Elevator Simulation Nicholas A Cano Project Mentor(s): Jeff Wilcox, Peter Zencak, Lad Holden
This project presents the design and implementation of a three-floor elevator control system that integrates mechanical, electrical, and software engineering principles. The system uses a CompactRIO controller, an H-bridge motor driver, floor-selection push buttons, and a photoresistor for floor-detection feedback. The goal is to create a functional, small-scale model that demonstrates real-world elevator behaviors including floor requests, direction prioritization, and controlled deceleration when approaching a floor. The elevator is programmed to respond to eight call buttons four ‘inside’ the cab and four on the outside while following logical prioritization rules similar to commercial elevator systems. Upward requests are honored when the elevator is already traveling upward, while downward requests are queued until the elevator reverses direction. A photoresistor mounted on the elevator car detects color panels assigned to each floor, allowing the system to slow down and stop precisely at the correct level. An emergency stop button overrides all movement, demonstrating essential safety requirements. This project applies engineering standards related to electrical safety, mechanical reliability, and control-system logic. Concepts from ASME A17.1, the National Electrical Code (NEC), and ISO machinery safety guidelines inform design decisions, emphasizing safe operation, signal integrity, and hazard reduction. The system shows how small-scale prototypes can model real engineering challenges and highlights the importance of safety, reliability, and ethical responsibility in automated transportation systems. By simulating elevator logic and incorporating practical safety methods, the project demonstrates foundational engineering skills and provides insight into the standards that govern real elevator systems. When faced with a dangerous situation, beginner cyclists may have the impulse to fully actuate the brakes. Suddenly braking at high speeds can cause the wheels to lock up, leading to a loss of steering control and an increased risk of a crash. This project presents the development and design of a low-cost bicycle ABS that prevents wheel lockup by modulating brake cable tension in response to detected wheel slip. The system uses wheel speed sensors that monitor the wheel’s behavior and trigger a microcontroller driven actuation mechanism when slippage is detected. Force sensing membrane resistors will sense the intent to brake while an accelerometer will measure deceleration. The initial design used a geared servo to directly release tension. However, it has changed to a dual cam mechanism that offers improved force modulation and mechanical advantage. The cam is modeled as a variable radius pully, where the cable tension is inversely proportional to the cam radius at any given angle. By shaping the cam profile, the system can control the rate and magnitude of brake force released throughout the range of motion. The ABS uses thresholds set by automotive ABS standards which aim for a wheel slippage range between 10 to 30 percent for optimal braking. This project aims to create an affordable bicycle safety system that is compatible with wire-based brake systems. Presentation Type: Poster Presentation (May 21, 9:30am–3:00pm) Keywords: Bicycle Safety, Anti-lock Braking System, Embedded Control System, Brake Modulation SOURCE Form ID: 138 Presentation Type: Poster Presentation (May 21, 9:30am–3:00pm) Keywords: Electrical Engineering, Elevator Safety, Elevator logic SOURCE Form ID: 109 Bicycle Brake Modulation Using Variable Radius Cam Design Yael DeDios Project Mentor(s): Lad Holden, Jeff Wilcox
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