Project Summary
From left to right: Nick LeBerth (ME), Curtis Stanard
(IE), Dan Miller (ME), Cameron Young (ME)
Vibration Isolation Tables are useful when mounting equipment that are sensitive to local vibrations
created by the environment, but they are often bulky and difficult to move. The RIT Mechanical
Engineering machine shop has been responsible for relocating these isolation tables when
necessary. In doing so, the staff has involved methods that incur several risks, including injury to the
movers/users, damage to the equipment, and damage to the facilities due to lack of appropriate
equipment. An improved system was designed in order to move these isolation tables in a faster,
safer, and more efficient manner. The end solution resulted in a tool and training method that allows
two people to effectively move the tables from one place to another without damaging the tables or
facilities, while also providing a safe environment during transport.
Requirement Selection Brainstorming Ideas
When we were first presented with the problem,
we needed to determine what the important
characteristics were to be. The mover needed to
be able to carry heavy weights (~1150 lbs.) and
small enough to fit in the basement (low ceiling).
We were able to map out roughly what steps the
operators would take in using the mover, and
doing so helped us narrow down our design
options.
Testing/Analysis
Using fatigue analysis and testing the
system as it was built through different
scenarios, we were able to determine that
our build would be able to satisfy the needs
of the mechanical shop.
The engineering requirements were “translated”
into design options for each subsystem. During
group brainstorming, all ideas were considered
and recorded. Some were typical solutions, like
clamp grips and wheels and axle, and there
were some that were crazy, like hover fans or
rocket boosting for motion. Even though the
crazy ideas wouldn’t happen, they may still
provide an idea in another way that would not
have previously thought.
Design Proposal
We chose to use a jaw system that clamps to each
side of the table, and is lifted with an acme screw,
actuated by human input. This provided a simplistic
design that would be able to quickly manipulate the
table while considering the safety of the operators.
The parts were ordered at a certain time throughout
the life of the project, so that they were available
right when we needed them.
Procurement
Parts were organized and ordered to arrive at the shop at
specific times, in order to coincide with specific times in the
build. Unfortunately, some parts came in later than expected,
delaying the build process. The project cam in slightly over
budget, but considering the build quality and safety of the
operators, the budget was well spent.
Completed Build
The system was completed, albeit slightly later than what we
expected. The design evolved over the life of the project, even
during the build process. The system is able to lift these
isolation tables, along with other tables/objects if needed. With
Rob’s, Jan’s, and the entire machine shop’s help, we were able
to complete the build of the system. Without their extensive
knowledge of the processes and their engineering help, we
definitely would not have completed this project successfully.
Many thanks to the Alumni Association for financial support during the project. We would
also like to acknowledge Ed Hanzlik, Rob Kraynik, Jan Manetti, and the entire MSD
department for their help and support in the machine shop and guidance throughout the
project life. Our web page is at http://edge.rit.edu/edge/P15741/public/Home, or scan the
QR code to the right.
Prototyping
Mock-ups were used throughout the build
process, especially when specific parts
weren’t in quite yet. This was able to keep
us busy, but more importantly allowed us
to see what to expect out of the final
system.