you will need to complete the following:

• You will need to provide supporting information that fully details the design, this may include sketches, CAD drawings, animations
• Calculate the motion of three different types of mechanisms used in the automata.
• These mechanisms must be of a different type (i.e. Cam, Geneva Mechanism, 4 Bar linkage, Slider-Crank)
• The calculated motion needs to be based on the measurements of the built device.
• Build prototypes of three different mechanisms in Lab 2 (this has been done and photos are attached)
• Construct the automata as designed such that it can work through either a single hand operated crank, or low powered motor. (this has been done and photos are attached)
• Prepare a single A3 poster detailing the design for the purpose of display with the device.

Design of an Automata:

Each automata must have a minimum of 3 different types of mechanisms, but is not limited to 3.

The design process involves research, conceptual design, detailed design, which leads onto manufacturing and testing.

In this assignment you will NOT required to provide details of the structural design (i.e. analysis of stresses in components). Your documentation should focus on the conceptual and detailed design of the device.

Simulation of motion:

The are a few suggestions to simplify your calculation of the mechanisms:

• Planar mechanisms are likely easier to calculate
• You may wish to simulate the problem as purely kinematic. For example with a cam if the acceleration is high enough an object may lose contact with the cam, you might want to ignore these effects.

There is no requirement to do all (or any) of the simulation by hand. CAD software can be used to simulate motion. However note that while you are able to submit animations online, your report should have a summary of the motion. Think of how you may want to show this clearly (e.g. track paths of important points)

Prototype 3 different mechanisms (Lab 2)

Lab 2 will be made available for you to prototype a variety of mechanisms. You will be required to build at least three different types of working mechanisms.

These will need to be clearly documented and shown in your report. Please note that there is no requirement to simulate the motion of these mechanisms.

Manufacture and operation of the device:

Manufacture of a working automata is required in order to pass the assignment.

• It can be powered by hand or a single small electric motor
• The device needs to fit inside a cube no greater than 400x400x400mm
• Material choice is unlimited, automata can be made from paper if needs be, so costs can be kept low.
• Given that they can be made incredibly cheap, they will need to be funded by the groups.
• The quality of manufacture will be assessed.

Hints:

*Research the problem. This has been done before. But be wary some of the solutions found online are incorrect, or over-simplified.

*This is an engineering report. It should contain no waffle, but should fully describe calculations so other people can verify your work (in this case your lecturer).

*This is not a simple maths problem, there is no immediate correct answer.

*There are a lot of tasks (design sketching / modelling / reporting / manufacture / animations etc.).

Marking:

The following will be assessed:

*Quality of the report, including use of English, layout, diagrams

*Accuracy of simulation results

*Quality of design presentation (i.e. sketches, CAD drawings, animations) Note that animations are not required, but may help describe your device.

*Quality of the A3 poster for presentation

*Documentation of the devices constructed in Lab 2

*Quality and operation of the final device.

The marks are allocated as follows:

*Report (5 marks)

*Design & Simulation (10 marks)

*Prototype mechanisms (5 marks)

*Final device presentation (5 marks)

The lab that has been done: ( photos are attached)

Constraints:

• You will be provided a set of Ev3 mindstorms lego (and expansion box per group)
• Feel free to use the electric motors (if charged and ready) or a hand crank

You will need to provide evidence of at least 3 prototyped and functioning  mechanisms. However you have the full time to experiment, to help you with the design of your automata. You will require the following (as a minimum) for your assignment:

• Pictures of your completed mechanisms that clearly show the motion of the devices, this will likely require multiple images.

You may also want to include the following for a more comprehensive study:

• Discussion of how changes to the geometry affect motion (for example what happens when you use an offset crank on a slider crank)
• Measurements of the device
• Schematic drawings

These are all things you should be considering for your automata design. The lab and assignment are ultimately about investigating the design and analysis of mechanisms. The lab allows you to approach the problem practically before you do so theoretically.