College - Author 1
College of Engineering
Department - Author 1
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Mechanical Engineering
College - Author 2
College of Engineering
Department - Author 2
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 2
BS in Mechanical Engineering
College - Author 3
College of Engineering
Department - Author 3
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 3
BS in Mechanical Engineering
College - Author 4
College of Engineering
Department - Author 4
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 4
BS in Mechanical Engineering
Date
6-2022
Primary Advisor
Eltahry Elghandour, College of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department
Abstract/Summary
We, the “DT Inc.” team, have been tasked with the redesign of the drivetrain of an electric brush clearing tool created for trail and roadside use. We started the design process by doing research on the currently available products and determining their strengths and shortcomings. We also tested the prototype given to us by our sponsor, and listened to our sponsor about what he liked about his design and what he wanted changed. We resolved from this research that the most important improvements that we needed to make were to improve the traction, reduce the speed and increase the torque, and allow the trimmer to be pulled backward without resistance from the motors. To this end, we decided to design the device with larger tires for more traction, a greater gear reduction, and a clutch system to disconnect the motor from the gearbox. We also decided to add a button to allow both wheels of the drivetrain to be driven with one hand, allowing the user’s other hand to be used to articulate the trimmers. We conducted analysis on the motor to determine whether or not it would provide the torque we wanted, and we also analyzed the gear ratios to achieve a running speed of 3.5 miles per hour under full throttle, a brisk walking pace for our user. The system was designed to be simple to manufacture and assemble. After building the drivetrain and overcoming manufacturing issues, we were able to take the brush clearing device onto an actual trail to verify the functionality of the drivetrain on the harsh terrains. Though the drivetrain system works as it stands, there is much to be desired in terms of ease of manufacturing, clear compatibility of components, and ease of operation for the user. With the recommendations we gave for the device, and further improving the device continuously moving forward, we see this device being extremely effective in filling the gap in trail-oriented brush clearing devices on the market.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/mesp/681