Project Portfolio

by Christopher Naughton 

 Innovate, Integrate and Improve.

Autonomous Camera Operator

Apple’s newest iPads utilize servo motors and facial recognition software to adjust the digital sensor of the camera and center you in the frame.  This is a recreation of that mechatronic system… 

The Robot

  • Microcontrollers: Jetson Nano, ESP32 and Mega 2560 R3 MCU,
  • Hardware: Raspberry Pi Camera, Camera Pan and Tilt mechanism, 35 W Brushed DC motors, Servo motors, L298N motor drivers, HC-SR04 Ultrasonic Sensor, LiFePo Battery Supply, LCD Module
  • Skills: CAD and 3D printing, power supply management, proportional-integral derivative (PID) control, wireless communication and GUI setup, PWM motor control 

Foot Pressure Monitor System

The foot pressure mapping system measures an individual’s front and back foot loading. With data analysis, IoT connectivity, and an additional foot monitor, it proactively alerts users to any disparities in foot pressure over time. This feedback acts to reduce the risk of accelerated irregular weakening of healthy joints.

The Device

  • Esp32 Microcontroller unit
  • Force Sensing Resistor (FSR) sensors with 12 bit ADC accuracy and voltage divider circuitry 
  • Skills: Wireless communication to Adafruit IO dashboard, Data storage and analysis, MicroPython coding and GUI setup, Soldering of wires and input pins, 3D Modeling and Finite Element Analysis

Professional Heat Transfer Experiment

Using NI DAQ, a FLIR camera, and thermocouples attached to an MCU, we monitored a heated homogeneous egg mixture, uncovering a significant issue with phase changes. This insight can inform strategies to optimize heat transfer in electronic devices.

Skills

  • Multi sensor selection,
  • Computer vision analysis,
  • Driver instillation and Calibration
  • Heat Transfer analysis using General Lumped Capacitance Analysis
  • Convection, Conduction of materials 
  • Phase Changes
Controls Lab

Finger Pen Prosthesis

This device was designed to offer a comfortable, touch-screen-like writing experience to individuals who may be facing challenges due to missing appendages, joint related chronic diseases, or low grip strength.

Skills

  • GD&T tolerancing
  • 3D modeling and printing
  • SolidWorks
  • AutoCAD
  • Finite Element Analysis (FEA)
  • Selection of materials for shell, internal chambers and attachment pieces

1965 Ford Mustang Restoration

Restoring a 1965 Ford Mustang Coupe (Windsor V8, 289 cu. (4.7 L) engine, two-barrel carburetor with ratio of 9:3:1 (C-Code)) are some of my fondest memories. The Mustang’s sporty design and performance laid the foundation for a legendary line of American muscle cars filled with innovation and heart. I am grateful to have worked on this car. 

Skills

  • Replaced fuel pump, carburetor, spark plugs, exhaust system, radio and antenna, headlights, tail lights, bumpers, hood and joints 
  • Added T5 transmission, body stiffeners, disc breaks, wheels, safety devices (seat belts, passenger mirror head rest, fire extinguisher)
  • Restored carpeting, seat linings and foam, dashboards, heating system, glovebox, and steering wheel

Refrigerator Tear Down & PID Control

Tore a part a refrigerator to better understand heat pump cycles and the manipulation of refrigerant through pressure. The compressor pressurizes refrigerant, which moves through the condenser, expansion valve, and evaporator, absorbing heat from the interior and expelling it to the surroundings. We designed a PID controller to enhance temperature control by dynamically adjusting the compressor via error feedback from two thermocouples, minimizing fluctuations and optimizing efficiency.