Updates

Significant updates have been implemented since last week's meeting, and the final design and assembly of the project are now underway. Here are the key updates:

• The size has increased from 12” x 12” to 18” x 18”.

• The plexiglass thickness has been upgraded from 1/8” to 1/4” to enhance stability.

• The gear module has transitioned from 1.7 to 3, simplifying the cutting process and providing more tolerance for friction.

• The number of teeth on each layer were recalculated.

• Due to issues with Delrin melting during cutting and the suboptimal acrylic rod method for joining, new sun gears will be 3D printed. Distinctive patterns have been created and applied to each planet for better differentiation.

• Yuxiang Cheng has joined the project, contributing to the design and 3D printing of parts to enhance the stability of the entire mechanical system.

• An LED strip has been cut into pieces to mimic the shape and color of a rising/setting sun.

The project is not yet complete — plans include designing a copper/brass enclosure and a concrete pedestal, paying homage to both time and the solar system.

The flanged mount designed for the sun gears is not ideal, exhibiting some oscillations. New methods are being explored to address this issue. Additionally, the size of the planet gears is slightly small, a result of the tolerance in the process of laser cutting . Further tests are planned to refine these aspects.

*Updated Bill of Material (for the final version only, not including previous prototypes) can be found here.