Band on the Run

The goal of the project is to work with the Mechanical Engineering team to create a platform for the band members to use during half time shows.

=Problem Definition= Our Band on the Run project was previously known as the BandBeesten Project. There have been many changes throughout BandBeetsen's life time. This year we were tasked with creating a whole new platform for the University of Idaho marching band members to use during performances. While the Mechanical Engineering team was tasked with building the platform itself, our goal was to create an electrical system that allowed the platform to be controlled by a RC controller.

Deliverables
=Design Considerations=

Overview
As our project progressed our design considerations evolved. However, we did have some basic considerations from the beginning. We were tasked to produce an electrical system capable of propelling a platform of substantial weight by way of remote control. This system must be operational for approximately 15 minutes, be able to rotate, translate and above all function in a safe manner. These constraints inferred some basic needs to consider:  System control Energy storage Electric motors Remote communications 

As we considered these basic needs and chose components to fulfill those needs our considerations progressed.

System Control
When considering system control, and all subsequent topics in this section, development time and cost must also be considered. This led us to focus on microcontrollers for our main computing unit for system control. As microcontroller technology has become ever more available to consumers, at low price points, we had many choices to choose from.

Sensors
To ensure safe operation and to implement a control algorithm, we realized we must also consider sensors. The sensors must acquire data on velocity, acceleration, position, currents, voltages and temperatures.

Energy Storage
The energy needed to accelerate a vehicle of significant weight can be substantial. We had to consider this in our design, along with our clients want for a modern storage solution, as opposed to a lead-acid based storage solution. Furthermore, we had to consider the storage's voltage, its ability to source current and the operation temperatures. Another consideration that came to light during the investigation into our storage solution was the management of modern energy storage, specifically, the management of lithium based energy storage technology.

Management
Energy management considerations must change based on the technology used. Since we were constrained to lithium technology, we had to take extra care in these considerations for safety concerns. To properly manage lithium ion in the safest manner, we had to consider how to manage the sources voltage, current draw and sink, when charging, and temperature. With cost considerations in mind, and after some research, we found we would have to consider this source as a bank of individual cells. This realization brings new considerations. Specifically, cell balancing, for series connections, and the physical connections between cells and their ability to withstand large currents.

Electric Motors
When considering motors for this design we immediately ruled out AC motors for development time and cost and focused on DC motors. When considering DC motors, we had to consider, torque ratings, speed ratings, current draw, voltages and thermal characteristics.

Motor Control
To improve development time and complexity, we decided to focus on a sophisticated H-bridge motor controller. We had to consider its ability to control the speed, torque and acceleration. We also had to consider its current and voltage ratings as this device would have to withstand relatively large currents.

Remote Communications
This vehicle is intended to operate

=Specifications=

Major Design Components
=Project Learning=

=Final Design=

=Validation=

=Team Members=

=Additional Documentation=

Project Schedule



Meeting Minutes

[October 5, 2020 Meeting Minutes] Presentations



Client Interview