Highlights
- Electromechanical and thermal modeling and simulation of closed loop control systems
- Conversion of model to control code for HIL testing
- Mechanical design of dancer
- Conversion of control code to target
- Electrical Tension Control System via Analog Devices Blackfin and LabVIEW Embedded
- Electrical control of heat via HC08 microcontroller
- NI LabVIEW-based test system
- Utilized SolidWorks, PDM Works, MATLAB/Simulink, MathCAD, LabVIEW, ANSI C
Summary
By incorporating a systems approach to engineering that included modeling, testing
and prototype development, Boston Engineering developed time- and cost-saving
design options in thermal management, web control and air quality management
for a digital imaging kiosk. As a result, image printing was more predictable, more
reliable and higher quality at an imaging output speed ten times faster than similar
devices on the market.
Challenge
The client (name confidential) offers self-service imaging kiosks that allow customers
to instantly print images from a digital camera . le. They asked Boston Engineering
to develop thermal, air and tension management systems that could produce higher
quality images at a faster rate to utilize an innovative new printing process.
Solution
Boston Engineering developed systems to improve the control, stability, and speed in
the air, thermal and web sections of the device. The process included modeling and
designing both the mechanical and control solutions, and implementing the systems
with hooks for testability. Designs were delivered to address web handling, web
tension control, thermal control, air management, system packaging, thermal controls
modeling, Value Engineering, Reliability Engineering (FMEA), DFM and general CAD
database management, and utilization training. The web handling design incorporated
an on-board dancer system that uses a sixth order control algorithm implemented
with a high-precision DSP to control web tension, a tighter thermal control loop and a
HEPA quality air management system to filter out dust and dirt.
