Applications in Design & Engine. Analyzing Compound, Robotic Machines

v2.1 Compound Machines ering Applications in Design & Engine Analyzing Compound, Robotic Machines Educational Objectives At the conclusion of this lesson, students should be able to: Understand the relationship between machines and mechanisms. Recognize key elements in compound machine design. Analyze a compound machine and relate previous knowledge and experience to it. Design and Engineer a custom, compound machine. Education Standards NGSS ITEEA 3-5-ETS1-4 Engineering Design STL8- Attributes of Design MS-ETS1-4 Engineering Design STL9- Engineering Design HS-ETS1-4 Engineering Design STL10- Invention and Innovation

Welcome Activity Information This activity is designed to explore compound, robotic machine design. Students will build a series of compound machines and then analyze how each one works. This experience will give students the confidence to design and engineer their own compound, robotic machines. Classroom Management This activity packet should serve as a guide for teachers and students to work together to learn about important concepts in design and engineering. Students can work in groups of up to four throughout this activity. Resources Each group of four students should use: (1) Rokenbok Basic Robotics Module (1) Rokenbok Snapstack Module or Advanced Projects Lab Activity Time 180 Minutes Table of Contents Compound Machines Information Objectives... 1 Standards... 1 Activity Information... 2 Classroom Management... 2 Resources... 2 Activity Time... 2 Compound Machines Getting Started... 3 Building Basics... 4 Compound Machines... 5 Build Plan: Gear Train Lift... 6-10 Analyzing: Gear Train Lift... 12-14 Gear Train Lift: Application Worksheet... 15 Build Plan: Unloading Trailer... 16-24 Analyzing: Unloading Trailer... 25-27 Unloading Trailer: Application Worksheet... 28 Design Challenge: Compound, Robotic Machine... 29-31 2

Getting Started Introduction In order to be prepared to learn about compound, robotic machines, the following key terms have been provided below. These terms will be frequently used throughout the lesson. A bank of online key search terms have also been provided. Use a computer to research these terms as you progress through the lesson. Key Terms Simple Machines: Mechanical Advantage: Gear Train: Compound Machine: A simple device for altering the magnitude or direction of a force. The ratio of the force produced by a machine to the force applied to it, used in assessing the performance of a machine. A mechanical system formed by mounting gears on a frame so that the teeth of the gears engage A machine consisting of two or more simple machines operating together. Online Key Search Terms Torque Machine Stability Lift Mechanism Pulley Windlass Torque Lead Screw Resources Each group of four students should use: (1) Rokenbok Basic Robotics Module (1) Rokenbok Snapstack Module or Advanced Projects Lab Plus Or Basic Robotics Module SnapStack Module Advanced Projects Lab 3

Building Basics Building Basics with Rokenbok The following tips will be helpful when using the Rokenbok Student Design and Engineering System. Connecting/Separating ROK Blocks: ROK Blocks use a friction-fit, pyramid and opening system to connect. Simply press pyramids into openings to connect. To separate blocks, pull apart. Connecting/Separating Rokenbok Smaller Rokenbok components use a tab and opening system to connect. Angle one tab into the opening, and then snap into place. To separate, insert key into the engineered slot and twist. Snapping Across Openings The tabs on Rokenbok components can also be snapped across openings to provide structural support to a design. This will also allow certain designs to function correctly. Attaching String: In some instances, string may be needed in a design. Lay string across opening. Snap any Rokenbok component with tabs or pyramids into opening. Make sure tabs run perpendicular to string for a tight hold. Measuring: The outside dimensions of each Rokenbok connector block is 2cm 3. This means the length, depth, and height are all the same. To determine the size of a Rokenbok build in cm, simply count the number of openings and multiply by two. Repeat this process for length, depth and height. 2cm 2cm 2cm 3 Openings 9 Openings 18cm 6cm 4

Compound Machines Machines vs Mechanisms A machine is a system of working parts that serves a specific purpose. This would include things such as: an elevator that raises and lowers, a vehicle that pushes or pulls, or an arm that can pick and place. A machine usually consists of different mechanisms that make the required movement possible. A compound machine consists of two or more simple machines operating together. The following STEM-Maker builds will focus on analyzing compound robotic machines and recognizing key elements that make them successful. Points of emphasis will include: Knowledge Base of An understanding of how different components can be used to create structures, machines, and movements is essential to create compound, robotic systems. The components in the Rokenbok Basic Robotics and Snapstack Modules allow users to design and create many different types of robotic systems. Structural Stability For any machine to be efficient and reliable, it must have a strong support structure. A strong machine structure will include a stable base, vertical and horizontal supports, as well as bracing where needed. Simple Machines and Mechanisms Robotic systems are made up of different simple machines and mechanisms. They are used to perform different functions in a design such as redirecting motion or to provide mechanical advantage to a system to make work easier. A good understanding of how simple machines and mechanisms work is essential to create robotic systems. 5

Build Plan: Gear Train Lift STEM-Maker Build: Gear Train Lift Featured : Spool, Gear Teeth, Motor Module, Bearing Module Follow the step-by-step graphic instructions to assemble a remote controlled gear train lift. This build will feature the bearing module, gear teeth, motor module, and spool. 1 Assemble Base Frame 2x 6x 6x 2 Attach Motor Module 2x 2x 6

Build Plan: Gear Train Lift 3 Attach Bearing Module 2x 2x 4x 2x 4 Assemble Large Gear 4x 4x 28x 4x 7

Build Plan: Gear Train Lift 5 Attach Large Gear to Bearing Module 6 Assemble Small Gear 4x 4x 16x 8

Build Plan: Gear Train Lift 7 Connect Small Gear to Motor Module 8 Attach Side Supports 2x 2x 9

Build Plan: Gear Train Lift 9 Attach Pulleys and Spool 10 Assemble Carriage 3x 6x 10

Build Plan: Gear Train Lift 11 Attach Maker ROK-Bot and String 60cm Instructions 1. Cut a 60cm piece of string. 2. Connect one end of string to carriage. 3. Tie a knot in other end of string. 4. Run string over pulleys. 5. Connect the knot the slot in the spool. 6. Wind extra string around pulley. 7. Plug in connector cable into the Maker ROK-Bot and motor module. 12 Attach String Instructions: 1. Sync the ROK Star controller to the Maker ROK-Bot. 2. Press the A/B buttons on the ROK Star controller to raise and lower the carriage. 11

Analyzing: Gear Train Lift Key All of the components in a machine are important, however there are several key components that were selected to make this design possible. Since the idea was to create a lift in the form of a gear train, the following components were key to the design: Bearing Module The bearing module allows motion to be transferred from the gear train to the spool. Motor Module The motor module provides rotary power to the lift. It is connected directly to the driver gear. Spool The spool is connected directly to the bearing module. As string winds and unwinds, the carriage raises and lowers. Gear Teeth Gear Teeth are used to build a gear train. The gear train provides additional lifting capabilities to the motor module. 12

Analyzing: Gear Train Lift Structural Stability Construction of the gear train lift started with a sturdy base frame. Vertical supports were added throughout to add stability to the gear train and pulley system. Base Frame Vertical Supports Bearing Module/ Pulley Support Motor Module Support 13

Analyzing: Gear Train Lift Simple Machines/Mechanisms There are several simple machines and mechanisms at work in the gear train lift. These allow the machine to direct power where needed, as well as provide additional lifting capabilities to the machine by creating mechanical advantage. Windlass The large gear is connected directly to the bearing module. The spool is connected to the opposite side. As the large gear turns, the spool turns.this is an example of a windlass (wheel and axle mechanism) that is used to create mechanical advantage in a machine. For more information on how a windlass works, refer to the Rokenbok-Wheel and Axle Design and Engineering Curriculum Packet. Gear Train The gears in this example are wheels and axles with gear teeth attached to them. A motor module is hooked directly to the small gear. The gears are arranged so the small gear drives the larger gear to increase the amount of torque or lifting power in the gear train. Pulley System In this example, one end of the string has been attached directly to the carriage. The other end is wrapped around and connected to the spool. As the spool turns, the string winds or unwinds around the spool and raises and lowers the carriage. The pulley system in this example isnt creating any mechanical advantage, however, it is changing the direction of motion. STEM-Maker Challenge Modify/Improve the pulley system so that it is creating a mechanical advantage. 14

Gear Train Lift: Application Worksheet Instructions Once the gear train lift has been built, complete the following sections below. Structural Stability Explain why having a strong, sturdy base as well as structural supports are necessary for the gear train lift to work properly. Simple Machines/Mechanical Advantage The gear train lift includes at least two simple machines. Name two of them in the spaces provided below: A: B: Does this robotic machine create any mechanical advantage?- Circle Yes or No. If Yes, include where. Mechanical Advantage? Yes or No Where: Mechanisms and Motion Explain the different types of motion that are used in the gear train lift. Is one type of motion produced from another type of motion? 15

Build Plan: Unloading Trailer STEM-Maker Build: Unloading Trailer Featured : Motor Module, Lead Screw, Cog, and Wheels Follow the step-by-step graphic instructions to assemble a remote controlled unloading trailer. This build will feature the motor module, lead screw, cog, and wheels. 1 Assemble Base Frame 2x 4x 2x 2 Attach Trailer Wheels 4x 16

Build Plan: Unloading Trailer 3 Attach Motor Module #1 2x 4 Attach Lead Screw 17

Build Plan: Unloading Trailer 5 Attach Linkage 2x 6 Attach Horizontal Supports 2x 2x 4x 2x 18

Build Plan: Unloading Trailer 7 Assemble Tilting Bed 3x 8 2x 4x Connect Linkage to Bed 19

Build Plan: Unloading Trailer 9 Attach Supports 6x 10 Assemble Linear Bed 2x 3x 2x 2x 20

Build Plan: Unloading Trailer 11 Attach Bed Support 4x 12 Place Linear Bed on Tilting Bed 21

Build Plan: Unloading Trailer 13 Attach Motor Module #2 2x 14 Attach Crossbeam 2x 22

Build Plan: Unloading Trailer 15 Attach Trailer Hitch 16 Connect Trailer/Motor Module #1 Instructions: 1. Plug one end of a connector cable into the X/Y port on the Maker ROK-Bot. 2. Plug the other end of the connector cable into the motor module. 23

Build Plan: Unloading Trailer 17 Attach Motor Module Cable #2 Instructions: 1. Plug one end of a connector cable into the A/B port on the Maker ROK-Bot. 2. Plug the other end of the connector cable into the motor module. 3. Wrap excess cable around receiver as shown. 18 Assemble Beams and Operate Device 6x 3x Instructions: 1. Assemble three beams and place them on trailer as shown. 2. Sync the ROK Star controller to the Maker ROK-Bot. 3. Use the directional pad to drive Maker ROK-Bot and unloading trailer. 3. Press the X/Y buttons on the ROK Star controller to initiate the linear bed. 4. Press the A/B buttons on the ROK Star controller to initiate the tilting bed. 24

Analyzing: Unloading Trailer Key All of the components in a machine are important, however there are several key components that were selected to make this design possible. Since the idea was to create a trailer that could easily unload material, the following key components were used in the design: Motor Modules Motor Modules deliver rotary power to the beds of the trailer. Cog The cog is connected directly to the motor module. As the cog turns, the linear bed moves back and forth. Lead Screw In this example, the lead screw is used to raise and lower the tilting bed. Wheels Wheels allow the unloading trailer to be mobile. The Maker ROK-Bot can haul the trailer where needed to be unloaded. 25

Analyzing: Unloading Trailer Structural Stability Construction of the unloading trailer started with a sturdy base frame. Horizontal and vertical supports were used to distribute weight evenly throughout the trailer. Guides were used to insure the load was stable while in transit. Guides Supports Base Frame Bed Support 26

Analyzing: Unloading Trailer Simple Machines/Mechanisms There are several simple machines and mechanisms at work in the unloading trailer. These allow the machine to direct power where needed, as well as provide additional lifting capabilities to the machine by creating mechanical advantage. Linkage A linkage is used to transfer horizontal linear motion from the lead screw to vertical motion to lift the bed. Cog (Gear) The cog used in this example acts as a gear to convert rotary motion from the motor module into linear motion to move the bed back and forth. Lead Screw A lead screw and nut are used to convert rotary motion into linear motion to lift the tilting bed. The screw is also creating a mechanical advantage to make tilting the bed easier. Lever The tilting bed on the trailer is actually a lever. Hinge blocks are attached to end of the bed. These hinge blocks act as the fulcrum of the lever, while the linkage acts as the effort pushing it up. The lever creates a mechanical advantage to increase the lifting power of the motor module. Question What type of lever is represented in this example? 27

Unloading Trailer: Application Worksheet Instructions Once the unloading trailer has been built, complete the following sections below. Structural Stability Explain why having a strong, sturdy base as well as structural supports are necessary for the unloading trailer to work properly. Simple Machines/Mechanical Advantage The unloading trailer includes at least two simple machines. Name two of them in the spaces provided below: A: B: Does this robotic machine create any mechanical advantage? Circle Yes or No. If Yes, include where. Mechanical Advantage? Yes or No Where: Mechanisms and Motion Explain the different types of motion that are used in the unloading trailer. Is one type of motion produced from another type of motion? 28

Design Challenge Compound, Robotic Machine Design Challenge: Tow Truck Now that you have learned about the compound machine design, it is time to apply the knowledge learned in a creative way. In this challenge, each team must design and engineer a custom tow truck. Read carefully through the design brief below, then use the design and engineering process to develop a design. Design Brief: Scenario ROK City is anticipating a very harsh winter with record breaking amounts of snow. The department of transportation is planning to have custom tow trucks built that will be able to safely and efficiently pull cars and trucks out of snow banks and ditches. Design Challenge Your design challenge is to design and build a custom tow truck using the components in the Rokenbok Basic Robotics and Snapstack Modules. (Advanced Projects Lab can be used in place of Snapstack Module.) Specifications The design must meet the following specifications: 1. The Maker ROK-Bot should be used as the base frame for the tow truck. 2. The tow truck must be controlled by the Rokenbok ROK-Star Controller. 3. The tow truck should include a trailer that can be attached to the back of the Maker ROK-Bot. The trailer should be able to tilt, creating an inclined plane for completely salvaged cars to be loaded onto. 4. The tow truck must feature a tow line that can easily attach to vehicles and pull them onto a trailer bed. Teams may use hands to attach tow line. 5. The tow truck must include at least two simple machines or mechanisms in the design. 6. The design must create mechanical advantage to increase the tow truck s lifting capabilities. 7. The trailer should feature a locking pin so it will not tilt during transport. 8. The design should display strong structural stability throughout. 9. Each team will need to build a small Rokenbok vehicle that includes four wheels. This vehicle will be used to demonstrate the newly constructed tow truck. 10. With each component costing $2, the tow truck must cost less than $180. 29

Design Challenge Compound, Robotic Machine Design & Engineering Challenge Follow each step in the design & engineering process to develop a solution to the challenge. Place a check in the box as each step is completed. Fill in the blanks when necessary. 1. Identify The Challenge Challenge: Review specifications. 2. Brainstorm Ideas & Solutions Discuss design ideas. Consider building components. 3. Build A Prototype Build a working prototype of the design. 4. Test & Improve The Design Test & improve the design for performance and consistency. New challenge discovered: Review grading rubric and design specifications. 5. Explain The Design Prepare to demonstrate and present the design to others. Review project grading rubric. Explain any unique design features that were included. Describe at least one new problem/challenge discovered during Step 4 (Test and Improve The Design) and how the team redesigned a new solution. 30

Design Challenge Compound, Robotic Machine Challenge Evaluation When teams have completed the design & engineering challenge, it should be presented to the teacher and classmates for evaluation. Teams will be graded on the following criteria: Specifications: Does the design meet all specifications as stated in the design brief? Performance: How well does the design work? Does it function consistently? Team Collaboration: How well did the team work together? Can each student descibe how they contributed? Design Quality/Aesthetics: Is the design of high quality? Is it structurally strong, attractive, and well proportioned? Material Cost: What was the total cost of the design? Was the team able to stay on or under budget? Presentation: How well did the team communicate all aspects of the design to others? Grading Rubric Advanced 5 Points Proficient 4 Points Partially Proficient 3 Points Not Proficient 0 Points Specifications Meets all specifications Meets most specifications Meets some specifications Does not meet specifications Performance Design performs consistently well Design performs well often Design is partially functional Design does not work Team Collaboration Every member of team contributed Most members of team contributed Some members of team contributed Team did not work together Design Quality/ Aesthetics Great design/ aesthetics Good design/ aesthetics Average design/ aesthetics Poor design/ aesthetics Material Cost On Budget ($180 or Less) Slightly Over Budget ($181-185) Over Budget ($186-195) Significantly Over Budget ($196+) Presentation Great presentation/ well explained Good presentation/ well explained Poor presentation/ explanation No presentation/ explanation Points Total Points /30 55-01147-201 31