DARSHAN NAYAK BS, MS Mechanical Engineering
University of Florida
SMART WALKING STICK Overview: Built a working prototype of a low-cost, dependable smart walking stick that enables visually handicapped to
navigate better. The model features an add-on based device to existing walking sticks / canes.
Sensors: 40 kHz ultra-sonic transmitter receiver module
700nm Infrared sensor module
8051 microcontroller
LDR
Description: With lot of advanced technologies available in the market for
visually handicapped, we aimed at creating a cost effective
solution with an add-on feature. The smart walking stick is a
device that consists of a pre-modeled sensor setup that can be
fixed onto an existing walking stick / cane used by visually
handicapped.
On analysis of navigational parameters, we came up with 3
sensors that would help walk-through most environmental
conditions. The 3 sensors are marginal sensor, step and
obstacle sensor.
The obstacle sensor helps detect wide range of course
obstacles that a human would face onto when navigating in any
environment. Since it would include far reached objects over a
range of 0 to 15 feet, an ultrasonic sensor was installed. Since
these are powerful sensors with a coupling of transmitter and
receiver, we narrowed down to an effective angular range of
120 degrees. For a feedback mechanism, a 10 kHz buzzer was installed that would respond if any obstacle were
approached.
Infra-red sensors were used for step and marginal sensors. The primary objective of these sensors were to detect
any low height obstacles and depressions along a path. These consist of an emitting transmitter-receiver module
connected to an 8051 microcontroller that is programmed as a NOT gate.
Based on this principle a working prototype was built and tested in a controlled environment and some of the
results are shown below in a graphical representation. It was noticed that the add-on sensor module was effective
in navigating more efficiently than an ordinary cane. Although, we faced some drawbacks such as low power back-
up from the batteries, bulky final model and inefficiency in bright light conditions. The design can be further
worked upon to make it a marketable product.
Fig 1: Path traversed without
Smart Stick
Fig 2: Path traversed using the
Smart Stick
Smart Walking Stick Prototype
DESIGN OF EXTERIOR TRIM OF A CAR
Overview: A full scale computational model of a BMW® Z4 Coupe 2007 was created using surface design on PTC Creo 3.0.
For my project in a course for computational methods for design and manufacturing, I created a 3D model for the
exterior trim / surface of a car. The main objective of the project was to learn and utilize surface modeling on an
industrially used CAD modeling software.
I approached using a blueprint of the model
and scaling it to the real dimensions
creating a box environment. Smooth
surfaces were created in parts surrounded
by boundary curves / splines ensuring there
is C-1 and C-2 continuity in the curves. These
curves include B-splines and cardinal splines
that are composed of Hermite polynomials
thus enabling tangential and curvature
continuity.
To improve the productivity, I created half
the model and mirroring it in the final stage
of the exterior trim. Since designing, a car with all the parts is a lengthy process, I added some key features such
as tire and differential assembly with a few interiors for the aesthetic appeal of the model.
Solidworks was used as a rendering software as the features are more appealing than other software available.
This gives the final model a more visual appeal and can be used for product advertisement.
A few more models of the car are displayed below.
MUD FILTRATION TRAILER
Overview: A concept model was created for a portable Mud filtration unit on a trailer based system.
I took the initiative for this project during my internship program with National Oilwell Varco (NOV), a leading oil
and gas equipment manufacturer. The company has thousands of products for different processes in oil and gas
extraction technology. Mud is a fluid that is an important component in the drilling process. It has many
advantages when the boring machines drill through the earth’s crust. The act as a heat dissipation medium,
lubrication, soil removal medium and a pressure barrier. These fluids have properties that are not available from
natural sources and since they are synthetically made, discarding used mud fluid is not viable and therefore they
are undergone a filtration that consists of a series of equipment to perform the process.
NOV did not have a product that was easily portable from one rig to another. I therefore created a concept
model with the whole unit fitted onto a trailer based system that can be moved using the help of a truck. The
design was created based on the road and safety standards. Image below displays the model generated on
Solidworks.
RACING BICYCLE
Overview: Reverse engineering was performed on a bicycle to create a conceptual model of a racing bicycle.
This was a project undertaken as a part of CATIA V5 certification course from CADD Center Bangalore (India). A
conceptual model of a racing bicycle was created on the idea based off a real scale bicycle using extensive use of
part and assembly modeling. The created model was further rendered on CATIA render toolset. A few pictures
of the generated model are shared below.
The model was created using 20 parts that were assembled using constraints that follows the laws of motion
and degrees of freedom of each part.
5 LINK DRIVE TRAIN DESIGN
Overview: Solid modeling and 3D printing of a motion convertor mechanism.
This project was undertaken for a 3D design and 3D printing competition at the University of Florida in the
Department of Mechanical and Aerospace mechanism. The objective of the project was to create a model that
could be fabricated using additive manufacturing procedures in a 3D printer that were to have a practical
application.
I came up with a simple mechanism that could convert a rotory motion to a 180 degree oscillatory motion. The 5
link drive mechanism consists of 5 links of specific dimensional parameters that could effectively function to a
positive output. A few images below represent the 3D rendered model created on Solidworks 2014. The part
models were converted to .STL files as a mode of input to the 3D printing machine.
I am very passionate about product design and performing engineering analysis on the model to deem it a
workable model. I find myself to be a part of the whole product lifecycle management (PLM) cycle.
This motivated me to complete certifications in mechanical and design analysis software and to get a technical
depth of design and manufacturing, I graduated with a Master’s degree in mechanical engineering. I am
currently seeking challenging opportunities as a product design engineer in the corporate world and would love
to be a part of your engineering team where I believe I can make a difference and be an integral part of the
team.
I thank you so much to have a look into my portfolio. I eagerly look forward for a chance to be interviewed to
discuss more about me as well as opportunities at your firm.
Regards,
Darshan Nayak
THANK YOU