IPRO Current Listings for Fall 2009
302: Techno-Business Impacts of Sulfur Capture Technology in Coal-Based Power Plants
print | return to topMeeting Days/Time:
Tuesdays/Thursdays 1:50 to 3:05Sponsor:
Sargent & Lundy, LLC (Chicago, Illinois)Faculty:
Don Chmielewski (ChBE) (chmielewski@iit.edu) and Myron Gottlieb (IPRO/Tech Transfer) (gottlieb@iit.edu)Appropriate Disciplines:
Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Architectural Engineering, Biology, Business, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Journalism, Manufacturing Technology, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Molecular Biochemistry & Biophysics, Physics, Political Science, Psychology, Technical CommunicationDescription:
The objective of this project is to evaluate the impacts of sulfur capture technology used within a coal-based power plant. The IPRO team will study the environmental and economic effects of various sulfur capture technologies used in both traditional and advanced coal-fired power plants. The evaluation is aimed to offer conclusions about which technology provides the best benefit to both industry and society.The use of coal to produce power has proven to be the most widely used form of energy production world wide. Coal-fired power plants are vital facilities for industrialized nations since they provide reliable, efficient, and economical electricity. Because coal is mined from the earth, there are many chemical elements naturally present in the material aside from the basic ones such as carbon and hydrogen. One such element is sulfur, and when it is processed in a coal power plant it generally forms the compound sulfur dioxide and, to a lesser extent, sulfur trioxide. In modern power plants, the sulfur compounds are removed from the combusted coal flue gas prior to its emission from the power plant. The separated sulfur compounds can be used to produce commercial products such as gypsum (wallboard and other construction uses), sulfuric acid, elemental sulfur or fertilizer. If a commercial market is not available, the sulfur products such as gypsum can be disposed within a landfill as a benign material.
Today, the most common type of coal-based power plant in existence produces sulfur products in the form of gypsum which is either sold to the construction industry or land-filled. More advanced and efficient power plants are currently being developed world-wide, which process the coal and convert it into a combustible gas. Prior to combustion, the “synthetic” gas is cleaned of particulates, sulfur, trace contaminants, and even carbon dioxide compounds. The cleaned gas can then be used to fuel a combustion turbine generator. These newer types of coal-based power plants produce a sulfur product that is sold to the chemical industry as either elemental sulfur or sulfuric acid.
It is important to understand the impacts that other sulfur capturing technologies have on the systems used to convert coal energy into electrical energy. This insight can identify the best options possible for the practical uses of power plant by-products that benefit society.return to top
303: Mobile Device Mapping Applications that Enhance User Interaction (NEW!)
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Tuesday/Thursday 3:15 to 4:30Sponsor:
NAVTEQ (Chicago, Illinois)Faculty:
Jim Burstein (SSB) (burstein@iit.edu) and other instructors from Humanities, Computer Science and Design as appropriateAppropriate Disciplines:
Applied Mathematics, Architecture, Business, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Design, Internet Communications, Journalism, Political Science, Psychology, Technical CommunicationDescription:
NAVTEQ looks forward to working with an IPRO team on the challenge outlined below. This IPRO project challenge relates to supporting Navteq's mapping application development interests that can engage its customers in compelling ways that enhance value and the user experience.NAVTEQ would like to develop a better means for mobile users to interact with NAVTEQ and its map products. Among the ways that NAVTEQ would like to get feedback from its users is by encouraging them to collect and upload new information about points-of-interest. One of the most valuable pieces of information would be about ‘microlandmarks’ that people use for navigation – e.g., the statue of Harry Caray at Wrigley Field generally doesn’t appear on a map, but it is a well-known spot for people to meet before or after ballgames. NAVEQ aims to take advantage of this local knowledge and find a way to link it to its maps. Initially, NAVTEQ would like to focus on collecting information that is specifically relevant to pedestrians. NAVTEQ also seeks interactive ways that allow users to inform NAVTEQ about incorrect data on its maps, such as depicting an EL station entrance on the wrong side of the street.
The IPRO team may also identify, prototype and test a social networking application that creates a support network for its users, addressing such questions as – e.g., Where are the best places to meet? How do I find the entrance to the State & Lake EL station? In sum, NAVTEQ is interested in working with an IPRO team to address how users can collect and share map data from mobile phones and otherwise leverage local ‘expert’ knowledge that enhances the functionality and value of its maps beyond what is currently provided.
Engagement with NAVTEQ offers additional interesting opportunities for this IPRO team as it learns about this interesting and challenging high tech Chicago business located in the Boeing building. This includes behind-the-scenes visits to the NAVTEQ traffic studio that supports http://traffic.com and related on-the-air reporting.return to top
304: Integration of Process Improvements
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Tuesdays/Thursdays 3:15 to 4:30Sponsor:
A. Finkl & Sons (Chicago, Illinois)Faculty:
Will Maurer (INTM) (maurer@iit.edu) & Sheldon Mostovoy (MMAE) (mostovoy@iit.edu)Appropriate Disciplines:
Business, Aerospace Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Material Science, Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, Information Technology, Computer Science, Computer Information SystemsDescription:
A. Finkl & Sons is continuing to support the work of IIT students into the fourth semester of this project. The goal of the team for fall 2009 is to create a remote system that alerts management to the detection of broken machining inserts during machining of very large forged components.Presently one person is required to oversee the milling operation. This operation removes a thin layer of steel from the top surface of the component, creating a uniform surface finish and a visual perception of the quality of the component. Any broken inserts will cause surface irregularities and add to machining time and cost. The goal is to detect and respond from a reduced work force, thereby improving cost.
Students will be required to work directly with Finkl staff, including periodic visits to help install, test and troubleshoot controls. This is a terrific opportunity for students apply their skills in a world-class company, and several IIT graduates and interns are currently employed by Finkl.return to top
306: Technology and Business Innovations to Improve Operations
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Tuesdays/Thursdays 3:15 to 4:30Sponsor:
Sloan Valve CompanyFaculty:
John Caltagirone (INTM) (caltagirone@iit.edu)Appropriate Disciplines:
Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Biomedical Engineering, Business, Chemical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Information Technology & Management, Manufacturing Technology & Management, Materials Science & Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Professional & Technical Communication, PsychologyDescription:
Sloan Valve Company actively pursues strategies that stimulate growth and manage its costs. In particular, to gain a competitive edge in the current global economy, manufacturers are always searching to improve technology and business processes, including making better decisions about software selection and integration.The IPRO team will help to identify and evaluate activities not ordinarily visible to management teams. This will be accomplished by learning how to think about technology and business processes as value streams. The team will produce a map of the current value stream across multiple areas of Sloan Valve: production planning, order management, manufacturing, warehousing and transportation.
At the same time, the IPRO team will review the state-of-the-art and best practices related to these processes across a variety of industries. This includes understanding the range of available software packages and the expertise available at Sloan Valve that can contribute to enhancing corporate growth and cost savings. The IPRO team's discoveries and recommendations will provide an important independent perspective for Sloan Valve management.return to top
307: Intermodal Container System Solutions for the Chicago Area -- Joliet Freight City
print | return to topMeeting Days/Time:
Tuesdays/Thursdays 3:15 to 4:30Sponsor:
Mi-Jack Products (Hazel Crest, Illinois)Faculty:
Laurence Rohter, P.E. (CAEE) (rohter@iit.edu)Appropriate Disciplines:
A variety of disciplines are welcome.Description:
Intermodal freight — the movement of containers and trailers by rail, truck, or water carriers — has been the fastest-growing major segment of the U.S. freight rail industry, rising from 3.1 million trailers and containers in 1980 to 11.5 million trailers and containers in 2008.With the sponsorship of Mi-Jack Products of Hazel Crest, Illinois, the largest manufacturer and operator of intermodal equipment, IIT’s IPRO program has reviewed their “ThroughPort” and other innovative approaches. This interactive program has also looked at a traditional site development for Gary, Indiana and Harvey, Illinois.
The intention for Fall 2009 is to develop an encompassing concourse approach for the 3000 acre (approx.) area being currently built-out by the Union Pacific Railroad in conjunction with a major industrial park developer in Joliet (north of the successful BNSF Logistics Park - Chicago.) Concourses provide for multiple activity centers to facilitate cross-platform transfers, such as an airport has multiple concourses with gates, allocated for airline operations.return to top
308: Developing Web Applications for the Northern Illinois Hockey League
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Mondays/Wednesdays 11:25 to 12:40Sponsor:
Northern Illinois Hockey LeagueFaculty:
Chris Lam (HUM) (lamchri@iit.edu)Appropriate Disciplines:
A variety of disciplines are welcome, including Applied Mathematics, Architecture, Business, Computer Engineering, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Design, Internet Communications, Journalism, Psychology, and Technical Communication.Description:
The Northern Illinois Hockey League is interested in the services of an IPRO team to develop web-based scheduling and scoring applications that can support its annual operations. The NIHL is the largest hockey league in Illinois. It is also the largest youth all star hockey league in the US, serving over 300 youth teams and over 4,000 players. The youngest players are five years old and oldest are 18. The NIHL currently has an elaborate manual process for the various hockey divisions to establish their schedules and locations for games every year, as well as capture game scores. Currently, over 3,500 games are played each season with hand scheduling assignments and a score reporting system that requires over 200 team managers to fax completed game reports to a league statistician who collates them and forwards them to a web site manager. The game scheduling process that takes place prior to the start of every season is also very labor intensive and could benefit from a web-based application tool. Learn more about the organization and the scope of their challenges by visiting http://www.nihl.info/.An IPRO team will observe the current process at the end of August and beginning of September as the 2009-2010 season is organized. This offers a timely opportunity to understand the problem and its constraints. During the fall 2009 and spring 2010 semesters, the IPRO team will have opportunity to meet with the NIHL Executive Board, develop and test a prototype, develop documentation and a training session, and phase it into their process in time for the 2010-2011 season. It happens that Prof Mike Glynn, a part-time College of Architecture and IPRO instructor, is president of the Northern Illinois Hockey League and will be readily available for consultation with the team.return to top
309: Orthotics & Prosthetics Education for Latin America and the US
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Tuesdays/Thursdays 8:35 to 9:50Sponsor:
Cooperating Organizations include Universidad de los Andes (Bogotá, Colombia), La Escuela Colombiana de Rehabiltación (Bogotá, Colombia), Centro Don Bosco (Bogotá, Colombia), Laboratorio Gilete (Bogotá, Colombia), Bioconcepts, Inc. (Burr Ridge, IL), Dynamic Orthotics and Prosthetics (Houston, TX), Children’s Memorial Hospital (Chicago, IL), Joliet Junior College Tech Prep Program (Joliet, IL), and Northwestern University Prosthetics and Orthotics Center (Chicago, IL)Faculty:
Kevin P. Meade (MMAE) (meade@iit.edu)Appropriate Disciplines:
A variety of disciplines are welcome.Description:
There is an unusually large need for creating and supporting educational opportunities in orthotics and prosthetics in Latin America as well as the United States. In the last seven semesters, IPRO 309 teams have developed over 25 educational modules treating many of the topics required for training prosthetic/orthotic technicians. These materials are currently being utilized in new programs at Centro Don Bosco in Bogotá, Colombia and at Joliet Junior College in Joliet, Illinois.In the past, the IPRO 309 teams have concentrated on developing the content of the theoretical portion of the curriculum for prosthetic/orthotic technicians. In the proposed continuation of IPRO 309, the emphasis will be on synthesizing the materials already developed into forms specifically addressing the learning objectives. This will involve not only technical content but also explicit inclusion of principles of management, teamwork, communications, and ethics for a clinical treatment team consisting of medical professionals, allied health professionals, and engineers.
Unlike previous versions of this project, the business aspects of prosthetics and orthotics such as procurement, cost estimation, and insurance reimbursements for services will be the major emphasis. It is anticipated that the results of this project may support the creation of a future EnPRO where we may design a business plan for sustaining the educational programs at CDB and JJC.return to top
310: Assistive Devices for Blind Swimmers & Other Exercise Activities
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Mondays/Wednesdays 3:15 to 4:30Sponsor:
The project is partially sponsored by the Institute of Psychology, Rehabilitation Psychology Division. Collaborators include: Lighthouse for the Blind, Chicago, Illinois; Wisconsin School for the Blind; Irish Aquatics Masters/Paralympic Swim Team (a masters swim team at the University of Notre Dame); electrical engineering design teams at Rose Hulman University; and the Department of Behavioral Science and Community Studies at the University of Maine at Machias.Faculty:
Frank Lane (PSYC) (lane@iit.edu) in consultation with Lois Ann KuntzAppropriate Disciplines:
architecture, business, design, engineering, architectural engineering, biomedical engineering, chemical engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, law, psychology, applied mathematics, biology, chemistry, internet communication, molecular biochemistry/biophysics, physics, political scienceDescription:
The instructors of the IPRO 310 at IIT propose to continue the work to develop, test and implement active and/or passive assistive devices for visually impaired individuals, including those who are legally blind.Current infrared and sonar devices built by the team and its partners to aid a blind swimmer to locate themselves in a pool, while partially functional, do not filter out all the noise and signal attenuation caused by water or swimmers using different strokes. Design and testing will be conducted on the active devices. The active device team will build on the testing of technologies by the spring 2009 IPRO team and utilize participant feedback from surveys to design and develop a prototype device identify any problems with the device and make appropriate modification.
The primary goal of the passive device will be to test the durability and utility of the device that was improved by the fall 2008 IPRO team while investigating whether public pools, schools for the blind and other possible consumers will purchase the device. Additional goals of the two teams are twofold: (1) construct devices that are simple in operation and have a cost structure that makes the devices affordable to appropriate consumers of each device; thereby increasing the ability of blind individuals to participate in swimming activities; and (2) raise awareness at IIT, on college campuses and in the general public of the need for blind and visually impaired individuals to exercise through swimming and related physical activities. return to top
311: Energy & Facility Planning for Delta Tau Delta at IIT
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Tuesdays/Thursdays 6:25 to 7:40Sponsor:
Delta Tau Delta FraternityFaculty:
Nancy Hamill Governale (ARCH) (hamill@iit.edu) in consultation with other faculty members and alumni TBDAppropriate Disciplines:
A variety of disciplines are welcome, Architectural Engineering, Architecture, Business, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Political Science, PsychologyDescription:
The Delta Tau Delta (DTD) fraternity wants to make their current house as energy efficient and "green" as possible. Existing building systems are aged, and in particular, the house boiler is showing signs of major malfunction as it near the end of its natural life. This IPRO will look at all aspects of the DTD house and their operations to create a more energy efficient fraternity. The fraternity envisions this IPRO project evolving to encompass and address a range of issues associated with establishing a bold, comprehensive vision, planning the shelter of the future, serving the evolving needs of its members, engaging alumni and building a sustaining partnership with the university.During this fall 2009 IPRO, the team will begin by considering alternatives to the natural gas boiler such as solar thermal, investigating the efficiency of the building envelope, window R values, air infiltration, etc. In general, the team will investigate and document existing conditions and itemize all improvements that could be made to create a more energy efficient fraternity. In addition, the team seeks to identify sources of grant funding to help pay for future energy efficiency upgrades.
The IPRO team will explore all aspects of the building, site and operation systematically so that new and improved methods and installations can be considered. In essence, the DTD IPRO team will be creating an energy master plan for their facility. Implementation of the plan will be dictated by funding opportunities and consideration of the "payback" of various improvements. If the savings from a physical improvement is short, such as pipe insulation, it will make sense to implement that improvement immediately. Other improvements, such as replacement for the boiler system, will require a more detailed funding plan before implementation is feasible. By the end of this IPRO project, the fraternity will have a road map for possible energy improvements for their facility.
Depending on the composition of the team, and in consultation with members of the fraternity and its alumni, the scope of the IPRO team going forward can be adjusted to begin to contemplate other needs. This could include systematically evaluating the “user environment” to identify patterns of use that should be incorporated in future plans, evaluating the structure, design and layout to understand how it serves or fails to serve current and anticipated future generations, and concepts for modification and/or new construction that can be contemplated. Ultimately, this will also encompass cost analysis and fund raising strategy development that can provide the fraternity with recommendations that can guide investment decision making.
This IPRO team will benefit from the strong interaction with and participation of IIT alums of the fraternity including: Tom Hennigan, US General Services Administration, Bob Szczesniak, UOP, Ben Riley, Instructor, College of Architecture and Kevin Meade, Professor, Mechanical Engineering. It is also notable that Martin Jischke, IIT Trustee, is also an IIT physics alum of the fraternity. Finally, the IPRO team will also benefit from the regular engagement of leadership from IIT’s Office of Facilities, Real Estate & Construction to help provide the practical framework for planning and implementing solutions on the IIT Main Campus.return to top
312: Widget Applications to Enhance the Tru2Way Consumer Experience (NEW!)
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Monday/Wednesday 8:35 to 9:50 amSponsor:
ComcastFaculty:
Mattox Beckman (CS) and Chris Lam (HUM) in consultation with Wai Gen Yee (CS)Appropriate Disciplines:
Business, Computer Engineering, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Design, Electrical Engineering, Internet Communications, Journalism, Psychology, Technical CommunicationDescription:
Comcast is interested in developing telemetry using test widgets for the Tru2Way Platform. The problem that this IPRO 303 team is attempting to solve is two-fold: (1) Develop the data requirements necessary to measure a widget - customer adoption and experience, bandwidth and network impact, errors encountered, etc; and (2) Enable tweaking of the User Interface to improve and/or customize the customer experience.To address these problems, the IPRO 303 team will attempt to complete the following tasks throughout the semester: (1) Develop a pilot widget for testing; (2) Research performance metrics and develop data collection methods for the widgets on the Tru2Way platform; (3) Test and benchmark the hardware specifications for the widget; (4) Usability test the pilot widget; and (5) Brainstorm and develop other creative widgets (if time is available).
The project deliverables will include: (1) a description of performance metrics and benchmarking reports from testing the widgets; (2) a usability testing final report; (3) a pilot widget fully developed and tested; and (4) any other widgets that may be developed throughout the semester.return to top
313: Refuelable Electric Cars
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Tuesdays/Thursdays 3:15 to 4:30Sponsor:
Faculty:
Francisco Ruiz (MMAE) (ruiz@iit.edu)Appropriate Disciplines:
Architecture, business, design, aerospace engineering, chemical engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, material science/engineering, mechanical engineering, chemistry, physics.Description:
Electric cars are clean and powerful, but their range is limited by battery charge. There is a new type of battery that can be recharged by supplying it with a fresh electrolyte containing zinc particles. This battery "fuel" is safe, inexpensive and easily recycled. It also has a much greater energy density than hydrogen and other alternatives.The IPRO team will convert a car to run as a "refuelable electric vehicle." In this very new type of electric car, primary power comes from a battery that can be recharged in seconds, by supplying it with a liquid mixture of electrolyte and pelletized zinc metal. The metal yields its energy in the battery as it converts into zinc hydroxide gel, which is collected during refueling. Peak acceleration power comes from a secondary ultra-capacitor, connected to traction motors on the wheels.
This innovative new form of electric car has the same ecofriendliness of all electrics, plus unlimited range due to its unique "electric fuel", which can use the same infrastructure currently used by liquid hydrocarbon fuels.return to top
314: Interactive Urban Landmark Kiosks for Memorial Walk of Martin Luther King (NEW!)
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Tuesday/Thursday 11:25 to 12:40Sponsor:
Gage Park High School in collaboration with various foundation, government and community sponsorsFaculty:
Thomas J McLeish (ARCH/ID) (mcleish@iit.edu) in collaboration with Joy Robinson, Director, Digital Media Center (robinsonj@iit.edu)Appropriate Disciplines:
Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Architectural Engineering, Architecture, Business, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Design, Electrical Engineering, Journalism, Manufacturing Technology, Materials Engineering, Math & Science Education, Mechanical Engineering, Political Science, Psychology, Public Administration, Technical CommunicationDescription:
The students of Gage Park High School in Chicago (near south 55th and Western Avenues) were surprised to learn that Dr. Martin Luther King had actually walked through their Gage Park and Marquette Park neighborhoods in the summer of 1966 to bring attention to issues related to equal housing opportunity. Because of this new awareness, the students of Gage Park HS decided to develop a memorial so that their younger brothers and sisters would know what had happened in their own community.Under the guidance of Victor Harbison, Gage Park American History teacher, the students researched the history of the period and focused on designing a memorial. The initial design they created consisted of four-to-six computer based kiosks that would be placed at strategic places along the route of the marches that took place in 1966. The kiosks would be designed for interaction by people who would follow in the footsteps of Dr. King, displaying video of oral histories, video of the marches, etc. In this way the kiosks represent more than a memorial, they are also a community resource providing free internet connections to a community in need.
Once they had conceived of the design they worked to attract the attention of decision makers who could help make their dream a reality. Chicago Aldermen Lane and Thompson have committed support, both financially and politically thus far. Illinois State Representative Susan Mendoza has also committed her support. Students also met with Rev. Jesse Jackson, who has committed the support of Operation Push to both provide interviews with people who marched, and also the use of their TV studio to record the oral histories. There is also full support of of the City of Chicago Human Relations Commission. The Southwest Digital Planning District, headed by several community organizations including Greater Southwest Development Corporation, is also securing grant funds for this purpose. Refer to http://cps.answerstv.com/AnswersTV/Channel.aspx?ChannelID=8c947178-74b9-4e20-ab6f-403b35a0bb9b&StartPoint=Folder3151&PlayItem=10303&AP=true for an overview of the project.
Gage Park High School approached Joy Robinson, director of IIT's Digital Media Center, for assistance in developing the technology solutions for the kiosk concept and this led to development of an IPRO project to support their needs. The IPRO team will work closely with the Gage Park students and other interested parties to understand the needs of the intended users. This leads to shaping the requirements and specifications and investigating the range of technologies and information design approaches that can be considered in a kiosk solution. This will lead to developing concepts, prototyping and user testing.
There is considerable opportunity for innovative thinking and creativity in order to develop practical and unique solutions. At the same time, there are considerable practical challenges associated with transforming the ideas and prototypes into reality, including regulations, safety, reliability, community participation and acceptance, etc. The IPRO team has the opportunity to see this project through to completion over at least two semesters, though there is no requirement that a student must enroll for more than one semester.
There are a range of disciplines that can contribute to the success of this project. It offers experience in designing streetscape structures that are harmonious with the community and which the community can feel a sense of pride and ownership about. It also spans an array of engineering and design challenges that must be met. In the process, the IPRO team members will learn a great deal from the oral histories and content that is being developed by the high school students in collaboration with various members of the community, and how multimedia methods can serve needs in a highly public setting.return to top
315: Design of a Large Scale Structure
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Tuesdays/Thursdays 5:00 to 6:15Sponsor:
TGRWA LLC -- Consulting Structural Engineers (Chicago, Illinois) ESA -- Ecknhoff Saunders Architects (Chicago Illinois)Faculty:
Jorge Cobo (CAEE) (cobojor@iit.edu), Jay Shen (CAEE), Jamshid Mohammadi (CAEE)Appropriate Disciplines:
architecture, engineering, architectural engineering, civil engineering, electrical engineering, material science/engineering, mechanical engineering, mathematics educationDescription:
This integrated design course involves the complete design of a major civil engineering project. Typical projects may include design of pedestrian bridges, residential buildings, hotel buildings, airports, transportation facilities, train or bus terminal stations, and other structures. As a minimum, the project requires: (1) selection of the type of structure to be used (steel or concrete); (2) structural analysis and design including proportioning typical girders, columns and foundations and a check of pertinent serviceability requirements (deflection, cracking, and floor and/or roof vibration); (3) Study of parking around the structure (if the project involves a building) (4) design of the traffic flow capacity and transportation issues; (5) Pedestrian Accessibility following the requirements set forth in the Americans with Disabilities Act; (6) preparation of construction scheduling and detail drawings; and (7) an estimate of the project cost, etc. The design issues may be further enhanced with such considerations as green design concepts, energy sustainability, post-occupancy comfort, traffic congestion around the facility, and social issues of various kinds.Students from a variety of disciplines such as architecture, engineering (civil, electrical, materials, mechanical), political science and business will be able to make contributions to this project. In addition to design, the elements of management, leadership, teamwork and ethics responsibilities are covered. Expertise in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning from mechanical engineering; and electrical engineering as related to systems used in buildings will be helpful. Architectural design and expertise in health issues related to sick buildings syndrome, may also be helpful.return to top
317: High Performance Green Homes
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Tuesdays/Thursdays 3:15 to 4:30Sponsor:
Ecosolar HPG HomesFaculty:
Nancy Hamill-Governale (ARCH) (hamill@iit.edu)Appropriate Disciplines:
Students of all disciplines are welcome.Description:
The purpose of this project is to show how a team committed to helping people help save the world can leapfrog today's best designs. As opposed to the tradition of minimum design standards that just meeting the building code, highest practical design standards are the focus. True sustainability is the goal of this project, including; Zero Carbon Emissions, Net Zero Energy, 100% Solar Power, 10 times the traditional design life, 1/10th the maintenance, rot proof, termite proof, fire proof, hurricane and earthquake resistant.The project team, using cutting edge technology, will develop all aspects of a start-up design and build company to promote High Performance Green Homes. This project will provide a great opportunity for IIT students to experience a challenging and interesting project and to significantly contribute to a better world.return to top
319: New Technologies for Cardiac Arrest Victims
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Mondays/Wednesdays 3:15 to 4:30Sponsor:
Faculty:
Francisco Ruiz (MMAE) (ruiz@iit.edu)Appropriate Disciplines:
Business, Design, Aerospace Engineering, Biomedical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Psychology, Biology, Computer Science, Molecular Biochem/Biophysics, Prof/Tech CommunicationDescription:
Many people die each year of sudden cardiac arrest, sometimes without an underlying cardiac condition. In this project, we will study technologies that may increase survival rates at different stages in the treatment of such victims: first aid, emergency medical personnel, and emergency room.
The team is working on three different but related technologies. The current plan is to develop them to the point that they can fit to an AED machine and be used in conjunction with it by minimally trained personnel.
One of the components is a mask that will supply victims with a time-dependent mixture of oxygen and other gases, with the aim of minimizing post-anoxic reperfusion injury, which happens when victims that have had a very limited supply of oxygen for a while suddenly experience a large increase in blood oxygen when circulation is re-established. Neurons are particularly sensitive to this type of injury. This technology is in pre-prototype stage.
Another component is a torso oscillator that will provide an effective means of CPR while waiting for the AED unit to operate or the emergency personnel to arrive. We have reached the prototype phase and tests are undergoing with mice at the University of Chicago.
The third component is a brain cooler. It has been shown that cardiac arrest victims have a much greater chance of recovery if their brain temperature is lowered to about 90 F. Emergency protocols are being changed so that ambulances now take cardiac patients to hospitals with cooling units, but the effect would be greatest if cooling can start even before resuscitation. Our project seeks to add this component to an AED unit. This part is at the prototype stage.return to top
321: Developing a Collaborative On-line Student Research Forum
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Tuesdays/Thursdays 5:00 to 6:15Sponsor:
Faculty:
Robert Ellis (AM) (ellisr@iit.edu)Appropriate Disciplines:
Business, design, engineering, information technology, psychology, science, computer science, computer information systems, internet communication, professional/technical communicationDescription:
Three recent phenomena need unification: the proliferation of non-traditional undergraduate coursework and summer programs, the surge in published undergraduate research, and the power of online collaboration to produce high quality content with high impact. This IPRO will develop a web-based tool for student research in two phases:- Fall 2009: Development, testing, and launch for the IIT student researcher audience, and
- Spring 2010: Outreach and training for IIT student researcher involvement, and expansion to include students outside IIT, possibly including Chicago-area undergraduates, Chicago public high school students, and prospective scholarship applicants at high schools nationally.
323: Zero CommunIITy: A Prototype for a Zero-Energy Residential Development
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Mondays/Wednesdays 11:25 to 12:40Sponsor:
Faculty:
Steven Beck (ARCH) (sbeck@codallc.net)Appropriate Disciplines:
Architecture, business, architectural engineering, civil engineering, mechanical engineering, psychology, political science.Description:
The goal of Zero CommunIITy is to utilize technology as a design tool in the development of a zero-energy residential community. In the current economic climate, the private sector will not likely be invested in such an endeavor. Energy usage is becoming an ever increasing concern and if communities can share infrastructure and share energy generated on-site, whether that be solar, wind, geo-thermal or something we develop, Zero CommunIITy may become a reality. This is an opportunity for the IIT community to establish guidelines for approaching forward thinking community planning in our near future.
Zero CommunIITy already has an audience interested in its results. Findings will be presented to these parties and have the potential to establish dramatic change in zoning requirements of our neighboring municipalities and the design community at-large. By quantifying the benefits of integrating technology in community development, the inclusion of technology in private developments of our future can be assured. Zero CommunIITy will look to the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design rating system as well as the American Institute of Architects' goal of fossil fuel reduction for direction. This will require inventive use of technologies, unit planning, building systems, construction methods, and community planning.return to top
324: Power Measurement for Road Bicycles: Towards a Universal Solution
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Mondays/Wednesdays 5:00 to 6:15Sponsor:
Software Technologies Group, Inc.Faculty:
Dietmar Rempfer (MMAE) (rempfer@iit.edu), Sheldon Mostovoy (MMAE), Guillermo Atkin (ECE)Appropriate Disciplines:
Design, aerospace engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, science, applied mathematics, physics.Description:
Professional athletes as well as many serious hobby athletes and recreational cyclists have great interest in measuring their mechanical power output on the bicycle. A number of solutions to measure this quantity are available, but all of them have at least one or more drawbacks: high cost, questionable accuracy or , they cannot be retrofit to existing complete bicycles, but require the replacement of parts like the rear wheel or the crankset.
The IPRO team is developing a system that measures the applied torque at the crankset. In contrast to existing solutions, it wants to be able to retrofit a system to existing cranksets, obviating the need to abandon parts that the bicyclist already owns. According to preliminary tests we have done in the MMAE department, this can be done, in principle, using sets of quite inexpensive strain gauges; however, being able to get accurate torque measurements will require some advanced processing of the signals from the strain gauges. These signals can then be transmitted wirelessly to a bicycle computer, like Garmin's Edge 705. There is a defined wireless protocol (ANT+Sport) that has been developed specifically for the purpose of transmitting exercise data (including power output, heart rate, etc.) to small computers. Chipsets and development kits for this protocol are also available commercially. Our task will therefore be to find an optimal configuration of strain gauges that will be attached to the crankset, and to develop an algorithm to process the strain gauge data in order to isolate a signal that is proportional to the applied torque.
In fall '09 the team will concentrate on the integration and packaging of the system components to have a design that is robust as well as compact and can withstand the challenges of practical use (like exposure to water and dirt, vibration and shocks, etc.). This should result in a practical product that would cost a small fraction of what currently available systems retail for.return to top
325: Affordable & Sustainable Quality of Life Improvements for the World
print | return to topMeeting Days/Time:
Tuesdays/Thursdays 3:15 to 4:30Sponsor:
SPONSOR: NCIIA(grant); CURRENT COLLABORATORS/CONTACTS (Some only nominally) Prof John Duffy(UMass/Lowell); Prof David Gullette (Simmons C.; Prof Lupita Montoya (Rensselear), Ursula Harman (Catholic U. Lima) Sara Mascola (US Peace Corp,Peru), Marisela Perez, native Peruvian veterinarian. POTENTIAL COLLABORATORS: Dr. Paul Polak (IDE-Intl Development Enterprises) and several faculty at Ohio Northern University, Ada, OhioFaculty:
Kenneth Schug (CHEM) (kschug@msn.com)Appropriate Disciplines:
A variety of disciplines are welcome.Description:
Since fall 2006, IPRO 325 has focused on identifying the water, energy, and shelter needs of the roughly 2 billion rural poor who live on $3.00 or less/day. Teams have designed, built and field tested solutions that can be constructed, used, maintained and disseminated by the target population, using affordable and readily available local materials.
The fall 2009 team's focus will be on Peru, and other countries, most likely in Latin America, might be added. Options include one or more of the following: continued refinement of the devices developed by previous IPRO teams; identification and development of new ventures in previously visited communities; establishment of collaborative arrangements with other entities currently involved in quality of life efforts in Peru (or elsewhere), and, of course, embracing an entirely new challenge that fits our overall Quality of Life goal. Additionally, we will continue to help raise awareness at IIT of the problems of the world's poor. return to top
327: A Video Annotation and Indexing System
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Mondays/Wednesdays 3:15 to 4:30Sponsor:
Faculty:
Wai Gen Yee (CS) (yee@iit.edu) and Ophir Frieder (CS)Appropriate Disciplines:
Business, design, engineering, computer engineering, psychology, science, computer science, computer information systems, internet communication.Description:
Much information available on the Web is in video format. The problem with this medium is that neither a way for users to comment on particular scenes within the videos exists, nor a way of searching for specific content within the videos. The team proposes to develop a system that will allow users to make fine-grained comments on scenes within the video and then to use these comments to aid in search within videos.
In the first semester of this project, the team will design and implement a Web-based video-viewing system that allows viewers to type in comments that are linked (i.e., timestamped) to a particular point in the video. These comments allow for a deeper discussion on the video content as well as other social-networking benefits.
Once the system has been implemented, it will be deployed in a real-world setting, such as a classroom with recorded lectures. Students will be allowed to view lecture recordings and make fine-grained comments on the instructor's lesson. In this environment, the experimental system could be tested for usability. Various teaching methods could be tests also for soliciting comments. A metric for this system is whether it improves the educational experience.return to top
328: Church & School Energy Efficiency and Financing Program
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Tuesdays/Thursdays 1:50 to 3:05Sponsor:
Vince Cushing of Clean Urban EnergyFaculty:
Jim Braband (SSB) (braband@iit.edu), Nancy Hamill-Governale (ARCH)Appropriate Disciplines:
Architecture, business, engineering, manufacturing technology, information technology, computer science, political science, professional/technical communication.Description:
Chicago's south and west side neighborhoods are adorned with old churches and schools with antiquated HVAC systems, inadequate maintenance and poor control strategies. With escalating energy costs and budget deficits they are struggling to survive, they lack both the expertise and funding to pursue even modest quick-payback projects. This IPRO will provide the resources to monitor the energy consumption and utilize a volunteer group of professional engineers to analyze the data and provide recommendations to the church/school. Assistance will be provided to pursue state and federal grants made available specifically for this purpose and recently expanded as part of the Economic Stimulus Package. A new financing scheme (intracting) will be introduced to alumni, parishioners and other donors as a solution for the remaining funding needs.
The purpose of this IPRO is to develop a self-sustaining, self-help program for these church/school institutions that:
- Gets energy professionals’ attention to reviewing a church/school energy situation and identifying cost-saving options using a web-based application to limit their time commitment, e.g. time administering studies, writing reports, or gathering site information (building construction, HVAC equipment, energy use pattern, etc.).
- Provides structure for church/school administrators to execute their energy projects.
- Builds on the lessons learned from a spring 2009 prototype project at Old St. Mary's Church and School, modifies the above as necessary, enlists several new candidates in the general Bronzeville area, and implements the new energy efficiency and financing program at these facilities.
331: Global Warming & Community Outreach
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Tuesdays/Thursdays 3:15 to 4:30Sponsor:
N/AFaculty:
Peter Lykos (BCPS) (lykos@iit.edu), Ruthanna Gordon (PSYC), Lidia Calcaterra (BCPS)Appropriate Disciplines:
Students of all disciplines are welcomeDescription:
We plan to continue evolving the Global Warming Community Outreach IPRO 331 with two additional new features. The first is to provide an opportunity for those audiences we reach to continue on their own with access to a summary of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change Fourth Assessment Report focused on Physical Science Basics that is being generated by the students in Chemistry 410 (Science of Climate Change) in the Spring of 2009 by dividing the Report into 80 sections of about 12 pages each and having the students prepare a PowerPoint w/voice over summary of each (there will be 80 in all) from which the audience may select those of interest to study.
The second is to have Professor Ruthanna Gordon of the Institute of Technology guide the IPRO 331 members on how to develop their ppt-aided oral presentations using a narrative format toward informal learning that she is developing as an more effective style to better accomplish cognition of concepts and information.return to top
332: Our Energy Future: Lessons in Sustainability AND IPRO Teams for K-12: The Education Outreach Service Learning Cluster
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Tuesdays/Thursdays 11:25-12:40Sponsor:
Partner schools in prior semesters have included De LaSalle Institute, Hyde Park, Phillips, Dunbar, Homewood-Flossmoor, Pershing West middle school, etc. It is anticipated that this project will be a part of the proposed IPRO 320 cluster.Faculty:
Jim Braband (SSB) (braband@iit.edu)Appropriate Disciplines:
Students of all disciplines are welcome.Description:
As of August 21, the IPRO 320 topic is being integrated with IPRO 332 and both topics will be addressed in an integrated way. Refer to IPRO 320 for a description of that topic.
Energy is the vital link between everything that happens in this world, but there is no single or simple world vision. Energy choices and challenges will become increasingly complicated as the nation and the world balance the expanding need for energy supply with the importance of increasing energy efficiency and conservation. The world energy market grows daily with new stakeholders, new limitations, new resources and new challenges. The energy world is ever-expanding, and it is imperative that future leaders and the general public be capable of understanding these issues and making educated decisions. With President Obama's commitment to Clean Energy, growing awareness of the dangers of Global Warming and an exploding world population facing a shortage of life's basic resources, water and food, this project could not be more timely.
The purpose of this project is to create an innovative and engaging multi-media classroom experience that provides students and community groups with a balanced perspective of our energy situation and the challenges of sustainability. A mini-series on key energy and sustainability issues will be produced to complement and/or expand current science curriculum in high schools or middle schools. The hope is to separate fact from fiction and leave the student with a non-judgmental view of the choices available to current and future generations. These materials will also be considered for community outreach through participation at local events (e.g. Earth Day.) return to top
333: Fab Lab: Creating Design-to-Prototype Learning Modules at the Museum of Science and Industry
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Tuesdays/Thursdays 3:15 to 4:30Sponsor:
Museum of Science and IndustryFaculty:
David Gatchell (BME) (dgatchel@iit.edu)Appropriate Disciplines:
Students of all disciplines are welcomeDescription:
The primary objective of IPRO 333 is to partner the knowledge and ideas of young engineers, architects, and scientists at IIT with the resources of the Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) in Chicago. This partnership endeavors to help the museum's Fabrication Laboratory (Fab Lab) maximize its potential as a resource for museum guests, young and old, as well as for IIT students, staff, and faculty.
Because other Fab Labs around the world have focused on solving critical issues within their local communities, IPRO 333 will concentrate on the education of two groups within greater Chicago: visiting school children ages eight and up and museum members. Interactions with the former group will be facilitated by collaborating with other IPROs focused on educational outreach as well as a collaboration (developed this semester) with the museum's Center for the Advancement of Science Education and its "Learning Labs". Over 18,000 students experienced these labs last year, and we intend to offer the "Fab Lab" as an additional learning lab. By reaching out to these two groups this IPRO will introduce people of all ages to the processes of design and fabrication, and in some cases stimulate the minds of future scientists, architects, and engineers. return to top
334: Planning for Human Implantation of a Cortical Visual Prosthesis
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Tuesdays/Thursdays 1:50 to 3:05Sponsor:
IIT Laboratory of Neural Prosthetic ResearchFaculty:
Phil Troyk (BME) (troyk@iit.edu) and Margaret Huyck (PSYC) (mhhuyck@sbcglobal.net)Appropriate Disciplines:
Students of all disciplines are welcome.Description:
The Intracortical Visual Prosthesis project has been pursued for the past 10 years at IIT. The research and technology have progressed to the point at which implantation in a human volunteer can be seriously considered.
The Intracortical Visual Prosthesis is based upon that concept that by implanting a large number of subminiature electrodes within the human visual cortex, coordinated temporal-spatial image information can be artificially communicated to the human visual cortex in the form of electrical currents, acting as a sensory substitute for normal vision.
Presently IIT is planning for the clinical implementation of the Intracortical Visual Prosthesis within the next 2 years. To accomplish this goal, the project needs to be planned and examined from a combination of engineering, medical, neuroscience, image processing, psychophysical, psychological, regulatory and ethical viewpoints.
Students from engineering [BME, electrical, mechanical, chemical] would combine with students from psychology, (pre)medicine, law, and the humanities to approach an examination of the steps necessary to prepare for implantation of the first system in a human volunteer. It is expected that the end product would be a project road map that highlights the nature and scope of the steps needed to meet the criteria of safety and efficacy for the first implanted system.return to top
335: Green Building Design Concept & Integration
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Tuesdays/Thursdays 1:50 to 3:05Sponsor:
Faculty:
Jeff Budiman (CAEE) (budiman@iit.edu) and Jay Shen (CAEE) in consultation with Mark Snyder (snyder@iit.edu)Appropriate Disciplines:
Architecture, business, architectural engineering, civil engineering, computer engineering, electrical engineering, engineering management, material science/engineering, mechanical engineering, information technology, political science, public administration.Description:
This integrated design course involves the complete design of a building considering all architectural engineering aspects. As a minimum, the project requires:- Selection of the type of structure to be used (steel or concrete);
- Structural analysis and design including proportioning typical girders, columns and foundations and a check of pertinent serviceability requirements (deflection, cracking, and floor and/or roof vibration);
- Building comfort requirements including the design of a heating, ventilation and air conditioning system depending on the building occupancy and usage;
- Design of the electrical system; (5) design of the lighting system;
- Design for acoustics system;
- Preparation of detail drawings;
- Green building concepts; and
- An estimate of the building cost.
The scope of this IPRO project spans structural, architectural, foundation, HVAC, lighting and electric system designs, as well as building cost estimating and professional ethics. The IPRO team will become informed about and apply principles associated with green design concepts, energy sustainability, post occupancy comfort, acoustic design issues, smart building concepts, health issues (abatement of mold- and allergy-causing agents), and safety considerations.return to top
336: Planning the 21st Century Urban Farm: From High Rise to Neighborhood
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Thursdays 6:25 to 9:05Sponsor:
Faculty:
Blake Davis (ARCH) (davisbl@iit.edu)Appropriate Disciplines:
A variety of disciplines are welcome, Architecture, Business, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, , Electrical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, Manufacturing Technology, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Molecular Biochemistry & Biophysics, Political Science, PsychologyDescription:
Today, fresh food is grown in areas with climates that are warm year-round, such as California and Florida. Winter fruits and vegetables are often grown even farther away in Southern Hemisphere countries such as Chile. This produce is then shipped several thousand miles to Chicago. This transportation wastes energy, has environmental consequences (i.e., represents a large carbon footprint), and delivers food that has lost freshness and nutritional value. It also makes the food system for Chicago vulnerable to disruption due to a wide range of factors, from poor weather to trucking strikes.
It seems clear that it would be good to produce at least some of our food closer to home. Several advocates of "vertical farming" claim that with controlled climates in urban greenhouses, crops could be produced very efficiently. They claim that you could produce 10-12 crops a year in an urban facility. The food produced would be much fresher and less vulnerable to disruption. Community Supported Agriculture Ventures (CSA's) have demonstrated that people would be willing to support a local farming system.
The purpose of this IPRO project is to examine the feasibility of and opportunities for establishing an urban farm on the south side of Chicago.return to top
337: Zero Energy Lab AND Designing the IPRO Team Collaboratory Space
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Tuesdays/Thursdays 5:00 to 6:15Sponsor:
DOE/EPA Labs 21 collaboration KSA Lighting lighting samples Lithonia Meccho ShadeFaculty:
Nancy Hamill Governale, College of Architecture (ARCH) (hamill@iit.edu), TBDAppropriate Disciplines:
Students of all disciplines are welcome.Description:
As of August 21, the IPRO 301 topic is being integrated with IPRO 337 and both topics will be addressed in an integrated way. Refer to IPRO 301 for a description of that topic.
The Zero Energy Lab concept is a physical space in which students can see and experience what it takes to be "zero energy" while experimenting with research workspaces, movable power stations, new lighting designs and living within the zero energy utilization of buildings.
This IPRO will refine the design concept for a Zero Energy Lab to be constructed on the fourth floor of Machinery Hall. Re-design of the space is needed because it has been unoccupied for many decades. The overall design of the space will result in utilization of renewable energy created through photovoltaics, solar thermal, natural daylighting and natural ventilation through operable sawtooth roof windows. The space will utilize low energy consuming lighting systems with building integrated reflectance, light scoops, composting toilets and other systems designed to add to the zero energy aspect of the lab.return to top
338: Improving Efficiency Through Advanced Technology for Electrical Construction
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Tuesdays/Thursdays 5:00 to 6:15Sponsor:
Electrical Contractors Association of the City of ChicagoFaculty:
Dan Tomal, Ph.D. (INTM) (drtomal@aol.com), Keith McKee (INTM), Mazin Safer (INTM)Appropriate Disciplines:
Students of all disciplines are welcome.Description:
The purpose of this IPRO is to study the process and procedures of electrical contractors in completing building and major reconstruction projects and to identify ways to improve the project efficiency in areas such as communications, job completion, equipment, organization, scheduling, LEED certification and overall project management by recommending improved uses of technology software such as: Building Information Modeling (BIM) utilization and other strategies of project management.
IPRO students will:
- interview selected electrical contractors (e.g., project managers, etc.)
- conduct an assessment of current project management process and technology
- identify ways for improving efficiency such as using new software and technology, communications, Building Information Modeling(BIM) utilization and project management techniques.
339: Designing Affordable Shipping Container Housing for Chicago
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Saturdays, 10:00 to 12:30Sponsor:
Faculty:
Mike Glynn (ARCH) (mpgalfa@aol.com) and Blake Davis (ARCH) (davisbl@iit.edu)Appropriate Disciplines:
Students of all disciplines are welcome.Description:
The cost of housing has been accelerating in recent years. Each year, a smaller percentage of the population is able to afford new housing. On the South Side of Chicago, many neighborhoods are being redeveloped for a more affluent group of renters and owners, often displacing poor residents in the process. In this continuing project, previous teams have investigated the use of shipping containers as the basis for housing for the low-income residents of Chicago. They have also researched developing an interim use as housing for the 2016 Olympics.
During the fall 2009 semester, the team will explore building a model home to demonstrate the project to the city, philanthropists, developers and the general public.return to top
341: Product and Market Development for an Industrial Tool Product
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11:25 to 12:40 PMSponsor:
Versatility Tool Works (Alsip, Illinois)Faculty:
Will Maurer (INTM) (maurer@iit.edu)Appropriate Disciplines:
business, design, aerospace engineering, material science/engineering, mechanical engineering, professional development, manufacturing technologyDescription:
Versatility Tool is a small metal component manufacturer that has developed a new industrial tool cabinet for a major customer. The company requires an improvement in the performance of the drawer mechnanism of the cabinet. The drawer binds prematurely when holding the expected capacity of 440 lbs. In addition, the company needs market knowledge to improve sales.
Previous teams have developed a prototype that the fall 2009 team will test further. return to top
342: Development of a Real-Time Information System
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Mondays/Wednesdays 3:15 to 4:30Sponsor:
Midwest Steel & Services (Wheeling, Illinois)Faculty:
Will Maurer (INTM) (maurer@iit.edu)Appropriate Disciplines:
business, computer engineering, material science/engineering, mechanical engineering, professional development, manufacturing technology, information technology, psychology, computer information systemsDescription:
Midwest Steel & Services purchases and coverts plate steel into mold and die bases for the plastic and steel industries. Their competitive advantage is in the ability to deliver finished product in 6-7 days where most competitors at a minimum require several weeks. The key to the company's success lies in the ability to make smart purchases and track performance within tight cost controls.
The company's present software and internal processes are not sufficient to meet business needs. The fall 2009 team will investigate ways to improve this issue.return to top
343: Design of Kranti Home and School (Mumbai) for Sexually Trafficked Girls
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Tuesdays 6:25 to 9:05Sponsor:
Kranti, a women’s rights organization being established by an IIT PSYC Alumnus, aims to provide a healing home, comprehensive education, and personalized opportunities to girls who have been trafficked or otherwise denied their basic human rights. Kranti is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization in the United States and a registered Trust in India.Faculty:
Jeanne Gang (ARCH) (jgang@studiogang.net) in collaboration with Monica Chadha (ARCH) (mchadha@studiogang.net), Linda Pulik (ID) (pulik@id.iit.edu) and Margaret Huyck (PSYC)Appropriate Disciplines:
Architecture, business, design, architectural engineering, civil engineering, structural engineering, material science & engineering, law, political science, psychology, public administration.Description:
This IPRO project seeks to engage students in exploring and understanding the specific nature of Kranti's mission as well as researching and understanding the properties of local building materials. The long term goal is to allow for the design and construction of a sustainable, low-cost environment in which the Kranti girls could live and study.
The IPRO project will focus on gathering information (research), exploring material options (design and analysis) and prototyping (expanding on the material research to test and build).
IPRO team members will learn and implement user centered research methods to understand the Kranti organization, the girls impacted by this project and the location of the project (Mumbai).
IPRO team members will apply their research findings in developing a series of sustainable design concepts. In this phase students would be exploring locally-available materials and their properties and testing their impact on the built environment.
By approaching this project at both a macro scale (issues about sexual trafficking, living in a dense, urban city, developing a collaborative project between two countries) and a micro scale (testing and working with building materials), the IPRO team will be able to explore the complexities of the larger issues as well as develop smaller, implementable prototypes during the semester.
It is currently anticipated that this IPRO project will continue in Spring 2010.return to top
344: Energy Effciency and Audio Quality in Mobile Devices and Intercom Systems
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Mondays/Wednesdays 3:15 to 4:30Sponsor:
Faculty:
Thomas Wong (ECE) (wong@iit.edu)Appropriate Disciplines:
Architecture,Business,Design,Architectural Engineering,Civil Engineering,Computer Engineering,Electrical Engineering,Mechanical Engineering,Computer Science,Physics,Prof/Tech CommunicationDescription:
To preserve battery life, portable electronic devices employ special circuits and signal conditioning techniques to improve the efficiency of the output stages at both the transmitter and the audio sections. Switching mode amplifiers are playing a major role in the current generation of portable devices, owing to the high efficiency and good sound quality they offer. The main performance measure for the audio section employing switching-mode amplifier would therefore be the power efficiency and audio signal quality. While it is well-known that there is a trade-off between these two performance measures, the relation is a complex one, for it not only depends on the nature of the content material but is also influenced by the characteristics of the transducer and human perception. In the context of speech communication, transducer mounting and its geometrical relation to the speaker and listener are also important factors for determining the overall audio quality perceived.
Building on the experience of previous teams, the objectives for the fall semester of 2009 will include assessment of the performance of the audio system installed in a post structure as employed in a drive-through facility. Data will be collected in terms of sensitivity, sound level, power consumption, influence of wind, ambient noise, and vehicle noise. Different configurations of the system with microphones of various reception pattern, speaker and microphone mounting arrangement, positioning of the speaker, and gain limiting will be evaluated. Based on the measurement results, improvement in the system will be made.
An immediate goal of the initiative is to evaluate the sound quality delivered by the system in a practical situation and compare it with industrial standards. A longer term objective is to incorporate adaptive measure so that noise cancellation and sound-level optimization can be realized. return to top
345: Improving Food Processing with Process Mapping Techniques (NEW!)
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Mondays/Wednesdays 3:15 to 4:30Sponsor:
Land O'Frost (Lansing, Illinois)Faculty:
Philip Lewis (INTM) (lewisp262@aol.com)Appropriate Disciplines:
Applied mathematics, bioengineering, biology, business, chemical engineering, chemistry, computer engineering, computer information systems, computer science, electrical engineering, engineering management, mechanical engineering, industrial technology and management, information technology and management, professional and technical communication, psychologyDescription:
Land O'Frost is a third generation privately held food processing company providing sliced lunch meat products to the North American marketplace. The company produces its own line of proprietary products and also produces a growing number of private label specialty products. (Refer to http://www.landofrost.com/ for more information.) The production process at Land O'Frost has two functions, Formulation and Packaging. The Formulation function encompasses ordering raw materials, blending the recipe of each meat product, curing and baking. After baking, the product is delivered to Packaging where the products are sliced and packaged.
Formulation is a complex process with many variables. Land O'Frost desires to better understand the interdependent relationships of these variables and their impact upon through time, productivity and quality. This IPRO team will study the Formulation process, identifying all inputs, mapping the production process, observing activities and working to identify improvements. The IPRO team will develop a process map of the company’s formulation function, noting inputs, outputs, assets and process parameters. Team members will have the opportunity to learn and apply six sigma methodologies to identify bottlenecks, evaluate performance and suggest improvements to Land O'Frost. return to top
347: Developing a Tool Crib Management System & Feed Mechanism for Semi-Automated Welding Process
print | return to topMeeting Days/Time:
Tuesdays/Thursdays 3:15 to 4:30Sponsor:
Smith & Richardson, Inc. (Geneva, Illinois)Faculty:
Philip Lewis (INTM) (lewisp262@aol.com) and Engineering Faculty TBDAppropriate Disciplines:
Business, computer engineering, material science/engineering, mechanical engineering, manufacturing technology, information technology, psychology, computer science, computer information systems, professional/technical communication.Description:
Smith & Richardson, Inc. manufactures hundreds of different metal parts using a variety of stamping and welding equipment. There are two projects that are to be undertaken by the IPRO team, as described below:
TOOL CRIB MANAGEMENT SYSTEM. In order to produce each part, the company has specified several pieces of tooling and fixtures to be used in order to manufacture the part. The tooling and fixtures are used in conjunction with different machines and process employed in the plant. This information is currently specified on a work sheet cataloged by the engineering number for the part. The information on the work sheet is hand written and tooling and fixtures are described in descriptive terms. The company has established a secure Tool Crib to warehouse all of its tooling and fixtures and seeks to create a database management system that will provide real time management of the tools and fixtures secured in the Tool Crib. The plan is to integrate the new Tool Crib Management System with the company's existing Plant Management System.
The aim of this IPRO Project is to create the Tool Crib Management System and to work with the company's Software Vendor that supports the Plant Management System such that in the end the two systems are integrated.
FEED MECHANISM DESIGN FOR SEMI-AUTOMATED WELDING PROCESS. One of their operations requires a person to manually feed and orient two metal disks into two feed troughs where they are subsequently welded to a piece of steel rod. The final assembly is a metal bobbin. Smith & Richardson would like to automatically feed the disks into the welding machine.
The IPRO team will design the mechanism to feed and orient disks automatically to the welding machine. In order to achieve the purpose, the team will need to design a system to automatically orient the discs and then to automatically feed them to a trough where they will be staged until welded to a rod. The goal of the project is to create the system, attach it to the machine and demonstrate how the solution automates the disk feeding process. return to top
350: Smart Binoculars for Military & Civilian Use (An Entrepreneurial IPRO Project)
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Tuesdays/Thursdays 3:15 to 4:30Sponsor:
Faculty:
James Braband (SSB) (braband@iit.edu)Appropriate Disciplines:
A variety of disciplines are welcome, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Business, Civil Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Computer Information Systems, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, PsychologyDescription:
Smart Binoculars is an EnPro focusing on automation of traditional site seeing binoculars and applying the technology developed to its military counterpart, the ‘smart binoculars’. Conventional sightseeing binoculars have several shortcomings which the EnPro will overcome by automating it through the use of robotics.Integration of interactive touch screen technology and GIS layer into such binoculars will also be one of the undertakings; however, the prime focus of the EnPro will be developing this technology further for military application. The proposed military version of these binoculars is called ‘smart binoculars’, a ground based tracking system for border patrol and other security applications. It is formed of an array of self sustained digital binocular units mounted on top of tall towers or suspended from blimps or helium balloons. These binoculars have longer range of sight than traditional surveillance cameras and are wireless networked amongst each other. They can track an object across the array, so when an object (car, person, etc.) moves out of the range of on binocular the consecutive one takes over. The primary advantage of this type of surveillance system over air patrol is that it provides continuous tracking and surveillance over an area (even when there is no air patrol hovering over that spot) until intercepting forces intercept suspicious activities. The military application is tentative and is still open to interpretation and modifications and might be directed as the EnPro team decides to take the concept further.
This EnPro will undertake the development of underlying technology for both these types of binoculars as well as help develop a well research business plan. This EnPro will require extensive market research, technological development and research of currently military technology. ROTC engineering/physics students are highly encouraged to apply for this EnPro since they can act as a bridge between the EnPro group and the military, and junior and senior students with a strong background in computer programming and robotics are also encouraged to apply.return to top
351: Alcometre: Preventing Drunk Driving via Sensor Technology (An Entrepreneurial IPRO Project)
print | return to topMeeting Days/Time:
Mondays/Wednesdays 3:15 to 4:30Sponsor:
Faculty:
James Braband (SSB) (braband@iit.edu)Appropriate Disciplines:
A variety of disciplines are welcome, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Business, Chemical Engineering, Chemistry, Computer Engineering, Computer Information Systems, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Materials Engineering, Molecular Biochemistry & Biophysics, Physics, PsychologyDescription:
358: Product Development & Business Planning for a Fishing Innovation (An Entrepreneurial IPRO Project)
print | return to topMeeting Days/Time:
Tuesdays/Thursdays 6:25 to 9:05Sponsor:
Sparrowhawk LLC and Heartland Angels, IncFaculty:
John Stoner (SSB) (stoner@iit.edu) and David Gatchell (BME) (dgatchel@iit.edu)Appropriate Disciplines:
A variety of disciplines are welcome,, Aerospace Engineering, Applied Mathematics, Biology, Biomedical Engineering, Business, Manufacturing Technology, Materials Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, PsychologyDescription:
The purpose of this project is to develop the technology, business framework and market strategy for Sparrowhawk LLC, an early stage company. Sparrowhawk has developed an extremely innovative fish hook that offers its users the potential of greater safety by preventing painful fishing hook injuries and a greater likelihood of successfully landing fish while avoiding frustrating and time wasting snags.The project offers a tremendous scope of opportunity for students to gain experience in both (a) developing the components of a business strategy and plan as well as (b) developing and testing designs and prototypes that demonstrate the value of the innovation and its place in the market. The team will also interact with a graduate student at IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law who will be investigating intellectual property and other legal aspects of this new venture while completing an Entrepreneurial Law Practicum in tandem with the IPRO project.
The team will work with the entrepreneur behind Sparrowhawk LLC as well as Heartland Angels, Inc (“Heartland”) a private equity network that brings together accredited investors with early stage start-up companies and other opportunities. Heartland Angels' mission is to be a catalyst in the process of innovation by creating forums in which human, intellectual and financial capital are joined for a common purpose. Furthermore, Heartland Angels will invite students to one of its monthly events to gain additional practical insight concerning the world of entrepreneurial/private equity investing.return to top
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The IPRO program affords me the opportunity to be able to interact with people of many different majors, so that I can learn things from courses they’ve taken and experiences they’ve had.
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For questions regarding IPRO courses, please email Tom Jacobius at jacobius@iit.edu.