Remote Controlled Tower Crane Model
Project Overview
Designed, 3D printed, and assembled a model crane capable of 3 degrees of freedom. Controlled via remote control for user interaction and uses various sensors to display feedback (load weight and boom angle).
What?
Designed and fabricated a tower crane model with actuators and sensors single-handedly.
Developed remote control with joystick, buttons, toggle switches, and LCD for user interaction.
How?
Used Fusion 360 to design tower crane model.
Fabricated (PLA) using rapid prototyping (FDM 3D printing).
Developed and soldered electrical components on thru-hole PCBs for crane and RC units.
Results
Successfully lifts 2.5 kg with a load read accuracy of +/- 1 g.
Successfully integrated sensors - reads boom angle and load weight.
Implemented RC to move crane within 3 degrees of freedom.
Mission College: EGR-030 (Intro to Computing for Engineers) - Term Project
This Remote Controlled Tower Crane Model was my term project submission for my EGR-030 course at Mission College. My semester goal with this project was to learn how to use various sensors, work with electronic components, solder PCBs, practice CAD, practice Arduino/C++, and 3D print (rapid prototyping).
As this was my first major original project, I learned a lot about what it takes to create a mechatronics system from concept to physical prototype. With this in mind, I see plenty of areas that can be improved - please see "future work" below.
Electronic Components
Arduino Uno (C++)
Arduino Nano (C++)
x3 MG995 Servos
Load Cell + HX711
7.2V NiMH + 9V Battery
NRF24L01 Transceiver
AMS1117 3.3V Regulator
x3 LEDS
x2 Buttons
x1 POT
x2 Toggles
x2 Limit Switches
Joystick Module
LCD 1602
MPU-6050 Gyroscope
CAD
Mid Fabrication Process
Final Prototype
C++ Code (Arduino Sketch)
Receiver Code
(Crane Unit)
Transmitter Code
(Remote Control Unit)
Future Work
Incorporate anti-swaying system
Create the following functions:
"Home" - Parks crane into highest angle, send hoist to top. (Take as little space as possible when not in use)
LED Status:
Green: Crane ready to operate
Yellow: Crane in use
Red: Load too heavy / Error
"Level luffing" - Hoist remains at the same elevation as boom angles upwards/downwards.
Reinforce internal slewing gears
Currently PLA. Other options include: PETG, Nylon, or Aluminum