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Solar Boat/Car Designs
Advanced Computer Engineering Graphics Technology Education - 2021
Students were asked to create a solar powered boat which would float and propel on water, then transform to a car, which would roll and run on land, an amfibious vehicle. This task would be completed as an individual, using a limited part bag. The bag included items such as:
1. Small motor
2. Solar panel
3. Small qty. of wood strips
4. Corrugated vinyl sheet or Foam Core
5. Switch and wire connectors
These items, along with others, would be sketched into a design, laid out in CAD, and 3D modeled. Software used : SolidWorks.
Students 3D print and laser cut parts and accessories for their design solution, such as: a propeller, wheels, motor holder, and axle holders.
Shown in the gallery to the right, our Form3 resin printer was used to make a mold of a gear, designed in solidworks. We then would use a plastic injection machine, to mold the part.
3D Printers: Makerbot Rep 2, Ultimaker 2+, Ultimaker 3, Form Labs-Form 3.
Laser Cutter: Eplilog Mini 24
Boats would be tested in a small tank, cars tested on a sidewalk. Designs would be refined, and raced in our indoor natatorium . Cars were raced on the freshly paved parking lot of State High. The following pages document some highlights of the project.
This project is in conjuntion with lab experiences and connections, at the Penn State CIMP 3D Lab.
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