Vincent Jarvis

The Idea:

• Create a robust and efficient robot capable of fast scoring, reliable climbing, and precise object handling.
• Integrate all mechanical, electrical, and programming systems under a coordinated design workflow.
• Balance mechanical complexity with ease of maintenance and competition reliability.

How?

• Directed the Design and Build subteam, delegating fabrication and mentoring newer members.
• Designed a 3D-angled intake funnel in Onshape with a dual-servo retractable folding mechanism for efficient game piece capture and stowing.
• Fabricated a CNC-cut polycarbonate hanging mechanism and developed a two-stage cascade pulley lift powered by dual Kraken X60 motors for rapid extension.

Results:

• Achieved 95% intake reliability with smooth handoffs to the end effector.
• Enabled the 115 lb robot to climb onto a swinging low bar in 2.5 seconds.
• Delivered a 57" lift extension in 0.25 seconds, supporting a 6.7 kg payload with high structural rigidity and precise motion.

The Idea:

• Design a miniature, high-efficiency gearbox to maximize torque while minimizing space.
• Utilize planetary gear configuration for balanced load distribution and smooth motion.
• Integrate with a 12V brushed DC motor for practical mechanical testing.

How?

• Modeled in SolidWorks with custom gear geometry and 0.1 mm print tolerances for precision meshing.
• Included 6 bearings, 3 planet gears, and 1 sun gear to achieve compact, stable operation.
• Applied multi-material 3D printing and fastened components with 9 embedded screws for rigidity.

Results:

• Achieved 5× torque increase and 5× speed reduction from direct motor output.
• Delivered 1 mm of precise motion at a 10 cm lever arm with minimal backlash.
• Demonstrated an efficient, durable prototype suitable for small-scale robotic applications.

The Idea:

• Create a compact, lifelike robotic hand capable of mimicking human finger movement.
• Explore tendon-driven actuation for natural motion and smooth flexibility.
• Design a functional demonstration model built entirely within a weekend timeframe.

How?

• Modeled all components in Onshape, refining finger geometry for strength and joint precision.
• Integrated 6 microservos and an Arduino Uno R3 for five programmable hand motions.
• Tested and iterated multiple elastic and tendon configurations for realistic finger motion and return tension.

Results:

• Improved finger strength by 40% through CAD optimization and material tuning.
• Achieved smooth, controllable actuation using a joystick interface.
• Completed a fully functional prototype despite material limits, time constraints, and compact design challenges.

The Idea:

• Build an ultra-small, affordable robot dog after finding existing models too expensive.
• Overcome the power limitations of microservos by distributing load through clever mechanical design.
• Use elastic support systems to assist servo torque and mimic muscle-like movement.

How?

• Designed and prototyped a single robotic leg as a proof of concept.
• Implemented dual diagonal servo actuation with elastic tension sharing the upward load.
• Tested lifting performance with 3D-printed components and lightweight linkages for structural efficiency.

Results:

• Prototype leg successfully lifted 500 g, proving feasibility at small scale.
• Demonstrated that microservos can achieve realistic motion when aided by elastic support.
• Project halted before full quadruped completion due to electronics cost and control complexity, but validated key design principles.

The Idea:

• Create a roleplay armor system with a high-impact visual expansion sequence.
• Balance wow factor, compactness, and mechanical feasibility.
• Follow a complete engineering design process from concept to tested prototype.

How?

• Evaluated functions, criteria, and constraints, followed by research and ideation.
• Designed and iterated the mechanism in SolidWorks, using complex curves and DFMA principles.
• Fabricated multiple prototypes through 3D printing, assembly, testing, and formal report documentation.

Results:

• Reduced overall thickness from 4.0 cm to 2.1 cm across three iterations.
• Delivered a fully functional expanding armor mechanism with reliable deployment.
• Developed strong skills in mechanical ideation, CAD, DFMA, prototyping, and technical reporting.

The Idea:

• Improve manufacturability and assembly efficiency using DFMA principles.
• Optimize component simplicity, tolerances, and material choice for real-world fabrication.
• Support drivetrain performance through precise chain tensioning.

How?

• Investigated and benchmarked multiple catch can design configurations, analyzing wall thickness, materials, and manufacturing methods.
• Applied DFMA in SolidWorks to reduce part count and improve thermal performance.
• Designed two precision shims to sit between the motor mount and driveshaft, incorporating proper hole tolerances for waterjet cutting.

Results:

• Achieved a 25% reduction in part count while improving cooling efficiency.
• Delivered manufacturable, waterjet-ready shim designs with correct fit and alignment.
• Gained hands-on experience applying DFMA and tolerance analysis to functional drivetrain components.

The Idea:

• Create a high-efficiency hydro generator by eliminating bearing friction through magnetic levitation.
• Use overengineering as exploration, testing the limits of unconventional generator design.
• Incorporate a flywheel system to maintain smooth, consistent rotation during operation.

How?

• Built the frame from 2020 aluminum extrusions for precise alignment and rigidity.
• Integrated 60 N52 neodymium magnets for levitation and power generation.
• Wound custom 20 AWG copper coils and coupled them with a high-inertia flywheel for steady energy output.

Results:

• Generated a peak power output of 6 W with an overall efficiency of ~5%.
• Found that magnetic interference between the levitation and generator systems caused major energy losses.
• Despite inefficiency, the project successfully demonstrated magnetic levitation feasibility in a functional generator setup.