Week 15 - System integration

This week's task is to design the system integration for the final project.

I started by creating a more complete Fusion 360 model of my project:

System diagram below. Mostly, I'll use Dupont connectors hidden behind panels, attached with cable ties and adhesive blocks such as this one.

Some key questions to address:

The mechanics related to the bat swing must be very solid, using several ball bearing connections.

Testing the bat swing mechanics during Week 13. I used a pre-made bevel gear design from Thingiverse: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:372530

• Display testing and software development have only just begun.
• How can the whole structure be made solid and stable? Using aluminum profiles is tempting.
• The wood structures designed during Week 7 are not very solid.
• Clear plastic is needed to see into the playing field. I'll add grooves to hold them in place.
• The outer decorations may end up being simpler than originally planned in Week 7. Perhaps some illuminated plastic structures could be used instead, to give the project a more polished appearance and avoid a purely handcrafted look.
• Is 15 mm birch plywood (koivuvaneri) suitable for the bottom plate?

The servo and target loop should stand on their own stable leg, connected to the bottom plate. The back plate will fit over and around this structure. Printing and testing are currently underway: