Level Train Crossing Assessment

Couldn't do work today or tomorrow because of sickness, but same plan to start designing, sketching out prototypes this week. Maybe an extra test of another component here or there.

This week I only managed to finish pretty much most of my testing. I found out how to control DC motors with the Arduino using a polarity switch and external power supply. The voltage was able to be controlled to control the speed of the motor and current - the torque. I decided to avoid the DC motors simply due to the size and bulkiness, plus the difficulty and extra components it requires to operate as a barrier arm controller (e.g. limit switches, polarity reversal switch, external PS to name a few). I also decided on using an IR sensor to detect the train, either having it reflect off train into sensor, or train blocks light to sensor. I personally would like to have a powerful IR LED invisible light shine that gets blocked when the train goes past. I will begin some sketches and designs next week.

I started off this week researching into what servos are and their purposes. We then tested out how an LDR and Laser pointer could be used as a train detector. My setup worked well but I don't think I will use it due to the laser hazard and the bulkiness of it (rather be concealed or small). I am on track to getting my testing done and I can prototype the ideas from it to be in my train crossing plan.

This week I realised that I still had quite a lot more testing to do and had to change up my document quite a lot. This took quite some time so I expect testing to carry on till midway next week. I managed to record results from a hall effect sensor, and created a graph this lesson. I am happy with how it is going so far but need to get a move on from testing. I will try hard this week to get on with it.

Today I started off more testing with Arduino electronic components and found out some interesting parts such as a orientation sensor or IR sensor or hall effect sensor. I think the IR or Hall sensor will be useful for detecting the train, and could be a combination of both for extra security. This week I plan to finish testing, then move onto sketching my design ideas and prototypes to get stakeholder feedback.

This week I was able to finish my research and planning for testing and undergo some good testing on the parts which I am able to use. I found an actuator of this small scale is hard to come by and the Servo worked well to control my barrier arm. The servo produced a good amount of torque to easily overcome heavy barrier arms, this opens up my choices of barrier arms to the metals - I chose to use aluminium as my barrier arm because of its structural strength and proffesionality. I also found an LDR is the best option for controlling my night light (due to it needing to be automated and a timer does not take into account different weather conditions (and could go out of time)). I tested with a small bit of code I uploaded to my Arduino Uno.

Early Week 2: I completed a brainstorm to decompose the project into smaller sections, this will help me plan ahead and give me an idea of the tasks I need to do leading up to the final product. I have also continued researching into many aspects and parts of the level train crossing. During these I have done some small tests, and have planned for more testing later this week. I look to begin sketching my level train crossing design ideas later this week and prototyping some of the mechanisms. This will help me to visualize what my project consists of and give me the opportunity to get stakeholder feedback on what they think of my ideas/sketches.

This week I covered my level train crossing research, Gantt chart and began researching into the design and parts for different functions of my level crossing. Next week I hope to test some of the concepts for different parts of my design to see which is best, I will evaluate the best option for each. I will try to plan out and sketch what my level train crossing could look like. I will seek stakeholder feedback on my ideas and designs to see what their opinion is and to get possible suggestions.

2nd day of assessment: Today I topped off some of my level train crossing research. Shortly afterwards, for the rest of the lesson, we were given the assessment schedule with all the information we need about it. BRIEF: A toy train manufacturer has asked you to design a fully automated train/car safety system with a night light. - You are required to find at least 2 stakeholders. They will influence your design outcome. - You are required to produce prototypes and show refinements. - You are required to use the CNC router and the 3D printer in your final outcome. - You are required to create a Gantt chart. - Your assessment will be submitted as ONE Google Document via Google Classroom. - You need to have a table of contents. - You need to have references APA^6th edition. Please follow all instructions. We have been suggested to begin making the Gantt chart for our project.

First day of assessment: I began researching level train crossings in New Zealand and found out some interesting facts such as how the percentage of accidents greatly decreases where barrier arms, lights and alarms are installed. There are also over 2500 level crossings in New Zealand, about 1,320 are estimated to be public road level crossings.  I found out the typical setup for an advanced level crossing system in NZ by watching several YouTube clips on the topic. I also noted how the timing was done for these systems such as lights flashing, wait 5 seconds then barrier arms down. There are 2 flashing red lights that go partly in time with the constant tone bell prior to the barrier arms going down. I got a lot of research done and I am happy with what I accomplished today.