Group 22 - Black & Decker Alligator Lopper

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==='''Gate Four'''===
 
==='''Gate Four'''===
  
[[Alligator Lopper: Gate4 | Gate 4]]
 
  
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===='''Purpose'''====
  
  
=== Solid Modeling ===
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In this stage of the Project, the group will reassemble their product as a means of acquiring more detailed information regarding its functionality and properties that will be used for students to create a conclusion about their overall product. The groups will share any unresolved challenges encountered and explain how these problems were addressed.
  
The most important components of the Alligator Lopper are the ones that comprise the drive shaft, gear exchange, second drive shaft, and sprocket. These components translate the rotational energy produce by the motor, increase its torque, and then transfers that energy to the chain through the sprocket. This is what gives the chain its energy and motion. In addition the motor mount itself is extremely important as a component to the rest of the product because almost everything is built around it. It has a number of holes, both threaded and smooth, which allows other parts to be screwed or bolted to it. So in terms of not only the mechanics of the Lopper but also the overall structure, the components we chose are integral to the successful operation of the product.
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The group will describe how the product was reassembled by a detailed and organized table that describes specific tools usage, assembly difficulty, and pictures or videos where relevant. The outline created should be written with regards to an individual not familiar with the product, in which the individual can successfully reassemble the product.
  
Alex modeled the components using Solidworks, which is a three dimensional modeling software program. The interface is very user friendly and intuitive and its rendering of the model provides a very aesthetically pleasing depiction. Not only does it render shadows, it also can show glare off of rounded parts resulting from artificial light sources. In addition, Alex has had experience using Solidworks since he used it over the summer during his internship.
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This gate also demonstrated that the group can identify mechanisms their device uses to generate specific motion, control system behavior, modify/condition energy. They will identify its technical name, clearly state its purpose, document how the mechanism works, and provide equations that are required for the design of the mechanism.
  
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Finally, the group will recommend at least three design changes for the product at the system level, including features that be would changed or eliminated; these changes should reflect global, societal, economic, or environmental concerns. Additionally, the changes should improve performance, serviceability, and cost, with regards to the fact that the products targets audience and price point.
  
===Component Assessment===
 
  
{| style="border-collapse: collapse; border-width: 1px; border-style: solid; border-color: #000"
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Explore here ---> [[Alligator Lopper: Gate4 | '''Gate Four''']]
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! style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px"| Component Name
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! style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px"| Component Function
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! style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px"| Component Form (Geometry, Material, and Appearance)
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! style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px"| Manufacturing Methods
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! style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px"| Component Complexity
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|-
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| style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px"| Trigger
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| style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px"| The function of the trigger is to set off the engine throttle and get the system up and running.  There are two identical triggers and they need to be pressed simultaneously for it to work. The human input which is put into this component when pressed is then converted into mechanical energy flow which results in the rest of the subsystems functioning appropriately. The pressed trigger trips a switch which allows electricity to flow to the motor.
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| style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px"| The component is almost like a cap that is hollow and set up with springs under it. This material is made out of plastic and is relatively light weight. This component is black which sets it apart from the other orange parts. It is a different color because it performs one of the main functions. It does not really have an aesthetic finish. The component is approximately 4 X 1 X 1 inches. The components shape is appropriate to how it is meant to perform.  Since the inside is empty it has the ability to fit the springs which will be pushing against the switch when needed. 
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| style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px"| Injection Molding. Some evidence that supports this is that it is made out of plastic which is the material generally used in injection molding.  Riser marks and parting lines are also seen on the material which further proves that it was made in this way. The shape of the trigger definitely influenced the way that it was made because there are two identical triggers on each chainsaw and injection molding is one of the best ways to speed up production if a mold is being reused. 
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| style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px"| ****
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|-
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| style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px"| Chain
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| style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px"| The ultimate function of the chain is to cut the wood or material of the users choice.  When the triggers are engaged, the clutch make contact with the motor drive shaft and the sprocket. This in turn spins the sprocket which drives the chain around the chain guide. The chain does not work alone but instead is triggered by these various different subsystems. This component best functions in areas with branches and wood that needs to be cut and/or shaped.  It is easier to hold and carry compared to a heavy duty chainsaw which is meant for large scale agricultural work. The component helps cut the wood.
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| style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px"| It consists of steel links held together by rivets, and really resembles the chain on a bicycle. It's key differences are sharp cutting teeth on the outside of the chain loop, and flat drive links on the inside, to retain the chain on the saw's bar and allow propulsion by the engine or motor. This component is used primarily for cutting down trees and clearing land of plant and bush growth quickly and effectively. It is generally 2 dimensional.  The component is almost like a miniature version of a bicycle chain. It does not have an aesthetic finish and it is generally made out of steel or another type of metal. This component is used for functional reasons and plays a major roll in the overall function of the chainsaw.
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| style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px"| What manufacturing methods were used to make the part?
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What evidence supports this?
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Did material choice impact this decision?
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Did shape impact the method selected?
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This component is used primarily for cutting down trees and clearing land of plant and bush growth quickly and effectively. It is not meant for major agricultural work and is made for residential settings.
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| style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px"| How complex is each component?
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Define a meaningful scale?
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How do the three categories above impact complexity?
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How complex are the interactions?
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How can you define a meaningful scale?
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|-
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| style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px"| Power Cord
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| style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px"| The basic and sole purpose of a power cable is to transport electrical energy from the source of the electricity to the device. 
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| style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px"| It consists of steel links held together by rivets, and really resembles the chain on a bicycle. It's key differences are sharp cutting teeth on the outside of the chain loop, and flat drive links on the inside, to retain the chain on the saw's bar and allow propulsion by the engine or motor. This component is used primarily for cutting down trees and clearing land of plant and bush growth quickly and effectively. It is generally 2 dimensional.  The component is almost like a miniature version of a bicycle chain. It does not have an aesthetic finish and it is generally made out of steel or another type of metal. This component is used for functional reasons and plays a major roll in the overall function of the chainsaw.
+
| style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px"| What manufacturing methods were used to make the part?
+
What evidence supports this?
+
Did material choice impact this decision?
+
Did shape impact the method selected?
+
This component is used primarily for cutting down trees and clearing land of plant and bush growth quickly and effectively. It is not meant for major agricultural work and is made for residential settings.
+
| style="border-style: solid; border-width: 1px"| How complex is each component?
+
Define a meaningful scale?
+
How do the three categories above impact complexity?
+
How complex are the interactions?
+
How can you define a meaningful scale?
+
|-
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Revision as of 17:40, 25 November 2012

Black and Decker Alligator Lopper Electric Chainsaw.

Contents

Members

Alexander M.
Keerthi K.
Spencer K.
Allicia G.
Zachery W.

Introduction

Black and Decker has revolutionized the tool industry with their Alligator Lopper; a design that is described as a combination of an ordinary chainsaw and the parent lopper. The Alligator Lopper is ideal for tree pruning, clearing brush, storm clean-up, cutting firewood and more, and it is a great alternative to chainsaws, manual loppers, handsaws and clippers.

This innovative tool will make cleaning up the yard less of a chore. The clamping jaws grab and cut in 1 easy motion, and with the 4.5 Amp motor, you'll get fast and powerful performance. After a storm, this device can cut fallen branches into manageable pieces to take to the curb or stack by the fire pit. When manual pruners just won't cut it, you'll appreciate the 4 inch cutting capacity that allows you to not only tidy up the yard, but eliminate large branches that keep the sun from reaching your garden below.

The Alligator Lopper’s jaws offer the ultimate in controlled cutting. The rugged metal guards that cover the jaws protect you from the cutting chain and immediately cover the blades once the cut is complete. The scissor action allows for fast, easy cutting and is great for pruning trees & shrubs.

Project Proposal

Work Proposal

In our group's attempt to further understand the inner mechanisms of our multi-purpose Alligator Lopper hand tool, we plan to perform reverse engineering and deconstruct the equipment to reveal its moving internal parts and subsystem interactions. Once we obtain the actual product, we can further examine its exterior and make assumptions about its limitations as far as movement, accessibility, and other similar characteristics. However, the bulk of our project requires us to disassemble the product. Based on pictures we have viewed online, we anticipate that we will use a wrench or socket set for the two main exterior bolts, Phillips screwdrivers will be required for the outer housing, and a set of allen wrenches could be of significant use when dismantling the subsystems within the housing. During the deconstruction process, we plan to arrange the disassembled parts in an ordered fashion documenting their purpose and its placement within the product's systems. This will make an easier task of reassembling the product after our dissection. Our group seems to be strong in understanding the technical workings of this piece of equipment based on photographs seemingly due to previous experience with lawn care devices. At least one of us has used a chainsaw a few times in their life so that experience and understanding will come in handy when trying to reverse engineer this product.

Management Proposal

Before getting started on each gate, the group gates should be divided into different tasks for which each group member will be responsible for. One person will be assigned as the "Communication Liaison". They will be in charge of making sure everyone is knowledgeable about what is going on and who will do what tasks. There will also be a "Gate Manager" who does the updating to the wiki and final check of the uploaded information. They will work with the "Communication Liaison to make sure everyone is doing their work. The group should outline how they plan on tackling the upcoming gate. Based on group member preference, the actual work will be divided equally among the group. This will allow each member to pursue their own interests in dealing with the project. Revision will be a constant process and the group should meet a few times before the assignment date to make sure everyone is on track in delivering their assigned part of the work. The last few days before the due date the group should meet in its entirety and have a formal review of what has been completed so that it is up to the academic standards of each group member.

The following members can be contacted if there are questions about the group:

Group 22 Chart.jpeg


Project Gates

Gate One

Gate 1

Gate Two

Gate 2

Gate Three

Purpose

In this stage of the project, the group will use the previously dissected components hidden within the subsystems to gather more detailed information about the product. Rather than looking at the flows and functions of the overall subsystems, such as the chainsaw, or the motor, the group will analyzed the components of those systems by specifying the functionality, process in which the component were created from, and flows that go in and out of those components. Added to the analysis of the components, the group will provide 3 Dimensional models of the components that exist within the subsystems.

The group will examine key components or functions of the system, and explain how engineering analysis would be used in the design or testing stages of the design process. They will apply relevantly common equations and processes that would allow an engineer to easily perform this analysis. The final task at hand is following through with the engineering analysis to perform design revisions for at least three components of the subsystem level. The group is allowed to change, combine, or eliminate components, and express global, societal, economic, or environmental concerns regard said changes. The changes should improve performance, serviceability, cost, and other such properties of the product.


Explore here ---> Gate Three

Gate Four

Purpose

In this stage of the Project, the group will reassemble their product as a means of acquiring more detailed information regarding its functionality and properties that will be used for students to create a conclusion about their overall product. The groups will share any unresolved challenges encountered and explain how these problems were addressed.

The group will describe how the product was reassembled by a detailed and organized table that describes specific tools usage, assembly difficulty, and pictures or videos where relevant. The outline created should be written with regards to an individual not familiar with the product, in which the individual can successfully reassemble the product.

This gate also demonstrated that the group can identify mechanisms their device uses to generate specific motion, control system behavior, modify/condition energy. They will identify its technical name, clearly state its purpose, document how the mechanism works, and provide equations that are required for the design of the mechanism.

Finally, the group will recommend at least three design changes for the product at the system level, including features that be would changed or eliminated; these changes should reflect global, societal, economic, or environmental concerns. Additionally, the changes should improve performance, serviceability, and cost, with regards to the fact that the products targets audience and price point.


Explore here ---> Gate Four

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