Documentation and Sketches
To begin our project we knew we wanted to make something that would reduce environmental impact, so we looked at things like can crushers and garbage cans. We wanted to do something different, so at first I wanted to make something to melt aluminum and reuse it. We decided a 700 degree furnace wasn't safe and began to look at salt water distillers. We designed a salt water distiller based of web research and what we felt could be done during the project. We presented our idea but were told we couldn't do it based on project parameters. We then turned to google to find a project because we had wasted time on an idea only for it to be shot down. We found a recycling page and then discovered a project that would involve turning used light bulbs into oil lamps. We decided to place 3 of them along a 18 in x 4 in piece of scrap wood and put some scrap acrylic over it. Garrett was to make a vinyl decal to go along the edge and do the acrylic. My job was to do the base and handle securing the light bulbs. We got the idea approved and got to work.
How the Project was Completed
Before we could start designing our project we needed to get materials, so we went to the wood shop to see if they had some scrap wood that fit our specs or was close. Mr Schumacher helped us find a piece that was exactly to our dimensions so we didn't have to cut the sides at all. Garrett was tasked with finding light bulbs and we both went to find some scrap acrylic. We found lots of acrylic but none was long enough so we decided to use 2 pieces. I started my part of the project by doing the base in Fusion 360 so we could machine it later. I then got sick for a few days and had to leave Garrett to do the vinyl and most of the acrylic on his own. When I got back we were mostly ready to assemble but I had to make the tool path for the router. I used a pocket clearing because really we wanted just a small pocket for a few wicks if they burnt out. We loaded our G-code and made our pocket. We then began assembly by putting the acrylic where we wanted it on the board and then adding a 2 part epoxy in the holes for the bulbs, we then set the bulbs and angled them in a visually appealing way. After the epoxy had set we put the acrylic on the sides. We were told that we couldn't light it at a school, so after school we tested our project. It worked very well but the wind made it hard to light.
Vinyl
Laser
Router
Assembly
Final Design
Final Evaluations
This project was a great way to end the year, because it showed what I had learned. Going into this class I knew inventor and fusion but I had taught myself how and didn't really know the intricate parts. I also hadn't used routers, mills, lasers, and pretty much every machine in the innovation center. I learned how to use all the machines and can make products on my own. Having our initial idea shot down wasn't ideal, but we persevered. i think my engineering ability has grown through the semester and there is no doubt that I'll continue to take classes like this one.