Design of a Light Curtain Bypass System
Desktop Metal Fall 2020
Problem:
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The task given to me was to create a kit that can be installed on a Studio furnace in the field in order to bypass the light curtain control with another
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A light curtain is used to safely open and close the doors on the Studio system furnace and similar to how an elevator won’t crush a hand holding it open, the light curtain detects the user’s hand and stops the door
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This design was causing problems in the field because the light curtain would become misaligned and as a result not fully or properly close
My design stages of the control board mount. Final image is the mount installed along with the supporting hardware I selected and wires I designed.
ACTION:
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Designed a circuit board mount that sits inside of the furnace
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I measured, prototyped, and documented cables that would connect the new circuit board to the old
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Worked with electrical engineers and customer service workers to ensure all requirements were met
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Drafted sheet metal manufacturing drawings and assemblies
RESULT:
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Ordered the sheet metal part and installed the final kit into company furnaces
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Created bill of materials, instructions, and packaging that would be sent to customers in the months after my Co-op was complete
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Communicated product changes internally by writing and releasing ECOs
This assembly was drafted by me, but parts are done by other teams. The final was released for production.
Shows cable diagram along with placement of mount in furnace.
Collaborating with electrical teams, I determined the wires, connection parts, and lengths of cables.
This assembly was drafted by me, but parts are done by other teams. The final was released for production.
Examples of the released drawings, first the assembly with the plate mounted. Second, a custom cable.