Group 1 - Product Name Here - Revision history

MAE 277 2011 Group1: /* Functional Model */

2011-12-19T22:12:14Z

Functional Model

MAE 277 2011 Group1: /* Management Plan */

2011-12-19T22:11:20Z

Management Plan

MAE 277 2011 Group1: /* Cost Differences */

2011-12-19T22:06:10Z

Cost Differences

MAE 277 2011 Group1: /* Gasoline */

2011-12-19T22:03:48Z

Gasoline

MAE 277 2011 Group1: /* Controlled Speed */

2011-12-19T22:00:38Z

Controlled Speed

MAE 277 2011 Group1: /* Simple Design */

2011-12-19T21:58:30Z

Simple Design

MAE 277 2011 Group1: /* Management Plan */

2011-12-19T21:52:59Z

Management Plan

MAE 277 2011 Group1: /* Interaction Complexity */

2011-12-19T21:52:36Z

Interaction Complexity

MAE 277 2011 Group1: /* Complexity Profile */

2011-12-19T21:52:12Z

Complexity Profile

MAE 277 2011 Group1: /* User Interface Profile */

2011-12-19T21:30:29Z

User Interface Profile

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:12, 19 December 2011
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	'''Engine:''' The engine is intended to be disassembled in order to repair broken parts and components as well as determine the series of subsystems that it entails for analysis to ensure proper and efficient operation. Evidence that the engine is intended to be disassembled is the fact that it is built using bolts, screws and gaskets and doesn’t have any welded connections which give the user the option to disassemble it in the occurrence that replacement parts or system analysis is needed.		'''Engine:''' The engine is intended to be disassembled in order to repair broken parts and components as well as determine the series of subsystems that it entails for analysis to ensure proper and efficient operation. Evidence that the engine is intended to be disassembled is the fact that it is built using bolts, screws and gaskets and doesn’t have any welded connections which give the user the option to disassemble it in the occurrence that replacement parts or system analysis is needed.
−
−	~~==Functional Model==~~
−
−	~~[[File:Functional Model2.png\|center\|frame\|Figure 2.2: Tecumseh HSK635 Functions]]~~

	==Subsystem Connection Table==		==Subsystem Connection Table==

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:11, 19 December 2011
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	When a new gate of the project is assigned we meet to discuss what the gate is asking in detail and which of us would be best to do each section. We plan to do the majority of work away from each other, then the next time we meet each of us will revise everyone’s sections to get five different perspectives on the analysis at hand so that everything is covered that needs to be. We set deadlines for each segment that is a minimum of three to four days before the official deadline in class so that we have a sufficient amount of time for revisions of each segment as well as formatting and professionalism.		When a new gate of the project is assigned we meet to discuss what the gate is asking in detail and which of us would be best to do each section. We plan to do the majority of work away from each other, then the next time we meet each of us will revise everyone’s sections to get five different perspectives on the analysis at hand so that everything is covered that needs to be. We set deadlines for each segment that is a minimum of three to four days before the official deadline in class so that we have a sufficient amount of time for revisions of each segment as well as formatting and professionalism.
		+
		+	[[File:management chart.png]]

	===Roles===		===Roles===

← Older revision		Revision as of 22:06, 19 December 2011
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−	There are significant differences in initial cost between the two-stroke engine and the DC motor. A lower horsepower DC motor can start at $80.00 and go up to ~~about~~ $300.00. A typical two stroke engine will cost initially between $200.00-$500.00 ~~dollars~~. If this motor were to be used for a lawnmower, it would be ~~on the lower~~ end ~~of that~~ scale. However, the maintenance cost does need to be taken into consideration. New brushes would cost a ~~lot~~ to replace because the motor has to be taken apart to reach the commutator. If looking for a ~~louder~~ more powerful engine, the two-stroke is ~~more powerful. However~~, if looking for an engine that will get the job done in a quieter, more efficient way, the electric DC motor is the better of the two.	+	There are significant differences in initial cost between the two-stroke engine and the DC motor. A lower horsepower DC motor can start at $80.00 and vary up to approximately $300.00. A typical two-stroke engine will cost initially between $200.00 and $500.00. If this motor were to be used for a lawnmower, it would be a low end scale of most common small application motors. However, the maintenance cost does need to be taken into consideration. New brushes would cost a sufficient amount to replace because the motor has to be taken apart to reach the commutator. If the consumer is looking for a more powerful engine, the two-stroke is the ideal choice, however, if they are looking for an engine that will get the job done in a quieter, more efficient way, the electric DC motor is the better of the two.

	=Gate 2: Product Dissection=		=Gate 2: Product Dissection=

@@ Line 286: / Line 286: @@
 ====Gasoline====
-Unlike most other motors, an electric motor does not require gasoline. This means that this is theoretically the more environmentally friendly of the alternatives due to both cost reduction, and elimination of gasoline. It will not cost money to buy gasoline for this motor. No gasoline also means that there are no needs for pumps or valves, so the structure of the engine is simpler. This also means that the cost of running and maintaining it is also lower.
+Unlike most common motors, an electric DC motor does not require an input of gasoline. This means that this is theoretically the more environmentally friendly of the alternatives due to both cost reduction, and elimination of gasoline. This alternative does not included the additional cost of buying gasoline on top of the initial cost of the engine. The elimination of gasoline also means that there is no need for pumps or valves, so the structure of the engine results in being much less complex while also eliminating the frequent need for maintenance of the engine.
 ====Efficiency====

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 ====Controlled Speed====
-Controlling the speed of a D.C. motor is simple. The higher the voltage being put in, the faster the electromagnet will rotate.  Equation 1 ([http://www.gizmology.net/motors.htm]) demonstrates this relationship:
+While some aspects of an electric DC motor may be complex the act of controlling the speed is relatively simple. As the voltage being inputted into the system increases as will the speed of the rotation of the electromagnet.  Equation 1 ([http://www.gizmology.net/motors.htm]) demonstrates this relationship:
 [[File:product alternative2.png]]
-According to this equation, there is a linear relationship between V (voltage) and N (rpm). This allows for variable speeds /rpm rates.
+According to this equation, there is a linear relationship between V (voltage) and N (rpm). This allows for variable speeds/rpm rates.
 ====Gasoline====

@@ Line 274: / Line 274: @@
 ====Simple Design====
-An electric DC motor uses a magnet to rotate a crankshaft which creates kinetic energy. [[File:product alternative1.png|right|frame|Figure 1.3: Electromagnet inside an Electric Field [http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/motor6.htm]]] A simple DC motor has a loop of wires that is inside a magnetic field. This loop of wires is known as the electromagnet. Opposite charges attract, so when the electromagnet turns to be in equilibrium, the crankshaft is rotated. At the exact moment the electromagnet does a half turn, the direction of current in the electromagnet changes, and it rotates the rest of the way around ([http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/motor6.htm]).  The electric field is switched using a commutator and brushes attached to the commutator ([http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/magnetic/comtat.html]). Switching the current every half rotation allows it to build momentum and rotate faster.
+Instead of using a gasoline powered combustion like that of the two-stroke engine, an electric DC motor uses an electromagnet to rotate a crankshaft which creates a mechanical rotational energy output. [[File:product alternative1.png|right|frame|Figure 1.3: Electromagnet inside an Electric Field [http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/motor6.htm]]] A simple DC motor has a loop of wires, known as an electromagnet that is located inside of a magnetic field. As the opposite charges attract, the electromagnet will turn to be in its equilibrium state, which results in the rotation of the crankshaft. At the exact moment the electromagnet does a half turn, the direction of current in the electromagnet changes, and it rotates the rest of the way around ([http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/motor6.htm]).  The electric field is switched using a commutator and brushes attached to the commutator ([http://hyperphysics.phy-astr.gsu.edu/hbase/magnetic/comtat.html]). Switching the current every half rotation allows it to build momentum and rotate faster, resulting in a constant and powerful rotation cycle of the crankshaft.
 ====Controlled Speed====

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:52, 19 December 2011
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	When a new gate of the project is assigned we meet to discuss what the gate is asking in detail and which of us would be best to do each section. We plan to do the majority of work away from each other, then the next time we meet each of us will revise everyone’s sections to get five different perspectives on the analysis at hand so that everything is covered that needs to be. We set deadlines for each segment that is a minimum of three to four days before the official deadline in class so that we have a sufficient amount of time for revisions of each segment as well as formatting and professionalism.		When a new gate of the project is assigned we meet to discuss what the gate is asking in detail and which of us would be best to do each section. We plan to do the majority of work away from each other, then the next time we meet each of us will revise everyone’s sections to get five different perspectives on the analysis at hand so that everything is covered that needs to be. We set deadlines for each segment that is a minimum of three to four days before the official deadline in class so that we have a sufficient amount of time for revisions of each segment as well as formatting and professionalism.
−

	===Roles===		===Roles===

@@ Line 213: / Line 213: @@
 ===Interaction Complexity===
-While the complexity of some of the components above may not be too complex the interactions between each of these components result in much higher complexity of the engine and its cycle.
+While the complexity of some of the components above may not be too complex the interactions between each of these components result in much higher complexity of the engine and its cycle. A simulation of these interactions can be found through [http://www.animatedengines.com/twostroke.shtml]
 '''Carburetor'''
-The carburetor interaction with the engine is the most complex interaction due to its function of injecting fuel into the combustion chamber in order for the ignition to occur and cause the movement of the piston. The carburetor must interact with the necessity of the user through the throttle and choke to regulate the amount of or ratio of the fuel/air mixture that is being pushed into the engine. This interaction must convert a human signal into mechanical regulation which makes it the most complex interaction in the engine system. A simulation of these interactions can be found through [http://www.animatedengines.com/twostroke.shtml]
+The carburetor interaction with the engine is the most complex interaction due to its function of injecting fuel into the combustion chamber in order for the ignition to occur and cause the movement of the piston. The carburetor must interact with the necessity of the user through the throttle and choke to regulate the amount of or ratio of the fuel/air mixture that is being pushed into the engine. This interaction must convert a human signal into mechanical regulation which makes it the most complex interaction in the engine system.
 '''Fly Wheel, Magneto & Spark Plug'''

@@ Line 183: / Line 183: @@
 ==Complexity Profile==
-There are about 11 major components responsible for the function of a two stroke engine.  The individual components are not that complex. The most complex individual part would be the carburetor, it is a complete subsystem. The carburetor is responsible for the mixing of fuel and oxygen before the combined gasses are ignited in the cylinder head. The major components identified are listed below.
+===Component Complexity===
 {|border="1" align=center style="text-align:center;"
@@ Line 209: / Line 211: @@
 |}
-The interactions of these components are a lot more complex. Starting from the top, the pull start is used on our engine, to get the combustion process going. This is done by spinning a wheel that is attached to the crank shaft. At the same time this wheel has several magnets embedded around its perimeter. When the wheel spins the magnets move past a box called the magneto that generates an electrical charge. At a certain point in the revolution of this disk the magneto steps up the voltage output enough to create a spark between the two electrodes of the spark plug. This process occurs when the piston is at the top of the cylinder where gases have been compressed by the spark plug. When the spark plug ignites it pushes the piston back down to the bottom of the cylinder. This allows the burnt gasses to escape and unburned gasses to flow into the cylinder. During the process of combustion a connecting rod had transferred the energy to the crankshaft, which converts the linear energy into rotational energy. Still working off the energy from the first explosion, the crankshaft has stored enough rotational energy to push the piston back to the top of the cylinder, compressing the unburned gasses and the whole process repeats. An animation of
+'''Piston, Connecting Rod & Crankshaft'''
-the process can be found at:
-http://www.animatedengines.com/twostroke.shtml . Timing is a big factor in the interactions of these components, if one process isn’t timed right the engine doesn’t work, or doesn’t work well.
+Another complex interaction in the two-stroke engine cycle is that of the piston, connecting rod and crankshaft. This interaction accounts for the output of power of the engine which is critical to the efficiency. The piston will receive pneumatic energy from the combustion of fuel in the combustion chamber and convert that into mechanical translational energy by its movement down that cylinder, this movement results in a push on the connecting rod which is attached to the crankshaft. As the piston moves repeatedly up and down in the cylinder the connecting rod will convert the mechanical translational energy into mechanical rotational energy into the crankshaft to be outputted through the crank shaft. Due to the high level of interaction of this system with the amount of power outputted this interaction is very complex.
 ==Material Profile==

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:30, 19 December 2011
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−	In terms of what is ~~actually happening~~ inside and complexity of design, engines are very intricate. [[File:user interface1.png\|right\|frame\|Figure 1.3: Spark Plug]] On the other hand, in terms of ~~what a~~ user ~~must do to utilize an~~ engine, it is a relatively simple tool to use. In comparison to an advanced device, such as a computer, the two stroke engine has an easy ~~to use~~ interface. For this reason, a wide variety of individuals are capable of using these tools. For example, elderly people can cut their lawn just as children can, both of which need little technical skill. There are four main controls on a two stroke engine that need to be known for proper use. These controls include the pull cord, the throttle, the choke and the fuel tank. The choke, throttle and fuel tank are clearly labeled, resulting in a simple user interface for these components. The throttle allows the user to determine how fast the engine is running or how many revolutions per minute it is outputting. The choke determines the ratio of fuel to air the engine is receiving which allows the user to start the engine quicker in harsher conditions, such as in cold weather. Users must keep the fuel tank full of an oil and gasoline mixture, of which a ratio is clearly labeled on top of the fuel tank cover. The pull cord is the easiest task the user must do to get the two stroke engine running, since it is as simple as pulling the cord, but without a label or instruction, may cause a bit of confusion at first. Overall, the two stroke engine is quite a simple tool for just about anyone to use.	+	In terms of what is occurring inside the engine and complexity of design, engines are very intricate. [[File:user interface1.png\|right\|frame\|Figure 1.3: Spark Plug]] On the other hand, in terms of user input and knowledge of the engine, it is a relatively simple tool to use. In comparison to an advanced device, such as a computer, the two-stroke engine has a sufficiently easy interface for the user. For this reason, a wide variety of individuals are capable of using these tools. For example, elderly people can cut their lawn just as children can, both of which need little technical skill.
		+
		+	There are four main controls on a two-stroke engine that need to be known for proper use. These controls include the pull cord, the throttle, the choke and the fuel tank. The choke, throttle and fuel tank are clearly labeled, resulting in a simple user interface for these components. The throttle allows the user to determine how fast the engine is running or how many revolutions per minute it is outputting. The choke determines the ratio of fuel to air the engine is receiving which allows the user to start the engine quicker in harsher conditions, such as in cold weather. Users must keep the fuel tank full of an oil and gasoline mixture, of which a ratio is clearly labeled on top of the fuel tank cover. The pull cord is the easiest task the user must do to get the two stroke engine running, since it is as simple as pulling the cord, but without a label or instruction, may cause a bit of confusion at first. Overall, the two stroke engine is quite a simple tool for just about anyone to use.

	As with anything that has moving parts, there is always maintenance required. Since there is such interchangeability with engine components, keeping a two stroke in a proper working condition isn’t necessarily hard, but may require previous knowledge about engines depending on the issue. The mixing of oil directly into the gasoline means that the engine is lubricating itself just by running. This self lubrication process means less maintenance for the owner. This is a great advantage over other engines that only run gasoline or diesel because with these other engines the oil must be changed frequently. Like other internal combustion engines, the spark plugs become dirty and wear out after time, so they must be changed. The life-cycle of a spark plug depends greatly on the amount of use the engine receives. Changing a spark plug is not difficult and can be done by the average two stroke engine owner with proper tools. Another important task that must be done to keep an engine in a good working condition is the cleaning of the air filter. This most likely has to be done less and is easier than changing the spark plug, depending on the environmental conditions the engine is running in. Having a working fuel filter is another maintenance requirement because damage to the engine can be caused by debris entering it either through the air taken in or the fuel. Cleaning or replacing the fuel filter is more of a difficult task because it is located inside the fuel tank. Depending on the owner’s technical skills and knowledge this may have to be done by a professional, but it is possible for the average two stroke engine owner to accomplish.		As with anything that has moving parts, there is always maintenance required. Since there is such interchangeability with engine components, keeping a two stroke in a proper working condition isn’t necessarily hard, but may require previous knowledge about engines depending on the issue. The mixing of oil directly into the gasoline means that the engine is lubricating itself just by running. This self lubrication process means less maintenance for the owner. This is a great advantage over other engines that only run gasoline or diesel because with these other engines the oil must be changed frequently. Like other internal combustion engines, the spark plugs become dirty and wear out after time, so they must be changed. The life-cycle of a spark plug depends greatly on the amount of use the engine receives. Changing a spark plug is not difficult and can be done by the average two stroke engine owner with proper tools. Another important task that must be done to keep an engine in a good working condition is the cleaning of the air filter. This most likely has to be done less and is easier than changing the spark plug, depending on the environmental conditions the engine is running in. Having a working fuel filter is another maintenance requirement because damage to the engine can be caused by debris entering it either through the air taken in or the fuel. Cleaning or replacing the fuel filter is more of a difficult task because it is located inside the fuel tank. Depending on the owner’s technical skills and knowledge this may have to be done by a professional, but it is possible for the average two stroke engine owner to accomplish.