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This project will design and implement a electromechanical device for a behavioral experiment with cats that are actively localizing sound sources. Previous experiments show that when the cat is localizing sound with its head unrestrained, the external ear appears to be reflexly compensating for head movement by counter-rotating on the head to maintain a position in space. We need a control experiment in which the cat is passively rotated (rather than actively moving its head) to see if the same reflex is elicited by stimulation of the vestibular system. The project will design an instrument for rotating the animal under computer control.
We had met our client, Prof. Yin. Dimensions were measured for building the prototype. We are researching on stepper motors and materials which the rotator will be made out of. We have decided that the design of Belt Driven Rotator will be our final design and is asking for our client’s confirmation. We bought the materials and started working on the prototype. We have finished the making of the cat-containing box.
From up to down. Adam Budde (Communicator), Kieran Sweeney (BSAC), Yik Ning Wong (BWIG), Leah Brandon (President).
| Week | Reporting Period Beginning | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | January 20 | Met our client, worked on background research |
| 2 | January 27 | Brainstorming, worked on background research and PDS |
| 3 | February 3 | Brainstorming, worked on background research |
| 4 | February 10 | Brainstorming, worked on background research, prepared for presentation |
| 5 | February 17 | Researched on stepper motor, prepared for presentation and mid-semester paper |
| 6 | February 24 | Completed mid-semester paper. Worked on final design |
| 7 | March 3 | Finished mid-semester paper, PDS and final design |
| 8 | March 10 | Bought materials and started building the prototype |
| 9 | March 17 | Bought materials and started building the prototype |
| 10 | March 24 | Spring break |
| 11 | March 31 | Manufactured cat-containing box and ordered materials |
| 12 | April 7 | Ordered materials |
| 13 | April 14 | Prototype manufacturing and testing |
| 14 | April 21 | Prototype manufacturing and testing |
| 15 | April 28 | Final prototype manufacturing and testing |
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Electromechanical Cat Rotator Midsemester Presentation (Feb 24 2006, 17337 kb) |
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Mid-Semester Report (Mar 3 2006, 294 kb) |
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Product design specification (Updated: 4/28/06) (Apr 28 2006, 79 kb) |
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Electromechanical Cat Rotator Final Report (Apr 28 2006, 378 kb) |
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Final Poster Presentation (May 4 2006, 4488 kb) |
