AIM Intelligent Machines

Loader Design and Simulation for Vibration Testing and Bash Guard Optimization

Part of AIM's mission is to automate existing machinery. This student team will work to take the first steps towards automating a loader. The students will work to add on an inclinometer to the bucket so that AI can use the data to operate it. The student team will work to first model the loader in a simulation that will eventually be applied to the real machines. FEA will be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the sensor's mount and a simulation will be used to test the environment of the loader. The student team will work to create a mount on the bucket that will secure the current inclinometer used, handle the typical loads and vibrations at the chosen location, meet a FoS of at least 1.5, and accurately measure the location of the bucket. The student team will work to make a loader in SpaceClaim to load into the existing simulation, appropriate damping and environment needs to be determined. The outcomes this student team will work to achieve are: - an accurately modeled existing CAT loader with working mechanics - a successful simulation of a typical environment of a loader, - designed a bash guard for an inclinometer sensor that withstands the types of forces found - optimized the location and manufacturability of the bash guard, and - run FEA on the bash guard to determine it's life.