As we approach the end of our fellows project journey, TeamTechno has A LOT to get done. The good thing is -- we've been making great strides in the recent weeks. After being set back multiple months due to the instability of the hidden connectors (our original connection plan), we are now kicking our project into high gear, aiming to finish up by the end of May, along with our presentations.
In these past fifteen days, we have laid out each dimension for every panel existent on the TechnoCart (there's a lot of panels). We have also finished boring all counterbores in the aluminum extrusions, allowing us to finally be ready for frame assembly when our remaining pieces arrive. The counterbores took upwards of 15 hours total to finish, but they were well worth the time, as they are a significant step up in terms of vibration resistance over the hidden connectors. With the use of a drop saw, we have also cut our excess aluminum into specific lengths to introduce new, important extrusions to our frame. These extrusions vertically partition the drawer complex to allow us to separate the different compartments of the area. We plan on purchasing and cutting all panels next weekend. We are now researching how to secure such panels, likely with the use of 80/20 gasket that can slide into the t-slot of a given extrusion. We have also changed plans in regards to the pneumatic hinge that connects the body to the collapsible lid -- a friction torque hinge seems to be the simpler, more feasible option that can make our job more streamlined. Hopefully, we can find the right size for steel friction hinges to suit our needs (compatibility with 80/20 is quite hard). We have a lot more to think about and a lot more to execute, but the best way for us to progress is to work one step at a time.
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Let's just say -- Team Techno got their hands dirty over spring break. Our frame rework and upgrade has come with numerous variables and logistical concerns, but we are nearing the end of the process to make the frame more secure and vibration resistant. Upgrading the frame took far, far longer than we expected, consuming practically the entirety of our spring break. We are currently mapping out a plan to finish what we've intended to finish come time where our project is over, which will certainly be a challenge given time constraints, but we both are strolling along with confidence. The ability to gain engineering experience using an array of tools and machines in the GIC has turned out to be one of the most fruitful parts of our project -- in this sense, we get to go hands-on and work with devices we would never have worked with without our pursuit of the TechnoCart. Panels, drawers, hinges, monitor mounts, cabling, and workspace material/placement are on our mind as of now (in other words, a lot). Let's keep rolling!
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