Project Readiness Package Rev 7/2/13

INTRODUCTION:The primary objective of this Project Readiness Package (PRP) is to describe the proposed project by documenting requirements (customer needs and expectations, specifications, deliverables, anticipated budget, skills and resources needed, and people/ organizations affiliated with the project. This PRP will be utilized by faculty to evaluate project suitability in terms of challenge, depth, scope, skills, budget, and student / faculty resources needed. It will also serve as an important source of information for students during the planning phase to develop a project plan and schedule.

In this document, italicized text provides explanatory information regarding the desired content. If a particular item or aspect of a section is not applicable for a given project, enter N/A (not applicable). For questions, contact Mark Smith at 475-7102, mark.smith@rit.edu.

ADMINISTRATIVE INFORMATION:

Project Name (tentative): Rochester Roots Robo-Composter Project Number, if known: P16421

Preferred Start/End Semester in Senior Design:

Faculty Champion: (technical mentor: supports proposal development, anticipated technical mentor during project execution; may also be Sponsor)

Name Dept. Email PhoneSarah Brownell DDM sabeie@rit.edu 585-475-4076

For assistance identifying a Champion: B. Debartolo (ME), G. Slack (EE), J. Kaemmerlen (ISE), A. Becker-Gomez (CE)

Other Support, if known: (faculty or others willing to provide expertise in areas outside the domain of the Faculty Champion)

Name Dept. Email Phone

Project “Guide” if known: (project mentor: guides team through Senior Design process and grades students; may also be Faculty Champion)

TBD

Primary Customer, if known (name, phone, email): (actual or representative user of project output; articulates needs/requirements)

Jan McDonald, Rochester Roots, jan@rochesterroots.org, 585-802-0843

Jettalin J. Buffum "JJ", Rochester Roots student 

Sponsor(s): (provider(s) of financial support)

Name/Organization Contact Info. Type & Amount of Support Committed

Rochester Roots USDA grant Rochester Roots $2500MSD Chris Fisher $1000 additional as needed

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Fall/Spring Spring/Fall

Project Readiness Package Rev 7/2/13

PROJECT OVERVIEW: Rochester Roots (http://www.rochesterroots.org/), a local non-profit, educates school children about the global food system, healthy eating, sustainability, resiliency, innovation, and gardening through hands-on and systems focused projects. As his project, J.J. now a 7th grader at Webster Spry Middle School (former student at RCSD's Montessori Academy), proposed a robot that demonstrates composting techniques and quickly turns food scraps into fertilizer. This MSD team will be tasked with working with J.J.’s vision to create a functioning and fun composting robot. DETAILED PROJECT DESCRIPTION:J.J. has a long term vision to develop a Robo-composter as a consumer product. His goal is to make composting “cool” and easy to do so that people will get more excited about it. His Robo-composter is styled as a vehicle in order to take the heavy lifting out of composting. He has developed a roadmap for his product and a 15 year plan—see appendix A.

In the timeframe of this project, J.J. has asked this MSD project team to develop an initial prototype of his Robo-Composter for his former Montessori Academy classroom. Water and electricity are accessible in the room and a variety of compostable materials such as food scraps, lunch leftovers, plant trimmings, garden wastes, and shredded paper are available at the school. The school currently has a simple worm bin located under a slate countertop, and would like to replace or supplement the bin with the robo-composter.

Customer Needs and Objectives:

Accepts paper, leftovers, soil, coffee grounds, tissues, paper towels, garden scraps, small branches and stems (up to 3/8”), leaves, plant trimmings, leftovers and food scraps (non-meat, non-dairy) (9).

Maximizes composting speed (can be accomplished by notifying user).o Increases surface area of the compostables (9).o Controls temperature (9).o Controls moisture (3).o Controls oxygen level (air) (3).o Controls pH (1).o Controls C/N ratio (1).o Maximizes biological and chemical decomposition processes (9).

Fits under the counter (9) Sized like a kitchen appliance (9) Minimizes odors (9) Drains compost tea (9) Provides finished compost (9) Moves compost from indoor location to garden without lifting (9) Moves on its own power (3) Moves in and out of the school (9) Handles inclines suitable for wheelchairs (9) Stretch goal: handle steps (1) Allows continuous or semi-continuous composting (ie. daily batches) (9) Allows compost to be removed easily without disrupting overall process (9)

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Allows grade school user to experience the composting process (9)o Reports data on the process (9)o Allows user to experience composting with their senses (9)

Durable, lasts 5 years in the classroom without major repair (9) Easy to access for repair or to restart system (9) Keeps grade-school users safe. (9) Allows possible future connection to garbage disposal (1).

Functional Decomposition: Make composting "cool" for school

Accept school organicsSort organicsAccept organicsHold organicsTransport organics in system

Power SystemAccept powerConvert power for activitiesDistribute power to activities

Compost more quicklyIncrease surface area of organicsUtilize biological and chemical processes

Hold organics during compostingProvide the appropriate environment

Control temperatureMonitor temperatureAdjust temperature

Control pHMonitor pHAdjust pH

Control moistureMonitor moistureAdjust moisture

Control oxygen/airMonitor oxygenAdjust oxygen

Control C/N ratioAdjust C/N ratio

Demonstrate composting processReport data

Report temperature dataReport pH dataReport moisture dataReport oxygen

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dataAllow users to experience compost process

Allow visualization of the stages of the processAllow users to hear the process?Allow users to feel the compostAllow users to smell?

Manage outputsSupply finished compost

Separate finished compost from in process material/processing agentsStore finished compostAllow access to finished compost

Supply compost teaSeparate compost tea (excess liquids)Store compost teaAllow access to compost tea

Control odorsMove compost where needed

Generate power to moveAccess energy sourceStore energyConvert energy to motion

Decide where to moveGet instruction for movingAnalyze instructionsExecute instruction

Move forwardTurn

Control Timer

Potential Concepts:

Self-turning Grant high school robotic composter built for ~$500. Double batch system: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSrVdgse5d8

Nature Mill composter ~$395 for home use: http://www.mnn.com/green-tech/gadgets-electronics/blogs/composting-robot-turns-kitchen-scraps-into-fertilizer

Various leaf and branch shredders and chippers available under $200

Instead of using standard composting methods, utilize worm power in the robot by combining intial grinding step, worms, and then sorting system similar to that used by large worm farms. Worms eat on top layer, compost is grated off underneath (see photo below).

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Large scale worm composting system, loaded from top, sliding shaker trays on the bottom.

Movement:Only move finished compost not whole robot…

1. 2. 1) http://www.robot.uji.es/lab/plone/robots/powerbot/powerbot-g.jpg ;2) https://walterfarah.files.wordpress.com/2014/05/mg_0516.jpg

3. 4.) 3) http://www.militaryaerospace.com/content/dam/mae/print-articles/volume-25/issue-10/1410MAE_UVTalonUGV.jpg4)http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CAcQjRxqFQoTCOmb64rK3cYCFcFXPgodtS0FTw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fprovectus-automata.org%2Frocket%2Fugv-payload%2F&ei=SY2mVanTDsGv-QG125T4BA&bvm=bv.97653015,d.cWw&psig=AFQjCNEtZt_U05D3ar86cVwkxFnSCyGdIw&ust=1437064705349095

Control of the robot: Corded guidance (like kids toys) by user. Remote control guidance by user. Not sure the robot needs to “take itself” to the garden…On board controls (walk behind to drive) like lawn mower.

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Found this remote control lawnmower chassi that could work for $1500

Allow users to hear the process? I asked a Coworker he he said he thought an Earthworks M30 microphone would do the trick.

Concepts from JJ and Jan:

FYI: Ideal Composting Temperatures 

1. If using worms must be 55> and <75 degrees2. If not using worms must be 135> and <160 degrees3. If using both worms and plant/food waste then separate compartments will be necessary.4. Could have worms decompose materials first then fed to composting robot, second.

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Specifications (or Engineering/Functional Requirements):

Specification Ideal MarginalWeight of food scraps handled per day (kg) >2 >1Size of woody stems accommodated (diameter, mm) >10 >8Size of particles during composting (largest dimension, mm) <5 <10Maximum fluctuation in temperature from ideal composting temperature (depends on method chosen) (oC)

< +/- 5 < +/- 10

Maximum moisture (may depend on method chosen) 65% 70%Minimum moisture (may depend on method chosen) 50% 40%Oxygen levels (ppm) >4 >3.5pH range 5-7.5 4.5-8Accuracy of data reporting for temp, humidity, O2, pH etc. measurements to class (+/-% error)

<4 <8

Maximum height (m) Fits under counter

Maximum depth (m) Fits under counter

Maximum width (m) Fits through door

Volume of compost tea stored (L) >2 >1Time to retrieve stored compost tea (s) <60 <120Volume of finished compost stored (L) >8 >3Time to retrieve finished compost from system (s) <60 <120Distance where foul odor is detectable (m) <0.1 <0.2Speed range (m/s) 0.5-1 0.3-1.2Number of assists to move required between classroom to garden <1 <5Response time to user commands for movement (s) <0.5 <1Time to access innermost subsystem (min) <15 <30Time to disassemble for repair/replace parts (min) <60 <120Percent of 3rd graders rating it as fun or very fun on 5 pt. likert scale. >75 >50Percent of 3rd graders that feel they can “better experience composting” with the robot than with standard composters

>75 >50

Percent of 3rd graders who say they can see composting in action >75 >50Total cost <$2500 <$3500

Constraints:

FunTotal cost is less than $3500Fits under counterDurableMinimizing liftingUseable by grade school childrenMoves on its ownCannot be gasoline powered

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WashableHandles inclines suitable for wheel chairs

Project Deliverables: o Working prototypeo Design documentation including drawings, assembly manualo User manualo Repair manualo Test plans and resultso Papero Postero Final presentationo Complete edge site

Budget Estimate:

Item CostStructural components $ 300Remote or on-board controlled chassis

$1000

Grinder $ 400Thermostat $ 80Water bath or wrap heater $ 70Oxygen sensor (may be too expensive to incorporate.)

$ 800

Humidity Sensor $ 100pH sensor $ 200Control board $ 100Fan with air filter $ 50Electrical components $ 100Shipping $ 200TOTAL $3500

Intellectual Property (IP) considerations: Describe any IP concerns or limitations associated with the project. Is there patent potential? Will confidentiality of any data or information be required?RR will work with students to patent any new ideas if applicable!

Other Information: Describe potential benefits and liabilities, known project risks, etc.

Continuation Project Information, if appropriate: Include prior project(s) information, and how prior project(s) relate to the proposed project.

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STUDENT STAFFING:

Skills Checklist: Complete the “PRP_Checklist” document and include with your submission.

Anticipated Staffing Levels by Discipline:

Discipline How Many? Anticipated Skills Needed (concise descriptions)

ME3 1 motion, 1 grinding, 1 composting: 3D CAD, good machining skills,

stress analysis, static/dynamic analysis, machine elements, robotics, basic heat transfer, GD&T (grinder)

EE2-3 1 motion, 1-2 sensors: Circuit design, test and debug, possible board

layout, microcontroller selection, signal processing, embedded software (responding to sensors), bonus wireless control of motion.

CE0-1 Automating some of the processes in response to sensors--including

temperature, addition of water or carbon materials, ventilation, adjusting pH, etc. Wireless control of motion.

ISE

BME

Other

†Skills Checklist:Indicate the sills or knowledge that will be needed by students working on this project. Please use the following scale:1=must have2=helpful, but not essential3=either a very small part of the project, or relates to a “bonus” featureblank = not applicable to this project

Mechanical EngineeringME Core Knowledge ME Elective Knowledge

1 3D CAD 1 Finite element analysisMatlab programming 2 Heat transfer

1 Basic machining 2 Modeling of electromechanical & fluid systems1 2D stress analysis Fatigue and static failure criteria2 2D static/dynamic analysis 1 Machine elements

Thermodynamics AerodynamicsFluid dynamics (CV) Computational fluid dynamicsLabView BiomaterialsStatistics Vibrations

IC Engines2 GD&T

Linear ControlsComposites

1 RoboticsOther (specify)

Electrical Engineering

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EE Core Knowledge EE Elective Knowledge1 Circuit Design (AC/DC converters, regulators,

amplifies, analog filter design, FPGA logic design, sensor bias/support circuitry)

Digital filter design and implementation

1 Power systems: selection, analysis, power budget 1 Digital signal processingSystem analysis: frequency analysis (Fourier, Laplace), stability, PID controllers, modulation schemes, VCO’s & mixers, ADC selection

1 Microcontroller selection/application

1 Circuit build, test, debug (scope, DMM, function generator 3 Wireless: communication protocol, component

selection2 Board layout Antenna selection (simple design)

Matlab Communication system front end designPSpice Algorithm design/simulation

1 Programming: C, Assembly 1 Embedded software design/implementationElectromagnetics: shielding, interference Other (specify)

Industrial & Systems EngineeringISE Core Knowledge ISE Elective KnowledgeStatistical analysis of data: regression Design of ExperimentMaterials science Systems design – product/process designMaterials processing, machining lab Data analysis, data miningFacilities planning: layout, mat’l handling Manufacturing engineeringProduction systems design: cycle time, throughput, assembly line design, manufacturing process design

DFx: manufacturing, assembly, environment, sustainability

Ergonomics: interface of people and equipment (procedures, training, maintenance) Rapid prototyping

Math modeling: OR (linear programming, simulation) Safety engineering

Project management Other (specify)Engineering economy: Return on InvestmentQuality tools: SPCProduction control: schedulingShop floor IE: methods, time studiesComputer tools: Excel, Access, AutoCADProgramming (C++)

Biomedical EngineeringBME Core Knowledge BME Elective KnowledgeMatlab Medical image processingAseptic lab techniques COMSOL software modelingGel electrophoresis Medical visualization softwareLinear signal analysis and processing Biomaterial testing/evaluationFluid mechanics Tissue cultureBiomaterials Advanced microscopyLabview Microfluidic device fabrication and measurementSimulation (Simulink) Other (specify)System physiologyBiosystems process analysis (mass, energy balance)Cell cultureComputer-based data acquisitionProbability & statisticsNumerical & statistical analysisBiomechanicsDesign of biomedical devices

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Computer EngineeringCE Core Knowledge CE Elective KnowledgeDigital design (including HDL and FPGA) Networking & network protocols

1 Software for microcontrollers (including Linux and Windows) Wireless networks

1 Device programming (Assembly, C) 1 Robotics (guidance, navigation, vision, machine learning, control)

Programming: Python, Java, C++ Concurrent and embedded softwareBasic analog design Embedded and real-time systemsScientific computing (including C and Matlab) Digital image processing

1 Signal processing Computer vision1 Interfacing transducers and actuators to

microcontrollers Network security

Other (specify)

OTHER RESOURCES ANTICIPATED:Describe resources needed to support successful development, implementation, and utilization of the project. This could include specific faculty expertise, laboratory space and equipment, outside services, customer facilities, etc. Indicate if resources are available, to your knowledge.

Category Description Resource Available?

Faculty Dr. Slack, Dr. Becker-Gomez

Environment Access to the Montessori classroom and students

Space for working prototype

Equipment temperature, soil moisture, and pH sensors with higher accuracy than those chosen for the robot

Materials Access to food and garden wastes for testing

Other A visit to Worm Power in Avon could be enlightening.

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Prepared by: Sarah Brownell Date: 7/22/15

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Appendix A:J.J.’s Systems Dynamic Modeling Outcomes and Value Statements Worksheet

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