MEC 110 Fall 2016 Group 6

This video is the final video for the our Mechanical Systems Class. It shows our final project: a gantry crane which was required to lift a 50 pound weight 12 inches off the ground, traverse the weight at least 12 inches from the starting location, and then lower the weight back to the floor in a controlled manner. The time limit to complete this task was 5 minutes.

Our crane was able to complete the task in under 2 minutes. This was capable by straying from the common use of complex gear systems to increase the torque of the 14 in*lb Vex Robotic motor to simply using 2 lift motors, and a system of 8 pulleys in a block and tackle system to reduce the load on the motors, while still achieving a high power transmission percentage and adequate lift speed.

Our frame also varies from the traditional rectangular shape. this allowed us to raise the overall height of the crane to meet the required lift height, which was not originally met.

The movement of our crane is powered by one Vex motor, which powers a speed reduction chain drive to the rear wheels.

The controls are housed in a beautiful remote built by Rob.

Builders: Rob Gustafson and James Smith