Project

# Title Team Members TA Documents Sponsor
76 Watt Balance
 John Howard
Julian O'Hern
Justin Ansell
 Abhisheka Mathur Sekar design_document1.pdf
final_paper2.pdf
other2.jpeg
other1.pdf
photo1.jpeg
proposal1.pdf
proposal2.pdf
# Watt Balance (Pitched Project)

Team Members:
- John Howard (johnlh3)
- Justin Ansell (jansell2)
- Julian O’Hern (johern2)

# Problem
In 2019, the universal kilogram standard was redefined from the physical definition based on a platinum-iridium alloy object to a relation to Plank’s constant. Researchers have developed a method of measuring mass in relation to the velocity and force of an induced field from the balance usually called a Watt or Kibble Balance.. A group of graduate researchers in the ABE department at UIUC made their own watt balance, but found their measurements are often off by up to 30%. They pitched a project hoping to find ways to improve the accuracy of the Watt Balance.
# Solution

To solve the problem of inaccurate results, we are proposing improvements to iterate on the current design. We plan to increase the accuracy of the sensors for current readings and velocity readings, reduce the friction from the fulcrum, and allow for better user control of the device through updated control software. We also plan to make the device as reliable as possible by shielding from external electromagnetic interference and ensuring that the voltage supply delivers a precise constant voltage. With these changes, we believe that we can significantly improve the accuracy of the mass readings of the balance.

# Solution Components

## Velocity Measurement
In order to properly calculate the mass on a Watt Balance, two measurements are needed: velocity and force. Velocity measurement entails calculating the movement of the scale, which will require a sensor to detect the rotational movement. This velocity is used in one half of calculating the mass of the object on the scale.

## Force Measurement
Measuring the force requires applying a precise current to one coil, while measuring the resulting induced current in the other coil by the motion of the permanent magnet through it. This force is used in the other half of calculating the mass of the object on the scale. Combined with the velocity calculations, an accurate mass can be determined.

## Data Processing
The method for processing data on the existing model is an Arduino with several breakout boards, which is not ideal for quickly gathering and processing the data required. Our plan is to create a custom PCB with all the necessary components to streamline the process of data collection, and improve the PID control.

## Balance Control and Display
Currently the graphical interface for the display consists of a rudimentary program in MATLAB with the control buttons and data. Improving the GUI to both be able to see more in-depth information about the feedback from the scale, along with more sophisticated tuning methods that will help to more quickly debug and fix issues with the balance.


# Criteria For Success
Our device must:
- Accurately determine the magnetic force generated by measuring the induced current in the coil
- Accurately determine the rotational velocity of the balance by measuring the rotational position of the fulcrum.
- Calculate and display the mass of the object placed on it
- Allow for control and parameter modification from a computer application

We have some stretch goals as well, such as auto-calibration given a known mass, but the items listed above are the minimum criteria for success.

Cloud-controlled quadcopter

Anuraag Vankayala, Amrutha Vasili

Cloud-controlled quadcopter

Featured Project

Idea:

To build a GPS-assisted, cloud-controlled quadcopter, for consumer-friendly aerial photography.

Design/Build:

We will be building a quad from the frame up. The four motors will each have electronic speed controllers,to balance and handle control inputs received from an 8-bit microcontroller(AP),required for its flight. The firmware will be tweaked slightly to allow flight modes that our project specifically requires. A companion computer such as the Erle Brain will be connected to the AP and to the cloud(EC2). We will build a codebase for the flight controller to navigate the quad. This would involve sending messages as per the MAVLink spec for sUAS between the companion computer and the AP to poll sensor data , voltage information , etc. The companion computer will also talk to the cloud via a UDP port to receive requests and process them via our code. Users make requests for media capture via a phone app that talks to the cloud via an internet connection.

Why is it worth doing:

There is currently no consumer-friendly solution that provides or lets anyone capture aerial photographs of them/their family/a nearby event via a simple tap on a phone. In fact, present day off-the-shelf alternatives offer relatively expensive solutions that require owning and carrying bulky equipment such as the quads/remotes. Our idea allows for safe and responsible use of drones as our proposed solution is autonomous, has several safety features, is context aware(terrain information , no fly zones , NOTAMs , etc.) and integrates with the federal airspace seamlessly.

End Product:

Quads that are ready for the connected world and are capable to fly autonomously, from the user standpoint, and can perform maneuvers safely with a very simplistic UI for the common user. Specifically, quads which are deployed on user's demand, without the hassle of ownership.

Similar products and comparison:

Current solutions include RTF (ready to fly) quads such as the DJI Phantom and the Kickstarter project, Lily,that are heavily user-dependent or user-centric.The Phantom requires you to carry a bulky remote with multiple antennas. Moreover,the flight radius could be reduced by interference from nearby conditions.Lily requires the user to carry a tracking device on them. You can not have Lily shoot a subject that is not you. Lily can have a maximum altitude of 15 m above you and that is below the tree line,prone to crashes.

Our solution differs in several ways.Our solution intends to be location and/or event-centric. We propose that the users need not own quads and user can capture a moment with a phone.As long as any of the users are in the service area and the weather conditions are permissible, safety and knowledge of controlling the quad are all abstracted. The only question left to the user is what should be in the picture at a given time.

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