Unifying Equipment: A Proposal for an All-Encompassing Signal Converter Box Applicable to the Entertainment Industry

Description

Theatrical lighting design currently struggles to keep pace with the cutting edge of technology. Theatre equipment needs to be durable, repairable, and intuitive far more than it needs to concern itself with high data throughput or formal network connections. Because

Theatrical lighting design currently struggles to keep pace with the cutting edge of technology. Theatre equipment needs to be durable, repairable, and intuitive far more than it needs to concern itself with high data throughput or formal network connections. Because of this, current signal protocols, of which DMX512 is the most common, use physical interfaces and signal protocols differing from a standard ethernet connection. Very few lighting fixtures have an RJ-45 port to accept an ethernet connection, requiring signal conversion at some point within the signal flow for compatibility. The natural solution to this scenario is simple and already implemented: electronic boxes which accept a cable input, convert the signal and offer an output in a new protocol. Contributing to this system flow solution, I propose a design of a converter box with modular ports and configurations. Using a central embedded computer running driving firmware, the user can adapt the box to the networking needs of a given production.

Date Created
2023-05
Agent

Examining the Mechanical Properties of Recycled Composite Plastic From the Cosmetic Industry

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Description

The cosmetic industry utilizes plastic for most of its packaging, as it is a cheap option that produces packaging that is highly durable and resistant to many chemicals. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the most commonly used plastic in cosmetic packaging,

The cosmetic industry utilizes plastic for most of its packaging, as it is a cheap option that produces packaging that is highly durable and resistant to many chemicals. Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) is the most commonly used plastic in cosmetic packaging, and is an ideal candidate for recycling due to their short lifespan and low diffusion coefficient. However, cosmetic packaging is often not recycled properly due to its small size, contributing to the growing global plastic waste problem. If a sustainable closed-loop system was created where cosmetic packaging was created using purely recycled PET, then the amount of plastic produced could be reduced. By examining the mechanical properties of recycled composite PET from the cosmetic industry, conclusions can be drawn about its applicability in cosmetic packaging. The water absorption, UV-visible absorbance, and tensile strength was tested for recycled composite PET to predict how the material would perform if it was used in cosmetic packaging. It was found that the recycled composite PET did not perform as well as virgin PET in terms of water absorption and tensile strength, but performed similarly in reference to UV-visible absorbance. More research needs to be done to further characterize the mechanical properties of recycled composite PET before it can be used in cosmetic packaging, but this study analyzes three of the most prominent aspects found in cosmetic packaging.

Date Created
2022-05
Agent

The Issue of Small Format Recycling and a Possible Solution

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Description

Currently, recycling is a major issue found throughout the world; however, one of the main issues, small format recycling, is still yet to be solved. The main objective of this paper is to discuss the issues surrounding recycling in

Currently, recycling is a major issue found throughout the world; however, one of the main issues, small format recycling, is still yet to be solved. The main objective of this paper is to discuss the issues surrounding recycling in general and more specifically small format recycling in order to develop a solution that can solve the problem. Working with InnovationSpace and people in industry, interviews were conducted in order to determine the best course of action to address the need of the sponsor, The Sustainability Consortium. After extensive research and interviews, it was determined that implementing a new MRF attachment to circulate small format back to the main residual stream would be the best course of action. This attachment would be modular for a MRF and could be implemented in order to gather more material while also producing higher quality recycled goods. This has major implications for the recycling industry and could help in making recycling profitable once again.

Date Created
2021-05
Agent

Innovation Space and Design of Autonomous Aircraft Systems: A Capstone Product Development Comparison

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Description
During my fourth year at Arizona State University, I enrolled in two capstone projects while working towards my
undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering. The first of the two team projects was an aerospace capstone: Design of
Autonomous Aircraft Systems. The second being

During my fourth year at Arizona State University, I enrolled in two capstone projects while working towards my
undergraduate degree in aerospace engineering. The first of the two team projects was an aerospace capstone: Design of
Autonomous Aircraft Systems. The second being a capstone project based out of Arizona State’s design school:
Innovation Space. The purpose of this dual enrollment was to compare and contrast the two product development projects,
in hopes to recommend a course of action to engineers younger than myself who are presented the option of multiple
capstones. This report will elaborate on three areas of engineering design and how they were realized in these projects.
These 3 topics are product development and its effect on design to manufacture, design feature creep, and technical vs
non-technical design. After considering the pros and cons of both capstone projects and their relation to the three main
topics of this report, it was decided that individuals who are motivated to become the best engineers they can be upon
graduating from an undergraduate program, they should find the time to take both capstone courses. Both Design of
Autonomous Aircraft Systems and Innovation Space present opportunities to create new ways of engineering thinking, all
of which will be necessary for an engineer to succeed in his/her first years in industry.
Date Created
2019-05
Agent

Innovation Design Methods: A Case Study in Inter-Disciplinary Creativity and Modern Engineering Education

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Description
This thesis examines a variety of techniques implemented in modern senior design classes at Arizona State University with a special focus on the mechanical engineering senior capstone the traditional ABET capstone mechanical engineering capstone course, as well as the InnovationSpace

This thesis examines a variety of techniques implemented in modern senior design classes at Arizona State University with a special focus on the mechanical engineering senior capstone the traditional ABET capstone mechanical engineering capstone course, as well as the InnovationSpace Program. First, an overview regarding the growing profession of engineering and its relation to academic education is examined. Next, program and project overviews of both the capstone senior design course and the InnovationSpace are detailed, followed by a comparison of the two course's curriculum. Finally, key differences are highlighted, and suggestions introduced that might serve to improve both courses in the future. The senior design capstone course was found to lack accountability and diversity leading to a lack of innovative solutions. However, the course simultaneously succeeded in maintaining wellaccepted traditional engineer practices and documentation. The InnovationSpace program on the other hand provides accountability, diversity, and modern approaches to product development.
Date Created
2018-05
Agent