Innovative engineering solutions to rapidly create affordable but visually accurate target as seen by various sensors (E.g., satellite imagery, drone camera). Fort Huachuca hosts the Army's first Multi-Domain Operations range and needs dynamic and realistic adversary targets to practice on. Range Control, Exercise Planners, Instructors, and Adversary Modelers need the ability to produce low cost and destructible life-sized and visually accurate targets to provide continually updated, and also a variety of, the visual profiles used by imagery analysts to identify a target and corroborate electronic signals, allowing the fusion of information across intelligence disciplines to practice and train target location on the Multi-Domain Operation Non-Kinetic Range at Ft. Huachuca. An optional second theme would be the proof of concept for programable smart targets, physical targets that can autonomously relocate themselves across the range to provide realistic adversary movements and patterns of life (given terrain, Weather and adversary tactics), to create realistic movements and enhance scenario design and training effectiveness for Intelligence Soldiers on Multi-Domain Operation Non-Kinetic Range at Ft. Huachuca.

SIPhTR shall be capable of three sorting challenges: sort by color, by size/shape, and by character using optical character recognition (OCR).

Challenge 1 – SIPhT by COLOR!
Given an assortment of small items of uniform shape and size, SIPhTR shall sort by color
SIPhTR shall be able to physically sort at least 12 different colors, but the electronics shall be programmable to algorithmically sort more
Assumed size of bead to be used shall be a standard “perler” or fuse bead with dimensions as shown in attached documention

Challenge 2 – SIPhT by SHAPE!
Given an assortment of small items, SIPhTR shall sort by size and shape
SIPhTR shall be able to physically sort at least 12 unique sizes and shapes, but the electronics shall be programmable to algorithmically sort more
The resolution of objects to be sorted shall be 500 microns. SIPhTR shall support items as small as 3x3x3 mm3 and as large as 15x15x15 mm3.

Challenge 3 – SIPhT with OCR
Given an assortment of lettered beads, SIPhTR shall sort with optical character recognition (OCR)
Letters can be assumed to be from the Roman alphabet
Lettered beads can be assumed to be uniform shape and size

Speed
In order to be as efficient as possible, SIPhTR should sort quickly! At a rate of at least 0.2 Hz (or 1 bead every 5 seconds) but the team should stretch for a rate of 1 Hz.

End Product
SIPhTR is not meant to be stand alone product but can be a “bread board” or “open frame design”
However all components should fit on a single table top roughly in a 3x3 ft square area or smaller
Electronics hardware should be a part of the end product, I.E. SIPhTR should not run from a personal computer
Power supplies should also be part of the end product, I.E. SIPhTR should not run off of lab power supplies

Baseball hitting coaches are continuously searching for new and novel ways to evaluate batters and increase their success at the plate. A player’s ability to transfer energy from the body to the bat is one of many skills needed to have success. A tool is being proposed here that will increase and strengthen a batter’s ability to rotationally accelerate and decelerate their body during a swing. The tool will also measure the batter’s response for evaluation and progress tracking.
Work with Mech. Science and hitting department (Justin Stone) to develop a body/swing rotation trainer to teach batters how to respond to high rotational loads and transfer them more efficiently into the bat.

Requirements: 1. Review and define PFAS and microplastics – what are they, wat are we measuring specifically – classes and size. 2. PFAS (collect and detect)– develop simple system to measure – including developing a simple sensors system. Alternatively, as a minimum develop and extraction means for send of isolated compounds – with high grade accumulation – to analytical lab. 3. PFAS (report) – develop a readout and a database system for prediction and AI. 4. Microplastics (detect, collect and size) – develop simple system using optics, small laser or electrostatic means for particle detection. System will image and collect materials as well for further analysis of composition. 5. Microplastics (report) – develop a readout and a database system for prediction and AI. 6. Homogenization with environmental standards – the reporting should be in accordance with evolving EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) or other standards agencies that are being developed.
7. Small footprint and graphical user interface.

Project Description:

The DrugDetect-F1 scanner uses Photoemission/Reflection Spectroscopy to detect fentanyl and
methamphetamine by illuminating the target substance at specific wavelengths of ultra-violet (UV) light
to activate the relevant target molecules. Photons are returned from the target material(s) and detected
and analyzed by the sensor’s electronics. This scanner detects methamphetamine at 0.1% and 1.0%
concentrations and fentanyl at quantities of 100µg and 900µg in the sensor’s ½” diameter optical beam
through plastic bags to ensure user safety so that no contact with the substance is required.

Project Scope:

We are eagerly seeking a creative and innovative team to assist us in the enhancement of the "red head"
component attached to our F1 Device, the heart of our optical sensing technology. Here is a detailed
overview of the project:

1) Immersive Assembly Experience: Our project commences with a hands-on assembly of an F1 Unit
from the ground up. This vital step is designed to foster a deep understanding of the technology we're
working with. Lightsense will provide all necessary materials for assembly, and guide participants
through the procedure, ensuring a comprehensive learning experience.

2) Evaluation and Innovation: Once the units have been built, the team will critically evaluate the existing
technology and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) files. Research into possible alternatives to the current
design will then be conducted and presented upon. This process is expected to spark innovative ideas for
improving the "red head" component atop the unit.

3) Design and Development: The team will create a detailed 3D CAD file, aiming to replicate or enhance
the current "red head" design. The hands-on building procedure is expected to highlight areas of
improvement, shaping the direction of the design process. The final design should be optimized for
manufacturing purposes.

4) Prototype Creation and Verification: Utilizing advanced 3D printing technology, the team will create
prototypes of the new design. These prototypes will undergo rigorous testing to ensure their
performance aligns with our stringent criteria and the design's intended functionality.

5) Production Readiness: If the 3D printed prototypes demonstrate a high level of success and viability,
Lightsense will allocate a budget to create an aluminum mold of the design to be created. This mold
represents the potential gateway to direct production.

We look forward to the innovation and improvements this project promises, driving our technology and
products to new heights.

This project is multidisciplinary by nature and requires effective communication, creative solution, and alternatives by all members. Designing ergonomic biomedical devices, especially fall prevention systems, is a challenge that brings out the best of mechanical design, sensor technology, programming, image analysis, artificial intelligence, and human-machine interaction advancement.

Background:

SynCardia is the manufacturer of the only FDA-approved Total Artificial Heart (TAH), used as a therapeutic bridge to stabilize and sustain patients until heart transplantation. The TAH system is composed of a surgically implanted, pneumatically driven replacement heart, an external driver that provides the pulsatile pneumatic pressure required to pump the patient’s blood, and a pair of cannula tubes that pass through the patient’s abdomen to connect the driver to the heart.

Project Scope:

SynCardia is in the process of developing the new Liberty Portable Driver system. The Liberty Driver will include a novel connector system to improve the safety and performance of the system, and to make it more user friendly. To this end the current cannula design will need to be revised and updated. Cannulas connecting to the driver must be flexible and strong enough to endure the stress of long-term patient use, reliable enough to perform life-sustaining function, all while remaining biocompatible and avoiding adverse effects on patient physiology. This project will specifically focus on the interface of the cannula with this new connector. The interface will need to adjust to exceed the performance (reliability, strength, biocompatibility, safety, and usability) of the current interface. The project will entail the following:
(1) Work with SynCardia engineers to develop a new cannula system that will connect the artificial heart with the new Liberty Portable Driver system.
(2) Produce prototypes of the new cannula system that can be integrated into a testing apparatus.
(3) Perform verification of the new design to demonstrate that it will exceed the performance of the existing cannula solution.
(4) Work with SynCardia’s quality and regulatory compliance systems in order to document the improved cannula for regulatory submission and integration into the TAH system.

This is a one-of-a-kind opportunity. Depending on the quality of your work and the demonstration of its effectiveness to regulatory authorities, your design, or a future iteration of it could be included in future TAH systems and used to sustain and improve patient lives.

A solar sail spacecraft capable of dynamic maneuvering can be used for de-orbiting small debris (mostly defunct satellites) and asteroids in orbit around the Earth.
Solar sails rely on large, highly reflective, lightweight material that reflects sunlight to propel a spacecraft. By tilting the solar sail canopy, a desired maneuver can theoretically be achieved, including high-rate slingshot-type maneuvers. This space system development requires in-depth theoretical analysis and experimental testing on Earth.
Theoretical simulations are based on a dynamic analysis of pendulum motion on the Earth surface and in orbit. The project includes parametric studies of solar sail motion, conceptual and detailed design of the system. The analog prototype will be designed and built for application on Earth. The off-the-shelf RC paraglider will be selected and acquired. To achieve high-rate maneuvers, the canopy tilting mechanism will be designed and implemented into the paraglider. The associated ground station possesses sufficient radio range to communicate and to control the paraglider at its maximum altitude and range. Flight experiments will be conducted at TIMPA, Tucson.

This project will help to identify potential flight areas for UA dynamic soaring gliders. We propose to measure both horizontal and vertical winds, to determine characteristics of turbulence spectra at high altitudes up to at ~100K using balloons . The on-board equipment includes Pitot tubes, microbarographs, autopilot PX4, GPS, computers, video and radio links. Multiple-hole Pitot probes will be mounted on a boom (stationary or retractable) at some distance from the main payload cradle. The payload of ~3 kg will be packaged into a box per required specifications. Data interpretation will be conducted in collaboration with Planetary Systems Branch NASA Ames Research Center (Mr. Alex Kling).
NASA is planning to release the call for proposal for the HASP 2024 flight season later in 2023. If selected, the developed system will bee tested there in addition to flight testing planned locally in Tucson.

Background: The aviation industry has been increasingly exploring electrification as a means to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and operational costs. Electric aircraft represent a promising solution, offering lower carbon footprints and reduced noise pollution compared to conventional fossil fuel-powered aircraft. However, one of the significant challenges in the development of electric aircraft is the limited energy storage capacity and the overall weight of batteries required to power the aircraft. Traditional lithium-ion batteries used in electric aircraft are heavy and occupy valuable space, leading to reduced payload capacity and flight range. To overcome these limitations, researchers have been investigating the concept of integrating energy storage directly into the aircraft's structure. A "structural rechargeable battery" would serve the dual purpose of providing energy storage and acting as part of the aircraft's load-bearing structure, optimizing weight distribution and improving overall performance.
Problem Description: The capstone project focuses on developing a lightweight structural rechargeable battery specifically designed for electric aircraft applications. The primary objective is to integrate a battery system into an aircraft structure (e.g., wings, fuselage, etc.) that not only provides sufficient energy storage for extended flight range but also contributes to reducing the aircraft's overall weight and enhancing its aerodynamic efficiency. In addition, a possibility of harvesting a mechanical energy to re-charge a battery will be explored.

Design Requirements:
1. Energy Density: The battery must have a high energy density to store a significant amount of electrical energy while maintaining a low weight-to-energy ratio.
2. Structural Integration: The battery cells and components need to be seamlessly integrated into the aircraft's structure without compromising its mechanical properties and structural integrity.
3. Weight Optimization: The system should be designed with lightweight materials and efficient construction techniques to minimize the overall weight of the aircraft while maximizing energy storage capacity.
4. Safety and Reliability: Safety is paramount in aviation, and the battery design must meet stringent safety standards and demonstrate reliability during operation, charging, and discharging.
5. Thermal Management: Electric aircraft batteries generate heat during charging and discharging cycles, necessitating effective thermal management to prevent overheating and ensure optimal battery performance.
6. Fast Charging: The battery should be designed for fast charging capabilities to reduce turnaround times between flights and improve operational efficiency.
7. Certification and Compliance: The system design must comply with aviation regulations and standards, including airworthiness certification, to ensure its feasibility for commercial and private aircraft use.
The capstone project aims to address these challenges through advanced materials research, battery cell design optimization, thermal analysis, and structural simulations. By developing a high-performance, lightweight structural rechargeable battery for electric aircraft, the project seeks to contribute significantly to the advancement and widespread adoption of eco-friendly electric aviation technologies.