Weekly Update: April 13-April 19

Goals:
1.Research sprocket and chain driven systems versus meshed gear driven systems
2. Explore financial options for bank accounts for project funds
3.Analyze wheelchair dimensions and structure for preliminary design


Goals Met:
1. The goal of researching sprocket and chain systems versus meshed gear systems proved very useful research for our mechanism design. Using The CRC Handbook of Mechanical Engineering  and the Marks' Standard Handbook for Mechanical Engineers, it was decided that a sprocket and chain driven mechanism will be more ideal for the project. This is because of the lighter weight of the sprocket and chain driven systems. Meshed gear systems can prove to be very heavy yet very durable. Meshed gears would be more useful for high input force systems, but due to the low input force of a wheelchair user, a sprocket and chain system was found to be suitable. It was also found that the internet would be a viable source for relevant information and should be utilized more effectively in future research.


2. Financial solutions for group funding directed towards opening a checking account at Wells Fargo bank to track project funds. Before buying any materials or parts, each member will allot equal amounts of money to the group fund and the checking account will be used for all purchases.


3. Analyzing the wheelchair dimension was not completed this week as transportation of the wheelchair was not viable. The group will also be looking into alternative routes to have a wheelchair donated for the project.

New Goals for 4/20/14-4/26/14:
1. Analyzing the dimensions of the wheelchair.
2. Research chain and sprocket standard industry dimensions
3. Research lever arms and attachments for the mechanism