Blog #1 Spring 23

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Over the work period of Jan. 17 - Feb. 4, materials were ordered from the budget list in order to begin manufacturing the cooling system. 90% of the materials are currently in possession as shown in Figure 1, and the materials will finish delivering by February 4th. Figure 2 shows the budget list with the items in possession highlighted green. 

For thermal oven validation testing, Team 7 acquired a wireless thermometer, small enough to be inserted in the Camera Cooling Device above the Go-Pro. This thermometer will be used to measure the temperature inside the cooling case throughout thermal oven testing and will be used to evaluate the cooling effectiveness of the design. With the wireless thermometer acquired, the team was able to begin testing the device to ensure it can accurately collect temperature data within the range required (up to 110 °F). The thermometer was put on a layer of wax paper on top of a metal baking sheet and put in an oven. The oven was set to 170°F, and the data was recorded as shown in Figure 2. The team is confident that the wireless thermometer is capable of providing data for validation based on the results from the test. 


Over the last work period, Team 7 faced the challenge of designing a custom solution to fit the gel phase change material. The PCM will come prepackaged in a polyethylene bag, whose size will not allow a straightforward placement in the case. In order to fit the phase change material within the case, Team 7 has worked on creating a plan to cut and reseal the polyethylene bag to conform to the size constraint of the case. 


In addition, Team 7 has faced the challenge of constraining the GoPro within the case. To allow the GoPro to record stable footage, the camera must be constrained to the case itself. Currently, Team 7 plans to place the GoPro within an indent on the bottom sheet (created by the difference in thickness of the polycarbonate lens and the aluminum sheet). For further support, the team is also able to construct a small frame/mini supports out of balsa wood, if necessary.


For the work period from Feb. 4 - Feb. 18, the team will contact the machinist at Iron Ring Technologies, and begin manufacturing the device. Once the machining process for the aluminum components is complete, the team will assemble the device. 





Figure 1 - Team 7 Acquired Materials


Figure 2 - Budget list with materials acquired highlighted in green





Figure 3 - Wireless Thermometer Oven Testing Log

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