Overcoming Obstacles
Developing the PiTank presented a variety of challenges, ranging from technical hurdles to logistical issues. Here’s how we tackled these obstacles:
- Integration of Multiple Sensors: Our project required the synchronization of ultrasonic sensors and a camera system for lane detection. We developed custom calibration procedures to ensure these components worked harmoniously, providing consistent and reliable data for navigation.
- Class Time Conflicts and Busy Schedules: Balancing project development with academic responsibilities was a significant challenge. We managed this by scheduling regular team meetings at times that accommodated everyone’s schedule, ensuring consistent progress throughout the semester.
- Equipment Failures and Replacements: Components occasionally broke, requiring prompt replacement to keep the project on track. We mitigated this by maintaining a small inventory of critical spare parts and establishing quick access to supplier resources for emergency replacements.
- Sensor Reliability Issues: Sensors sometimes failed to function as expected, disrupting data collection. We addressed this by implementing rigorous testing phases to identify and replace faulty sensors quickly and adjusting our data processing algorithms to accommodate sensor inconsistencies.
- 3D Printing Delays: The production of custom 3D-printed parts for the PiTank sometimes experienced delays due to high demand for printing resources. We planned our design phases to allow extra time for these delays, ensuring that part production did not hold up other aspects of the project.