TEST FIXTURE PROTOTYPE
Goddard Technologies Internship Summer 2021
During my time at my summer internship at Goddard Technologies, I was tasked to design a test system harness to hold an agar plate in for firing the testing system. This harness had to move in all 3 directions, be able to lock into place, fit in a 1' x 1' x 2' box, and cost less than 200$.
BRAINSTORM AND PRESENTATION
I began by leading a brainstorming session that consisted of my manager and two other senior mechanical engineers at Goddard. After this session I chose three different designs I thought were the best. These included using magnets, 3D printing a case for the plate, using a heavy duty rotating arm, and using linear bearings sliding across 80/20. I then presented these three designs to the internal team using SolidWorks models. As a team we discussed the benefits and efficiencies of each design and chose one. The design chosen consisted of three sliding linear bearings mounted on 80/20 bars that lock into place and a push toggle clamp with a 3D printed adaptor piece.
FIRST PROTOTYPE
What I did: After finalizing my idea and designing it in SolidWorks, I ordered the parts to build it and began the first prototype. This was more of a proof of concepts and I presented to the client to demonstrate how it would work.
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What I learned: Through the first prototype I learned how to effectively present to the client in an efficient and easy to understand way. I also learned how to use shop tools such as drilling and taping screw holes and using the saw machines to cut materials.
FINAL PROTOTYPE
From the first prototype I made some minor adjustments which included modifying the 3D printed piece that levels out the agar plate and adding another slider to allow the plate to move back and forth as well. I then presented this final prototype to the client, packaged it up to send to the team and wrote instructions on how to assemble it.
