Test 3: Light Operation Time

TEST PLAN
1. Purpose of Test
The team is interested in investigating the duration of time the prototype will operate (produce light) for any given cycle. A cycle
was defined as the process for the weight to go from its starting position to its final position.
Hypothesis
The prototype will produce light for 2 minutes on average given
the various weights used. There will be a decreasing linearity
between the weights used and the operation times. As the
weight increases operation time will decrease proportionately.

Function to be tested
Light Operation Time per cycle
Failure mode to be tested
Failure to operate for greater than two
minutes.
Overview of Data Collected
The measured light operation time for each
cycle
How will test affect your design?
Modifications to weight may be required in
order to increase the operation time.
2. Description of Test Procedures
Steps in the Test Procedure
Hang the Prototype above the floor in the
a operational position.

Descrition of data collection

Team members involved

No data need be recorded

Zach Brown: Hangs prototype

With the bicycle gear train connected to

the motor, and the motor connected to the
light, attach the weight to the bicycle chain
Record the weight used.
b in the starting postion.

Allow the weight to fall through its path,

c and time how long the light is on.

Schematic/sketch

Tyler Quint : Records the weight

Record the duration of time the light was on,

and the final postion of the weight relative to
the floor.

Remove the weight and grab a weight that

Record the weight used.
d is 2lbs heavier and repeat step b.
Repeat the test after increasing the weight
by 2lbs and performing steps b and c.
Continue to repeat the test until a 30lb
Record the respective data for each of the 12
tests according to steps b and c.
e weight is used. (12 tests)

Nathan Martin: Records the time

Samual Tran Lam: Records the
position
Todd Heidrich: Record the weight.
Tyler Quint: Remove the weight
already tested.

Same members perform the

operations in steps b and c.

3. Relevant Math Model

To estimate the time the light will operate, the team made the assumption that provided the weight is in motion as it goes from the initial position to final
position the light will operate. The weight will be increased by 2 lbs after each test to determine which weight will result in the longest operation time. As the
weight increases, the force on the shaft of the motor will increase, which will increase the torque applied and the rpm of the motor. This will result in lower
operation time.
F=ma=mdV(t)/dt; V=dy(t)/dt;

y(t)= [dy(t)/dt] +y(t=0); Torque on motor= F*r; r=motor shaft radius

4. Experiment Data Details

Parameter(s) Held Constant
Initial position

Units
ft

Independent variable(s) (Parameters Changed)

Weight

Units
lbs

Dependent variable(s)
Operation time

Units
seconds

4. Scheduling
Date: Monday November 10, 2014
Time: 11:00AM
Location: Boyd Lab
Notes: Bring a stop watch
5. Equipment and Materials Needed for Test
a. Scale to measure masses
b. Measuring tape
c. Stop watch

Accuracy of instrumentation
up to 1/100 of one pound
up to 1/16 of an one inch
up to 1/10 of one second

Weights: 10lbs to 30 lbs increasing

by 2.5lbs when going from the 10 to

N/A the precise weight will be

measured with the scale.

d. 30 lb weights.

TEST RESULTS

The team is expecting when testing the Light Operation Time that the time for each operation will decrease as the weight increases. The
increase in the weight will cause an increase in the torque and rpm at the shaft of the motor and decreases the time for the weight to reach
the final position. By hanging the prototype in its operational position, the team will run 9 tests with different weights. The weight will
increase in mass by 2.5 lbs after each cycle starting with a 10 lb weight. The initial position of the weight in the starting position will be held
constant relative to the floor. The mass of the weight will be recorded using a accurate scale. As the weight is allowed to move through its
path to its final position, the time the light is operating will be recorded using a stop watch. The team expects as the weight increases the
operation time will decrease proportionately. The operation time is very important because the user should have aleast two minutes of
operation time per cycle. Collectively all the tests should be completed in about 45 minutes, which includes all steps per test.
Test Results
Parameter
Weight (lb))
10
12.5
15
17.5
20
22.5
25
27.5
30

Test
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9

Measured value
Time of Light operation per cycle (seconds)
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
120.96
140.91
140.16
N/A

Time of Light Operation per Cycle vs. Weight

Time of Light Operation per Cycle [s]

150
145
140
135
130
125
120
115
110
105
100
17.5

20

22.5

25

27.5

30

Weight [lbs]

Operation Time rev 7

Test Plan and Results

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