linear actuator

(fall 2022) *slide decks cannot be viewed, sponsor confidential.

WHAT IS IT?:

As part of MIT’s 2.76 Global Engineering capstone course in Fall 2022, my team of 4 was sponsored by an industry partner (Confidential) to design and fabricate a multistage linear actuator.

My team designed a electrically powered linear actuator capable of pushing loads of 150kN from a collapsed length of 8’ to extension of 22’ (about 3x) with a cycle time of 40 seconds. We also fabricated a desktop prototype at 1:14 the scale, that could then be used to prove out the actual mechanism concept, as well as scaling arguments to the real product.

ROLE:

I led a team of 4 students through the design process by managing meetings, Gantt timelines, deliverables, and determining functional requirements. I assigned tasks and relevant DRI’s, and consistently monitored the project to meet each milestone (each component finished) on time. The process timeline went from functional requirements, modeling calculations, CAD, manufacturing, then testing to the requirements.

As an engineer on the team, I determined the most critical functional requirements (stress, buckling, etc.), worked on the CAD modeling for the machined prototype of the linear actuator, determining buy vs build for many of the components, and manufacturing the remaining housing, end caps, and press fit components of the assembly. In addition, I did a lot of trouble shooting and debugging.

Finally, I developed and integrated the Keynotes for all design reviews, making sure to convey relevant information like the design process, and whether or not the final product hit all functional requirements.

SKILLS:

• design and manufacturing

• 3D modeling (Fusion360)

• machining and fabrication

• design documentation

• project management