Project

# Title Team Members TA Documents Sponsor
6 Robotic T-Shirt Launcher Mark II
Best Mechanically Designed
Hao Ding
Moyang Guo
Yixiang Guo
Ziyu Xiao
Qi Wang appendix1.pdf
design_document2.pdf
final_paper1.pdf
proposal1.pdf
Timothy Lee
ROBOTIC T-SHIRT LAUNCHER MARK II

TEAM MEMBERS
Guo yixiang (yg16),
Guo moyang (moyangg2),
Xiao ziyu (ziyux2),
Ding hao (haod3)

PROBLEM
Our team has identified a problem with the launcher project that was completed last year. In particular, the previous design only included a single-shot launcher that required manual reloading and could only adjust the angle and direction automatically.

SOLUTION OVERVIEW
To address this issue, our team has proposed an improved design that will improve upon the limitations of the previous model. The Robotic T-shirt Launcher Mark II will be a fully automated system capable of launching multiple T-shirts by itself, without manual reloading. Our proposed design will also include more advanced features, such as the ability to adjust the trajectory of the launch. In addition, we will build it into a wearable device that could be carried on our shoulders.

SOLUTION COMPONENTS
The automatic launcher is comprised of several components that work together to provide a powerful and reliable weapon system. These components include:

Power Components: The power components of the system consist of an air pump, an air cylinder, a quick exhaust valve, and connecting elements. These components are responsible for providing the necessary power and pressure to the system to shoot out the bullet.

Function Components: The functional components of the system include the barrel, the two-axis gimbal (which is wearable), and the automatic loading system. The barrel provides the means for firing projectiles, while the gimbal allows for precise targeting and tracking of moving targets.

Control System: The control system is responsible for managing the various components of the system, including the electromagnetic valves that control the airflow, the actuator controllers for the loading mechanism, and the gimbal controller for targeting.

Human-Machine Interface (Advanced Requirement): For advanced users, the system could include a human-machine interface with features such as automatic firing, angle adjustment, and target recognition lock-on, allowing the user to engage targets effectively.

CRITERIA FOR SUCCESS:
Functionality: The launcher should be able to launch T-shirts accurately and consistently at a controlled angle and velocity. The system should be able to handle multiple T-shirts without the need for manual reloading, and the entire launch process and angle control should be initiated and controlled by a single button.

Airtight and Adequate Air Pressure: The launcher's air channel should have high airtightness and be able to generate sufficient air pressure to launch T-shirts effectively. The air pressure should be able to be adjusted and controlled to suit different launch scenarios.

Automation: The loading system should be fully automated, with T-shirts being automatically loaded into the air chamber without the need for manual intervention. The loading mechanism should be designed to be reliable and efficient, and the electrical control system should be able to manage the entire process automatically.

Safety and Cost-effectiveness: The launcher should be designed with safety in mind. Safety mechanisms, such as emergency stop buttons, should be included to prevent accidents or injuries. The design and construction of the launcher should be cost-effective, and any additional features should be carefully considered. Also, it is necessary to implement additional components to measure some critical values such as gas tightness in order to prevent gas leaks.

Interactive Proximity Donor Wall Illumination

Featured Project

Team Members:

Anita Jung (anitaj2)

Sungmin Jang (sjang27)

Zheng Liu (zliu93)

Link to the idea: https://courses.engr.illinois.edu/ece445/pace/view-topic.asp?id=27710

Problem:

The Donor Wall on the southwest side of first floor in ECEB is to celebrate and appreciate everyone who helped and donated for ECEB.

However, because of poor lighting and color contrast between the copper and the wall behind, donor names are not noticed as much as they should, especially after sunset.

Solution Overview:

Here is the image of the Donor Wall:

http://buildingcampaign.ece.illinois.edu/files/2014/10/touched-up-Donor-wall-by-kurt-bielema.jpg

We are going to design and implement a dynamic and interactive illuminating system for the Donor Wall by installing LEDs on the background. LEDs can be placed behind the names to softly illuminate each name. LEDs can also fill in the transparent gaps in the “circuit board” to allow for interaction and dynamic animation.

And our project’s system would contain 2 basic modes:

Default mode: When there is nobody near the Donor Wall, the names are softly illuminated from the back of each name block.

Moving mode: When sensors detect any stimulation such as a person walking nearby, the LEDs are controlled to animate “current” or “pulses” flowing through the “circuit board” into name boards.

Depending on the progress of our project, we have some additional modes:

Pressing mode: When someone is physically pressing on a name block, detected by pressure sensors, the LEDs are controlled to

animate scattering of outgoing light, just as if a wave or light is emitted from that name block.

Solution Components:

Sensor Subsystem:

IR sensors (PIR modules or IR LEDs with phototransistor) or ultrasonic sensors to detect presence and proximity of people in front of the Donor Wall.

Pressure sensors to detect if someone is pressing on a block.

Lighting Subsystem:

A lot of LEDs is needed to be installed on the PCBs to be our lighting subsystem. These are hidden as much as possible so that people focus on the names instead of the LEDs.

Controlling Subsystem:

The main part of the system is the controlling unit. We plan to use a microprocessor to process the signal from those sensors and send signal to LEDs. And because the system has different modes, switching between them correctly is also important for the project.

Power Subsystem:

AC (Wall outlet; 120V, 60Hz) to DC (acceptable DC voltage and current applicable for our circuit design) power adapter or possible AC-DC converter circuit

Criterion for success:

Whole system should work correctly in each mode and switch between different modes correctly. The names should be highlighted in a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing way. Our project is acceptable for senior design because it contains both hardware and software parts dealing with signal processing, power, control, and circuit design with sensors.