Proposal 1st Draft

RATIONALE:  Cotton produced in the Caribbean has been exported since the mid-1700s during British colonization. For example, the West Indian Sea Island Cotton, the most valuable cotton, is grown right here in the Caribbean. Most of this cotton in grown in Jamaica and Barbados and it is valued at $10USD per pound whereas other cotton species only go for $2USD per pound. 100% of this cotton is exported to countries like Switzerland and Japan. Similarly, the cheaper cotton species are often exported for further processing. Although this provides revenue, this is also due to the lack of machinery necessary for woven fabric production. In 2018, Georges Sassine, president of the Association des industries d’Haïti (ADIH) said that over 8 million undergarments and cotton t-shirts were made in Haiti and the majority of fabric panels used are imported from the US and Canada. There is room for woven fabric producers in the regional textile industry and there is a need for weaving machines in the region.  

OBJECTIVES:

(1)  Research and review on the regional textile industry and the cotton production industry.          

(2)  Research and review on cotton preparation for weaving on a loom/weaving machine, types of weaving machines and main components of weaving machines.

(3)  Define needs and specifications of the machine to be designed.

(4)  Development of concept designs and analysis of concepts for concept selection.  

(5)  Develop chosen concept including detailed drawings and simulations and perform any calculations necessary (e.g. calculations for motor which will control take-up and let-off of the machine).

(6)  Test the machine to determine if it meets the requirements.

PROJECT SCOPE:  The machine should be scaled to process the volumes of cotton produced within the region. The main operation of the machine would be to produce woven fabric with a plain weave.

ENGINEERING PRINCIPLES/ TOOLS TO BE APPLIED:  Engineering drawing, Machine Drawing, Machine Design 1, Machine Design 2, Product Design and Development, Introduction to Engineering, Communication Skills and Mechanics of Machines.

REFERENCES:

http://www.alwelaie.com/website/universitytheses_details_print.php?theses_id=22233

https://www.sunspel.com/uk/journal/the-story-of-sea-island-cotton/

http://onglobalcotton.com/knitwear-production-grows-in-the-caribbean-but-starting-from-a-low-base/

Supervisor's Comments: