!x!3/4"!1/16"!wall!Steel 4 4 5 5 16301/2"!x!1/2"!1/16"!wall!Steel 5 5 4 5 1735
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! Drive!System:!Hand!crank!and!driveshaft!mechanism!
! Sub!Frame:!½”x½”,!1/16”!wall!AISI!1020!steel!tubing!
5.1.) Analysis of the Design We have begun to perform the strength analysis on our main frame using Solidworks. A
300 lb distributed load was applied to the main frame and the caster hole locations were
restrained with a fixed geometry. The result of the study was a maximum Von Mises stress of
24,674 psi, which yields a safety factor of about 2.
5.2.) Experimental Results and Analysis 5.3.) Assembly Tolerance and Part Dimensions 5.4.) Manufacturing Routing
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5.5.) Cost of Parts
Item!# Item!Description Qty Cost!per Total1 3/4"!x3/4"!AISI!1020!Square!Tubing,!1/16"!Wall,!6'!Length 5 14.00$!!!!!!!!!!! 70.00$!!!!!!!!!!!!2 1/2"!x!1/2"!AISI!1020!Square!Tubing,!1/16"!Wall,!6'!Length 2 8.72$!!!!!!!!!!!!! 17.44$!!!!!!!!!!!!3 3.5"!diameter!Casters 4 26.50$!!!!!!!!!!! 106.00$!!!!!!!!!4 3.5"!diameter!Casters!w/Brake 2 18.44$!!!!!!!!!!! 36.88$!!!!!!!!!!!!5 Cordura!Vinyl!Fabric!(1!yard) 2 9.95$!!!!!!!!!!!!! 19.90$!!!!!!!!!!!!6 1"!Diameter!Bevel!Gears 2 15.94$!!!!!!!!!!! 31.88$!!!!!!!!!!!!
282.10$!!!!!!!!!
5.6.) Assembly and Detail Drawings 6.) User Manual 6.1.) Parts List 6.2.) Assembly Instructions 6.3.) Operation Instructions 7.) Conclusions 8.) References Machine Elements in Mechanical Design, 4th edition, Robert L. Mott Applied Strength of Materials, 5th edition, Robert L. Mott 9.) Appendices 9.1.) Team Qualifications This mechanical design project seems to cater to the general experience our team has
acquired over the years. As our resumes indicate, we all have experience working with our
hands on a variety of projects. Therefore, the thought of building a prototype was an
afterthought compared to the task of designing the creeper. We generally knew that once our
concept was mapped out, we could effectively build our prototype within a short time period.
The qualifications for each team member are as follows:
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Mathew D. Hudon
! Coursework excellence in the areas of Machine Design and Strength of Materials.
! Prior manufacturing experience using vertical milling machines and lathes.
Christopher J. Llanes
! Coursework excellence in the areas of Kinematics and Machine Design.
! Creative thinker and mechanically inclined.
Andrew S. McDonough
! Proficient in mechanical know-how as well as knowledge of technology used in industry,
especially the automotive field.
! Good at developing design options to an existing design in order to produce the best
design possible.
Timothy J. Rachielles
! Very creative. Came up with the Versatile Mechanic’s Creeper idea.
! Mechanically inclined and has an extensive amount of experience working on mechanical
systems.
9.2.) Resumes of Team Members Mathew Hudon 7 Gabriel Farm Dr. – Acushnet, MA 02743 774-644-1408 [email protected] Education Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston, MA Exp: August 2010 Bachelor of Science: Mechanical Engineering Technology G.P.A.: 3.48/4.0, Dean’s List – Summer 2009, Spring 2010 Old Colony R.V.T.H.S, Rochester, MA June 2006 Machine & Tool Technology Coursework Heat Transfer Statics Computer Aided Manufacturing Thermodynamics Fluid Mechanics I & II CAD Applications I & II Machine Design I & II Materials Science Electricity & Electronics Manufacturing Processes I Strength of Materials Dynamics Technical Competencies Design: SolidWorks (Certified Solidworks Associate), AutoCAD Information Technology: Microsoft Office Manufacturing Technology: NIMS Certified Machinist, CNC Mill & Lathe experience, MIG welding, surface grinding Experience Triton Systems, Inc., Chelmsford, MA January 2009-December 2009 Engineering Intern – Advanced Materials, Products, and Systems
! Contributed to the advancement of products and systems for Department of Defense projects. ! Helped develop a solution to lower the overall manufacturing cost of smoke grenades. ! Manufactured Armor Repair Kits for ballistic protection against armor piercing bullets. The kits are to be tested and then
eventually used on High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicles (HMMWV). ! Machined molds from graphite for Pressurized Infiltration Casting in a vacuum furnace. Aluminum Matrix Composite
technology was used to produce a new material that had good wear resistance and thermal properties. James L. Gallagher, Inc., Mattapoisett, MA June 2008-August 2008 Machinist
! Analyzed drawings from Solidworks software and machined parts from those drawings. CNC and manual machining techniques were used.
! Machining was done under the supervision of an experienced machinist, and a lot was learned from this experience. Polyneer, Inc., New Bedford, MA May 2008-August 2008 Rubber Mold Design/Machinist/Mold Repair
! Designed a rubber part removing fixture that connects to the press in order to decrease physical labor. ! Took part in the rubber injection mold design process, primarily using AutoCAD. ! Repaired rubber molds that had been damaged during the molding process.
Acushnet Tool Co., Freetown, MA June 2004-August 2006 Machinist
! Created rubber injection molds using CNC milling and lathe techniques, surface grinding, and welding. ! Machined and heat treated parts for customers. ! Learned a lot about materials as machining was done on many different steels and aluminums.
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Christopher J. Llanes 40 Meadow Lane Apt. 12 ! Bridgewater, MA 02324 (508) 577-7113 [email protected]
EDUCATION: Wentworth Institute of Technology- Boston, MA Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering Technology, August 2010 G.P.A 3.505/4.0, Deans List: Fall 2006-Spring 2010, Merit Scholarship recipient. COURSEWORK: Mechanical CAD Applications Manufacturing Processes Mechanical Graphics Statics Fluid Mechanics Calculus 1, 2, and 3 Thermodynamics Machine Design Physics 1, and 2 PROJECT EXPERIENCE: Mechanical CAD Applications Course-Wentworth Institute of Technology: -Re-designed air powered engine to double the power output. -Created CAD drawings on Solid Works of all components. -Used AutoCAD to determine placement of inlet and exhaust holes. Chase Coating and Laminating: -Expanded upon need for new web handling machine capabilities. -Created concept design of proposed machine using AutoCAD -Evaluated used equipment to recommend modifications to fit requirements. -Completed time studies to determine operating speed. -Used Microsoft Excel to create a spreadsheet to determine oven drying requirements for coating machine. TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES: Computer Software: Solid Works, AutoCAD, Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Adobe. Engineering: Mechanical Design process, Stress-Strain analysis, welding, casting, machining, mechanical graphics. Equipment: Lathe, milling machine, drill press, CNC machinery, press brake. LAB EXPERIENCE: Manufacturing Processes: -Utilized drawings provided to fabricate components for an air powered engine. -Used fabricated parts to assemble the engine. -Tested engines using specified air pressure and measured the RPM.
WORK EXPERIENCE Chase Coating and Laminating-Randolph, MA September 2009-Present
Mechanical Engineer Co-Op ! Was a member of a design group with engineers from the company with the goal to design a new web
coating machine. ! Evaluated equipment that the company had purchased in order to offer suggestions for modifications to fit
concept design of new machine. ! Conducted time studies and compiled data in Microsoft Excel to analyze and offer suggestions to improve
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current process times ! Developed a new system for physical inventory counts which saves time and improves the accuracy of
count by eliminating as much human error as possible. Depuy Orthopedics, Inc.-Raynham, MA January 2009-May 2009 Manufacturing Engineer Co-Op
! Collected, compiled, and analyzed process times from existing system in order to offer recommendations to staff structure to improve productivity.
! Restructured multiple departments by organizing tools and needed equipment to provide a safer workplace and to reduce waste.
! Teamed with associates to promote and initiate a lean manufacturing movement. ! Assisted supervisor and other co-workers in various tasks, which improved teaming skills.
Prime Glazing Co.-West Bridgewater, MA June 2008-August 2008
Laborer ! Received shipments of glass and aluminum window frames from manufacturers. ! Removed old glass and window frames in order to replace them. ! Used caulking to weatherproof window frames and glass to prevent leaks.
Venture Tape Corp.-Rockland, MA May 2006-August 2006 Maintenance Engineer
! Contacted vendors to order all parts for maintenance department. ! Utilized Purchase Order Organizer Deluxe to create purchase order sheets. ! Developed a tracking system using Excel to track all orders. ! Reviewed CAD drawings of different web handling machinery ! Helped diagnose and fix problematic web handling machinery.
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Andrew!McDonough!83!Brewster!Road!! ! ! ! ! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!617"797"1232!Medford!MA,!02155"1641! ! ! ! ! [email protected]!
Education Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston, MA Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering Technology May 2011 Coursework
Mechanical Graphics Manufacturing Processes Statics Mechanical CAD Applications Thermodynamics I Kinematics Computer Aided Manufacturing Fluid Mechanics Heat Transfer Instrumentation & Measurement Electronics & Electricity Nanotechnology Dynamics Strengths of Materials Material Science Lab Experience Manufacturing Processes -Fabricate an air driven motor using lathes and mills Mechanical Design -Devise and fabricate a ping pong ball launcher Mechanical CAD Applications -Model in Solid Works a double acting steam piston Technical Competencies
Engineering -Welding (Gas and Stick), Casting, Viscosimeter, Manometers Devices -Engine Lathe, Milling Machine, Gantry Mill, CNC Software -AutoCAD, Solid Works, CAM Works, Microsoft Word, Excel,
PowerPoint, FrontPage Project Experience Manufacturing Processes Final Project
-Fabricated, assembled, and operated an air driven piston and flywheel engine. Each piece was machined by hand and assembled to compete with other students’ motors in terms of highest RPM.
Mechanical CAD Applications
-Tasked with the redesign of the single acting piston used on the Manufacturing Processes air motor into a double acting piston using Solid Works. Our design was the presented to our fellow classmates.
Work Experience MIT Seagrant AUV Lab, Cambridge, MA January 2009-Present Assistant Research Engineer
-I assist in the design, fabrication, assembly, and maintenance of Autonomous Underwater Vehicles for various types of underwater research. I also assist in an education program called the Seaperch Institute which educates middle and high schoolers about marine engineering and underwater research.
Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA July 2007-Present File Clerk, Department of Cardiology
-Filing of critical medical records for cardiac and cardiac transplant patients. Locating and delivering medical charts to the cardiology clinic.
Staples, Medford, MA August 2004-December 2004 Electronics Sales Associate
-General sales of business machines (Printers, Faxes, Copiers, Computers, etc.), inventory, stocking, security of merchandise.
Honors, Awards, and Leadership -Vice President of the Society of Manufacturing Engineers, Wentworth Chapter October 2008-Present
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Timothy J. Rachielles 74 Hillside St. Apt. 3 Roxbury, MA 02120 (860) 729-0634 [email protected] www.timrachielles.com OBJECTIVE: To obtain a full time Engineering position where product development and business growth are important aspects. EDUCATION: Wentworth Institute of Technology Boston, MA Bachelors of Science in Mechanical Engineering Technology, 2010 exp. GPA: 3.0/4.0 RELEVANT COURSES: Physics I and II, Mechanical Design, Mechanical Graphics, Statics, Strengths of Materials, Thermodynamics I and II, Heat Transfer, Instrumentation and Measurements, Intro to Nanotechnology, Calculus I, II, and III, Differential Equations, Materials Science, Dynamics, Electronics MECHANICAL/DESIGN: �"Full body-off restoration of a 1990 Jeep Wrangler. �"Designed a set of defroster vents for a Jeep Wrangler to redirect air flow for more effective cabin heating. �"Machined all components to build an air motor. �"Designed and built a ping pong ball launcher. �"Designing and building patentable reclining mechanic’s creeper WORK EXPERIENCE: BioScale Inc. Cambridge, MA Spring 2009 Co-op �"Assembled BioScales Acoustic Membrane Microparticle Beta Units to be submitted for testing allowing for swift customer feedback. �"Assisted in preparing assembly instructions to decrease the amount of time required to assemble a beta unit. �"Designed and built a dust shield for testing equipment keeping the machine protected and preventing variability in the results. �"Helped develop proper assembly technique for fluidic manifolds ensuring that leaks and particulates would not affect the data. Henkel/Loctite Rocky Hill, CT Summer 2006-2008 Summer Intern �"Generated impact, tensile, and environmental aging data using Instron testers, aging equipment, and ultraviolet curing equipment for new and developmental products allowing engineers to quickly get the product ready for the market. �"Assembled customer parts with various adhesives and tested to failure, and wrote engineering reports to present to customers. �"Developed testing parameters using ASTM standards, and performed the tests, and provided results for a new Ultraviolet Cure Acrylic adhesive. Other Work Experience �"Developed skills in consumer relations through various retail positions ACHIEVEMENTS: �"Founding member of the WIT chapter of Phi Sigma Pi �"Eagle Scout Troop 23, Burlington, CT �"Global Youth Leadership Conference New York/Washington D.C. �"100 Mile Hike Philmont Scout Reservation, Cimarron , NM �"Listed in Who’s Who Among American High School Students �"Recipient of the National Federation of Independent Business’ Young Entrepreneur Scholarship
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9.3.) Weekly Working Notes of the Group Meeting #1 – Monday, May 17th, 2010 Time: 3:20 pm – 5:20 pm Location: Beatty Library (upper level) Topic of Discussion: This meeting mainly focused on developing some ideas as to what type of mechanical design we might want to pursue. Design options that were presented are of the following:
! Automotive creeper w/ an adjustable backrest -backrest controlled pneumatically, mechanically, or hydraulically to increase human comfort and efficiency.
! Chimney turbine system -utilize the hot air from the fire in a chimney to power a turbine further up the chimney. -could be applied to a home chimney or a clothes dryer vent.
! Sink drainage power generation -drain water from home sink powers a fluid motor.
! Self car jacking system -when pulling a car over on the highway, this system could enable the driver to press a button and the car would jack itself up via a hydraulic system running off of the battery or off of the engine.
Topics for next meeting:
1.) Bring in more ideas/vote on idea.
Meeting #2 – Tuesday, May 18th, 2010
Time: 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Location: Beatty Library
Topic of Discussion:
The team couldn’t think of any more design options. We then held a vote for what design we wanted to pursue. The choice was: Automotive creeper w/ an adjustable backrest. We then discussed why there is a need for a product like this (Needs Assessment). Reasons brought up were: 1.) current creepers on the market require you to lift your back and adjust a steel swing arm, 2.) human ergonomic comfort can be increased. No more need to strain your neck to wrench a bolt under the car, 3.) human work efficiency can be increased, 4.) could be of interest to mechanics, especially small garage owners, racecar garages. We also discussed cost and support. We didn’t see any reason that the manufacturing of this creeper should exceed $1000. We expect it to cost a lot less to build. We have access to a garage in New Bedford, MA for the construction of it, where there is a lathe, Bridgeport, and all 3 types of welding.
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Topics for next meeting: 1.) Develop a plan using Microsoft Project. 2.) Prepare the preproposal. Meeting #3 – Thursday, May 20th, 2010 Time: 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm Location: Beatty Library Topic of Discussion: We talked about how we will complete the pre-proposal. Tim will do the “Introduction”, Andrew will do the “Needs Assessment”, Chris will do “Predicted Results”, and I will take care of the Microsoft Project planning as well as the “Cost and Support” section. We also talked about different lifting mechanisms for the creeper’s backrest. We have many different ideas of how to build the creeper and the coming meetings will help us determine which idea works best. For next week: 1.) Complete the pre-proposal. 2.) Continue Needs Assessment and design options. 3.) Bring in some more ideas. Meeting #4 – Monday, May 24, 2010 Time: 2:15 pm – 4:15 pm Location: Beatty Library Topic of Discussion: In this meeting, we worked on the pre-proposal. We tried to figure out what we want to name this project. We talked about names such as “Versa-creep” and “Versatile Creeper”. We finally came up with “Versatile Mechanic’s Creeper.” Some minor design issues were discussed.
Topics for next meeting:
Talk about design options / finish preproposal.
Meeting #5 – Tuesday, May 25, 2010
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Time: 2:20 pm – 3:35 pm, 3:50 – 4:35 pm
Location: Beatty Library
Topic of Discussion:
We completed and signed the pre-proposal. Also, the electronic version was submitted. We think it might be a good idea to include locking casters as well as a maximum of 30 degrees for the backrest angle. Topics for next meeting: Discuss design options in case our pre-proposal isn’t accepted. Meeting #6 – Thursday, May 27, 2010 Time: 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm Location: Cafeteria Topic of Discussion: We delegated the work for the final proposal, assuming the pre-proposal gets accepted. Andrew will add some content to the needs assessment portion. Chris will complete the design options and specifications portion. A backup idea we thought of was a jackstand with a built-in piston, where the car can be jacked up, and then the jackstand can lock into place. Design specs for the creeper were established. For next week: Complete formal proposal / start sketches and drawings for creeper. Meeting #7 – Tuesday, June 1, 2010 Time: 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm Location: Library Topic of Discussion: We set up a timeframe for when the design and analysis of the creeper needs to be completed by. We figure that it should be complete by the end of June, and then we can start building the prototype. Design criteria and specs were established and discussed.
Topics for next meeting:
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Continue to discuss design / formal proposal status
Meeting #8 – Thursday, June 3, 2010
Time: 2:30 pm – 6:30 pm
Location: Library
Topic of Discussion:
For the main frame of the creeper, a key issue that was discussed was trying to keep the weight down while keeping the integrity of the design intact. Many options were discussed and the design will be modeled in Solidworks and then analyzed for strength. A model of the scissorlift mechanism has been started and we are working to make sure that will fit into the frame properly as well as if it will be strong enough. We talked about methods to drive the scissorlift via a handcrank/driveshaft mechanism and where to install it in the frame. Also, our progress on the formal proposal was discussed. Topics for next meeting: Bring in design ideas and strength analysis results for frame. Work on formal proposal. Keep working on solid models. Meeting #9 – Monday, June 7, 2010 Time: 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm Location: Wentworth 208 Topic of Discussion: Today’s meeting was mainly focused on a design problem. How is the backrest going to attach to the frame? Also, can we get the backrest to lay flat? We drew a bunch of ideas on the board and we will put together a model on Solidworks. We thought of putting a notch in one of the main frame members in order for the backrest to lay flat. We figure ½” x ½” AISI 1020 steel tubing will work. After the back assembly is designed, we will analyze for strength. Topics for next meeting: Finish formal proposal / Finish powerpoint for thursday
Meeting #10 – Tuesday, June 8, 2010
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Time: 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Location: Wentworth 208
Topic of Discussion:
Chris finished up the design specifications for the formal proposal and Andrew added some information to the needs assessment. We conducted a survey online regarding what people would like to have in a creeper. This will be included in the needs assessment. I worked on the design options section and Tim worked on the powerpoint presentation. Design ideas were also discussed regarding the backrest design. Topics for next meeting: Discuss solid model of backrest assembly / possibly conduct strength analysis. Meeting #11 – Thursday, June 10, 2010 Time: 4:30 pm – 6:30 pm Location: Beatty Library Topic of Discussion:
We are on track to meet our goal of designing and analyzing the creeper by the end of June. The main frame assembly is designed. We spent this meeting discussing how we will mount the scissor lift to the main frame. The goal is to have the backrest lay very close to flat when the scissor lift is completely retracted. Also, ideas were discussed regarding the drive mechanism to the scissor lift. Modeling and further development of our design will continue over the weekend and into next week. Topics for next meeting: Work on completing main frame and scissor lift assembly model / keep making design progress Meeting #12 – Monday, June 14, 2010 Time: 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm Location: Beatty Library Topic of Discussion: We conducted a strength analysis on the latest design of the main frame of the creeper. It produced a maximum stress of 27,000 psi, which gives us a 1.9 safety factor. We are making modifications to the backrest assembly to accommodate the scissorlift mechanism, as well as the linkage components that will operate it. We started to focus our attention towards the mid semester report, as it is due Thursday.
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Topics for next meeting: Assemble, organize, and complete the mid-semester report / work on design
Meeting #13 – Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Time: 2:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Location: Wentworth 208
Topic of Discussion:
The mid-semester report was close to being complete at the meeting and will be finished by wednesday night. The scissorlift design problem has been fixed and will soon be analyzed for strength. Our main design focus has now shifted towards the drive system. Potential design problems we will face is to create a system that has a low profile, will transfer the torque effectively, as well as keep the cost at a minimum. Topics for next meeting: Bring in ideas and solutions to complete the drive system. 9.4.) Samples of Engineering Notebooks of Team Members 9.5.) Breakdown of Tasks Mathew D. Hudon
! Main frame design and analysis ! Technical report writing
Christopher J. Llanes ! Design and analysis of scissor lift mechanism ! Helping with technical reports
Andrew S. McDonough ! Design and analysis of backrest subassembly and drive system ! Helping with technical reports.
Timothy J. Rachielles ! Design and analysis of drive system and scissor lift mechanism ! Helping with technical reports.
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