Level Train Crossing Assessment

I have managed to get most CAD parts finished by this week and will continue to get them done over the weekend. On Friday I got to 3D print the test lamp head. It worked alright but needed many improvements which I recorded in my document. I am also working on the Pseudo coding (like a plan of the code) which will help me to do the actual project coding. Next week I hope to print and cut out all the required parts and be working on the coding.

This week I've been working hard to get the CAD done for all my parts. During class time I began working on the programming side including a variable table and pseudo code. I will also need to make a circuit diagram for the level train crossing. Later this week I will work on a flow chart and start programming the actual thing.

Unfortunately I was away for the rest of the week, but was able to work on CAD for the project at home. I also attempted to get my train bridge model 3D printed to test. Hopefully next week it will be ready.

Today I kept working on the level crossing platform's CAD'ing by getting the board's dimensions measured and designed in. I also began designing the 3D printed bridge which should slip into the board nicely and join into the railway track. I will not have as much time this week so will try my best to get as much of this done, will aim to get stakeholder feedbacks and then move onto the programming (planning and coding) side of the project.

I was able to get my parts list and design pretty nailed this week. I only just got to CAD'ing which will likely to continue on next week. My plan was to get onto the coding soon but due to other commitments I will fall behind schedule a bit so will have to adjust my plan accordingly. I also had another thought on the parts list is to just use the hall effect sensors instead of the combination with IR sensors thought of previously. This will not only reduce costs, but make it look and work more effectively, hence there are less parts for failure and errors.

This week I began designing the level train crossing on CAD and confirmed the dimensions of the train track. My teacher suggested the idea of routering out the railway into the base platform. It is a great idea as it reduces setup costs and makes the assembly process much simpler (which is what I aim for). The bridge may be harder to implement into the track but I'm sure it will be possible to by maybe having a couple guide holes for the plastic bridge to sink or clip into. I will continue to work on this as well as fix up areas of my document where information or calculations are missing.

I had a couple more days off. I managed to test out whether a magnetic strip would work but because of its polarization and weak magnetic field strength, it would not be suitable to go under the train. I found the rectangle neodymium magnet will work best. I also managed to talk to my stakeholders and get the design of the crossing sorted out. The plan is to have one level crossing mechanism and a bridge for the train track. This is so the road can pass through and to make the design more appealing and interesting.

There was no school on Monday and I have been sick for the past week which has put me behind quite a bit. I will try get my design and base platform CAD'ing done this week.

At the end of the week I had begun the designing of the crossing, I would like it to have a closed loop train track. I trialed a basic design out of cardboard which I liked but the road would only go halfway through the track. A roundabout in the middle of the train track would be odd so I think I will stick with the first system with just a section of road passing through and the train track in a closed loop. Next week I will try get on to refining the design to CAD it. I will then be able to get an approximate parts list so I can get on to designing the program to operate the train crossing.  And lastly I will be able to code it and start bringing it all together.