Novel Snow Removal Techniques
Engineering Design Coursework
Project Description
Coursework for ES96, Junior Design Tutorial. In light of the record snowstorm that shut Boston down for a week in 2015, Harvard University professors and Facilities Maintenance Operations reached out to us for new snow removal solutions.
Advisor: Prof. David Mooney
Project Details
Our team of 18 students developed three new snow removal methods: a snow-melting hydrogel-based mat, a nichrome icicle cutter, and a robotic snowblower (my team's focus). I was one of the primary drive train designers.
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Weighs < 400 lbs, breaks into 2 pieces such that it can be carried by hand.
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Drivable using a Playstation controller over the Harvard Wifi
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Small enough to work on flat rooftops: turning around corners without damage, reducing risk of human injury if a structure buckles under snow's weight
Press & Relevant Media
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Brains vs Blizzards: Harvard Students Take On Snow Removal, Associated Press
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Engineering a Clear Path Forward, Associated Press
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Featured on Inventor's Week 2016, Discovery Channel Canada
More Information
Components
Teammate Cesar Maeda talks about the various specifications of our snowblower.
3D Model
Mock-up of the final snowblower assembly.
Gear Box Design
One of my key contributions. The motors and gears needed to be able to fit inside the pre-existing framework and align with the already existing openings for axles.
Demo: Wheels in Action
Demonstration of the functionality of the gear box components, driven wirelessly from a computer on the other side of the room.