Dynamic System Design

Overview

In this project, my team designed, analyzed and simulated a dynamic system that transports a ball from one corner to the other of a given vertical slab. The main objective was to ensure that the ball took an average of 3-5 seconds to reach the bottom of the vertical slab.

Problem Statement

Design a dynamic system to transport a ball from top to bottom of a vertical slab
Achieve travel time of 3-5 seconds
Include passive components (spring, rotating elements, curved paths, impacts)
Validate design through MATLAB simulation

Solution

The main objective was achieved by including different components in the ball's path: a rotating element, curved path, spring, and impact. The spring was included to make the system passive, i.e., the ball's motion is initiated by the spring without direct contact.

After satisfying the objective, the dynamic system was simulated using MATLAB to ensure that the real and simulated time were within a reasonable degree of error.

Technical Implementation

Design Evolution

Design 1.1 - Initial Improvements

Removed the slope at the starting position to ensure the ball starts at rest, reducing simulation error.

Problems Encountered:
- Over-rotation of the lever arm
- Ball travelled much faster than anticipated
- Ball bouncing on the curved path after impact
- Insufficient kinetic energy for the final slope
Design 1.1 Demonstration
Design 1.2 - Problem Resolution

Changes made to counteract Design 1.1 problems:
- Removed initial impact
- Reduced slope height for final horizontal path
- Added stops for the rotating part
Design 1.2 Demonstration

Result: Ball took 2 seconds (1 second short of objective)
Design 1.3 - Final Optimization

Final modifications to achieve 3-5 second objective:
- Added two extra paths to increase total displacement
- Added more gradual slope for constant deceleration
- Placed rotating rod at original position
Result: Achieved optimum time of about 3 seconds