Light Display: Presque Isle Lights Event

Overview

Presque Isle wanted a light display that can be used to depict historic events from the battle of Lake Erie in the war of 1812. This display that is created will be in operation during the months of November and December. It will also need to withstand environmental factors that will be present at this time such as high wind gusts, snow, rain, etc.

Objectives

Create a functioning light display that is visibly pleasing for the audience while the structure is resistant to Erie weather. Also, this display will need to be simplistic for the setup, storage and manufacturing that is done by the people of PI Lights and Gene Davis Manufacturing.

Approach

• Met with sponsor to discuss specifications and desired requirements

• Collected information on environmental effects present in Erie, PA

• Concept generation was carried out by each individual member

• Generated CAD models of each design that was created by group members

• Concept selection was carried out via a decision matrix to select a final design

• Created prototypes of final design with the use of additive manufacturing

• Selected a LED light matrix to display the image provided by sponsor

• Conducted hand calculations to understand stress, deflection, factors of safety, etc.

• Verified hand calculations using ANSYS FEA simulations

• Met with sponsor provided manufacturer to get cost estimation on the material and construction of design

Outcomes

• Budget provide by sponsor was $6500, the final cost estimation was ≈ $4500.

• Design was created to be reproduced each year to expand the size of the light show annually.

• Light matrix that was selected allows for simple display changes, incorporating new images to be displayed as needed.

• Set up of display does not exceed 2 hours and requires no additional tools.

• Display was verified to function properly due to external effects that will be present.