The objective of this project was to create a new, user-friendly clamping mechanism to efficiently and effectively shut paper cartridges and create a seal that would hold on its own.
Sponsored By: Curbicus
Team Members
Aaron Bubash | Fatih Celep | Joseph Davis | Jiaxing Han | Justin Iuliano | Maxwell Zhang | | | | | |
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Project Summary
Overview
Curbicus is a company focusing on an innovative and hands-free vacuum-powered alternative to plastic bags in the use of curbing small pets in urban areas. The goal of this team was to create a new, user-friendly clamping mechanism to efficiently and effectively shut paper cartridges and create a seal that would hold on its own. This mechanism would be utilized within the ‘Curbicus’ product.
Objectives
– Create the circuitry for a clamping mechanism as well as the prototype shell of the Curbicus product
– Clamping mechanism must be able to stop on its own when it is fully closed and open
– Mechanism must be able to clamp shut a cartridge for disposal later
– Final product must be able to eject used cartridge without the user having to touch the cartridge
Approach
– Convene for weekly meetings with both the sponsor and among ourselves in order to maintain focus on timely completion of objectives
– Explore different technologies to be utilized in sealing the cartridges
– Explore potential prototype design aspects and mechanisms
– Research potential parts for creating the circuit
– Communicate with sponsor to pitch design ideas and discuss technologies
– Purchase electronic parts to produce the proper logical circuit for operation
– Adjust schedule and collaborative measures to accommodate for the COVID-19 outbreak
– Create CAD models of prototypes in order to explore potential designs
– Wire the circuit to properly operate the swinging arm mechanism
– Test circuitry and model prototype to ensure proper function
– Confirm results with sponsor
– Send final products to the sponsor for further development and consideration
Outcomes
– The project is successful in implementing the objectives listed by the sponsor (user-friendly alternative to curbing)
– The sponsor has learned about potential design aspects, as they were included in research and development
– Further research and development is made easy as the product is modular
– The sponsor has a tentative solution and prototype for desired function