Battery operated omnidirectional platform

The goal of this project was to work with a mechanical engineering team to create a mobile RC platform for the University of Idaho Marching Band during the band’s performances. =Problem Definition= The Battery Operated Omnidirectional Platform is a continuation of the project called Band on the Run from last year. Our goal is to create a mobile platform that can be used to carry various instruments and personnel. The platform will be remotely controlled by a wireless controller and powered by rechargeable batteries.

Background
The University of Idaho Marching Band (also known as the Voice of Idaho) has over a one-hundred years of history. With hundreds of outstanding students, the band provides excellent performances for the University of Idaho sports programs and school events. In 2011, Dr. Edwin Odom, from the Department of Mechanical Engineering, and Dr. Daniel Bukvich, professor of Percussion and Music Theory, started a project to design a mobile drum set to be used during performances by the University Band, which came to be known as the Band-Beesten. This year we're improving on and finishing a new mobile platform which will be much more modular, thus allowing a greater degree of artistic freedom for the Sound of Idaho.

Deliverables
Battery operated omnidirectional platform project should operate under these specififications: Controlled remotely over a distance of 100 meters Powered by lithium based cells Have a total payload of 800lbs Provide continuous movement and operation for 15 to 20 minutes Translate and rotate independently from 2 different reference perspectives Maintain multiple modes of safety and redundancy measures to prevent malfunction or harm to riders Designed with environmental, global, social, and economic factors as constraints per ABET requirements 

=Design Considerations=

Overview
Through the comprehensive consideration of the design specification of the platform, we conclude that the platform needs the following basic requirements:
 * 

System control</li> Energy storage</li> Electric motors</li> Remote communications</li> </ul>

System Control
System control is an important part of the electronic system of the platform, especially the microcontroller used in the main computing unit of the system control, which includes sensors and energy storage.

Sensors
The sensors we are using in this project will allow us to get information such as speed, temperature, current, and voltage. By using encoders, accelerometers, and thermistors, we can ensure safe operation of the platform.

Energy Storage
Because the platform needs to translate and articulate about the field whilst moving about 800 pounds, including its own weight, a lot of energy is needed to propel the platform. The use of lithium batteries ensured that a higher power density could be obtained, but to use lithium batteries requires the use of a battery management system (BMS). Considerations for choosing a BMS were: the voltage</li> current</li> Battery Temp over use</li>

Energy Management
The lithium cells are managed using a battery management system (BMS) described in a later section of this page. Battery pack were made using LiFePO4 batteries. A "cell" is then constructed of 8 batteries in parallel. A full battery "pack" then was made from 8 of the "cells" placed in series. Our energy source mitigates many safety concerns associated with more traditional lithium ion chemistries.

Electric Motors
When considering a motor, we must consider torque ratings, speed ratings, current consumption, voltage and thermal characteristics in order to ensure the safety and capability of the platform.

Motor Control
With regard to motor controllers, we must consider their ability to control speed, torque and acceleration. Current and voltage are also important considerations, as the motor must withstand relatively large currents.

Remote Communications
In order to avoid interference with signals on the platform and to ensure signal integrity, the signal transmission distance had to also be considered. The typical distance considered is half of a football field (50 yards) to a maximum of the entire length (100 yards). In this manner we can ensure all possible variations of movement on a field are accounted for.

=Specifications=

Major Design Components
=Project Learning= <p style="font-size:17px">Learning Goals<P>  The reason for design</li>   Systematic summary of the learned knowledge, improve the ability of comprehensive application. In the design  process, a systematic review and summary of the previous professional basic knowledge, professional knowledge, curriculum design and production practice.</li>  Continue to learn new knowledge, gradually improve the knowledge structure, through theory and practice, improve the ability to solve practical problems.</li>  Improved our teamwork and communication skills through weekly meetings, reports and discussions, through the exchange of information and ideas, help us to complete the project better.</li>  Cultivate our comprehensive application of the basic theory and professional knowledge of the ability to solve engineering and technical problems.</li> </ul>

=Final Design= The platform consists of four omnidirectional wheels, each driven by an electric motor that is able to rotate and move easily across the field, carries approximately 800 pounds, runs for at least 15 to 20 minutes, and is remotely controlled by an RC controller and receives commands from sensors to receive information, and is powered by a lithium battery source. The lithium cells are managed using a battery management system.

=Additional Documentation=

Code

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1xyedKqGsTjozy96BKvYeSZpPIHeirnee

Meeting Minutes

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1KGosfL3CM-6RcloYBeyTq2qicFHQb5os

Design Review

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1AKPyCWhBV05nmORdXEKZ9gJTPJg-qod6

Budget

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/19DSChNGeVE9RLb3vltRxdsD86Fh2ls9S

=Team Members=