Projects

Mechatronics Project - Two-Axis Turret

In this project for my Mechatronics 405 class, we were tasked with creating an automated two-axis Nerf shooter. Some of the component and functionality requirements included: 

• Use an IMU accelerometer to control an axis 
• Use a potentiometer to control an axis 
• Automatic aiming and firing at specified targets 
• Accept commands from a user interface 

Front View

Top View of firing mechanism

My classmates Sam Porter, Nick Gholdoian and I set out to design a product that not only met these requirements but also was compact, simple, and easy to use. Below you can see a photo of our completed design in figure 1. Unlike other teams that simply bolted an existing Nerf gun to their gun, we opted to keep our design simple by using only the necessary parts.  
To control the turret, we utilized an STM32 Nucleo board that we programmed with Python. The parts I was explicitly in charge of was the design of the horizontal axis actuation system, the design of the task-based scheduler and user interface, and 3D printing. But I aided in all parts of manufacturing and design. 

What I learned 
The knowledge I gained out of this experience included familiarity with the Python programming language, integration of mechanical and electrical systems, and real-world experience of tuning PID controllers. 
I have much more I can say about specifics of this project, but I wanted to keep this document short. Please, feel free to ask any questions you might have about my role in the project.



Personal Project - FDM 3D Printing

This project showcases a couple of the Solidworks models that I created to 3D print using my personal Monoprice Mini FDM printer.

Solidworks Model of a Bladerunner car.

3D printed model of a Bladerunner car.

Solidworks model of a Star Wars ship.

3D printed model of a Star Wars ship.

My personal designs showcase the skills that I have acquired over the past 8 years in Solidworks that I can offer your company as well as my knowledge of fused deposition modeling technology. I took the challenge of creating these models as a supplement to my formal training with the software in classes and the Cal Poly racing team. I also gained experience in rapid prototyping with 3D printing by learn nuances of creating printable models using an FDM printer, a skill which could be valuable in a design and rapid prototyping setting.


Eagle Scout Project
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Two years ago I led my Eagle Scout Project. When looking for a project that I could do, I talked to my former middle school's principle and she gave me projects that the school needed. The school had two bleachers with wooden benches that were in disrepair. The paint was chipping off the metal frame and large pieces were missing from the wood benches. In this project I bought eighteen brand new 20' by 2' boards using funds that I raised from family members and friends giving donations to my project. Then in the summer after my junior year of high school about twenty scouts from Troop 121 and I took off the old boards, primed and painted the new boards, and installed them over the course of two long weekends accumulating in over 150 hours combined. From this project I learned the importance of setting clear goals and the necessity of purposeful delegation when leading a team. Below there are a few pictures from the project.

Condition of the bleachers before the project.

This is the first board we put on. To the left are a few of the 

scouts that helped with my project. (I am on the far right)

After we finished installing the first nine boards the first

weekend, we started on the second half.

Close up of one completed bleacher. The right and middle 

boys are my brothers Daniel and Craig. I am on the far left.

Mechanical Engineering Project

I completed this project my first quarter of my freshman year at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. I worked in a team with three of my mechanical engineering classmates in my ME 128: Introduction to Mechanical Engineering I class. We were tasked with creating a mechanism that was able to shoot a wine cork into a hole about 20 feet away with accuracy. My team and I weighed multiple design possibilities from catapults to slingshots. We eventually came upon the design pictured below which resembles a crossbow. The extended length of the barrel allowed for greater precision and power than other designs. From this project I learned the importance of collaboration in a team to create a unique and practical product. The final product is pictured below.

Our finished wine cork launcher on display. We got our
inspiration for the design from a crossbow.