| Description |
The Law Enforcement / Rescue Tool project is an entrepreneurship project conducted in conjunction with a sponsor from the private sector, and managed through the District 3 Innovation Center. The project as a whole involves multidisciplinary engineering design methods including both electrical and mechanical systems, although for Capstone purposes the primary focus is on the motor drive, sensing, and control systems.
The purpose of the project is ultimately to produce a lightweight, portable rescue tool usable by emergency responders who would not otherwise have access to heavy rescue equipment, such as paramedics and police patrol officers. The tool would allow responders to apply large forces to gain access to otherwise inaccessible areas: breaching locked doors to reach injured victims or confront suspects, separating sections of wrecked automobiles, and a number of other potential situations.
Current development plans include leveraging new electro-hydraulic actuator technology developed for the aerospace industry, as well as more conventional pneumatic and electrical actuator solutions. Several of these electromechanical components have already been sourced as part of the preliminary proof-of-concept phases of the project, via funding from the industry partner. Additionally, the final device will likely feature pre-deployment stand-off positioning systems, remote control, and a number of additional features to ensure user safety and enhance versatility, none of which have yet been investigated.
The project is one of the more "hands-on", practical initiatives at the District 3 Center, involving industrial-grade machine elements, large electric currents, and major mechanical force loads. As a result, the project requires expertise in a wide variety of engineering specializations, including power electronics, digital control systems, mechanical analysis and simulation, fail-safe design methodology, and electrical isolation. Extensive project management, user validation, procurement/budgeting, and stakeholder communication efforts will also be needed for successful completion.
Development will also require work in fluid mechanics, machining strategies, stress analysis, and deformable solid mechanics in order to produce a viable final product, as well as functional verification processes and regulatory compliance evaluation, although these elements will, for the most part, fall outside the scope of work for Capstone.
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| Tools |
MATLAB/Simulink, PSim, Control desk (from dSPACE), machine tools with Tungsten-Carbide, force testing apparatus, soldering and PCB fabrication equipment, category 3 or 4 instruments, high-voltage bench power supply (available in the S3 power research lab), safety equipment required by EHS, restricted access test facility. |