Project
Block Press
Project Record:
Solid Works Model
Version 2
10/26/16
Sam Hsu
Addison Morrone
Miriam Dixon
Collin Binford
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Version History
Version
Date
Description/Notes
Version 1
10/25/16
Initial rough draft
Version 2
10/26/16
Added SolidWorks pictures
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Table of Contents
Abstract
Goal
Research
Design
Conclusion
References
Abstract ........................................................................................................................................... 4
Goal ................................................................................................................................................. 4
Primary Heading – Heading 1......................................................................................................... 4
Sub-Heading – Heading 2 ..........................................................Error! Bookmark not defined.
Sub-Heading – Heading 3........................................................................................................ 4
Conclusion ...................................................................................................................................... 7
References ....................................................................................................................................... 8
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Abstract
The research portion of the project involved selecting a design that could be modified to fit the
project specifications. The Cinva Ram design was chosen. The Solid Works Model portion of the project
encompassed modifying a Cinva Ram design into a new and revised design in SolidWorks. This design
was analyzed using statics in SolidWorks to find the pressure that the machine could produce. The group
ended this MVP with a nearly completed design in Solid Works, with revisions still to be made.
Goal
The goal was to research and develop a block press model that satisfies the clients needs.
Research – Heading 3
We researched current block press designs, and evaluated them to see if they could be
modified to meet the clients needs. The client specified that the design is to have simplicity,
maneuverability, ability to accommodate specific block dimensions, and capability to make at
least 200-300 blocks a day. With these criteria in mind we selected the pre-existing block press
design called the Cinva Ram.
Calculations - Heading 4
We analyzed the selected design using statics, to find the pressure that the machine was
able to exert on the blocks.
From this statics analysis we can conclude that as theta approaches 90° the force on the block
approaches infinity. At a nominal angle of 85° the force applied to the block is 30980lbs, and a
pressure of 430psi.
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Design Details - Heading 5
The design was pre-existing which we modeled in SolidWorks. Our SolidWorks model is
shown with various descriptions of how the design works.
The Cinva Ram design utilizes a lever arm to transfer force into compression of the block
in the compression chamber. When the lever arm is pressed down, a hinge at the fulcrum
transfers the lever motion into compressive motion as the bottom plate moves up towards the lid
of the press, compressing the block from the bottom against the top lid.
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The hinge at the fulcrum lifts the bottom plate thus compressing the block.
This angle has one of the chamber wall plates removed so the interior can be viewed. We
modified the design to include cylinders so as to create the rebar holes in the block.
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After the pressing operation is complete, the lever arm is pushed the opposite direction
with the lid removed so that the pressed block can be removed from the press.
The press design still needs to be improved as we need to develop a method for achieving
consistency. We want to achieve the same block dimensions in every block along with the same
or similar compressive stress exerted on the block. As long as the operator of the press loads the
same amount of material into the press, these specifications can be met by adding in a stopping
mechanism or plate to prevent the press from producing blocks of different heights. We have
brainstormed and recommend adding in plates to the top plate to prevent the bottom compressive
plate from compressing past a certain point.
Conclusion - Heading 6
As the first MVP came to an end, the group ended with an edited design of the Cinva
Ram that is all but a few steps away from completion. A couple revisions are still being
discussed such as a lid hinge and how to ensure a constant size in each block that is compressed.
A few ideas have been thought of in how to solve both of these problems, but the path we choose
is still open for discussion.
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References - Heading 7
Cantrell, M. (2014). I built a Cinva-Ram CEB press, and I made it easier for you to build one
too! Retrieved October 4, 2016, from https://permies.com/t/33406/built-Cinva-RamCEB-press
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