Brainstorming These are rough ideas of the cup at the very beginning of time in order to satisfy our functional requirements.
The original idea, Andrew suggested at the first time, has a simple electric device to drive its lid open and close automatically. Ran improved Andrew's concept further with simple electrical and mechanical devices as seen on the right side photo.
This idea was from Alyssa, and it clearly shows our philosophy for the cup; "Eliminate the need for excessive steps towards drinking" As seen on the right figure, it needs only one step, which is gripping the cup with one hand to drink. In other words, our idea of the cup sought for following concept; "Simple is Better"
The original idea, Andrew suggested at the first time, has a simple electric device to drive its lid open and close automatically. Ran improved Andrew's concept further with simple electrical and mechanical devices as seen on the right side photo.
This idea was from Alyssa, and it clearly shows our philosophy for the cup; "Eliminate the need for excessive steps towards drinking" As seen on the right figure, it needs only one step, which is gripping the cup with one hand to drink. In other words, our idea of the cup sought for following concept; "Simple is Better"
This idea was from Alyssa, and it clearly shows our philosophy for the cup; "Eliminate the need for excessive steps towards drinking" As seen on the right figure, it needs only one step, which is gripping the cup with one hand to drink. In other words, our idea of the cup sought for following concept; "Simple is Better"
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Mock-up Model Summary The mockup model for the no spill cup was made from acrylic. By using the strategy of layers, the lid of the mockup model was manufactured with the use of the laser cutter. The model includes springs, a push lever, an S-linkage, a slide, a slide housing, silicon, and an S-linkage housing. When fully assembled, simply push the lever and this will suppress the springs and move the S-linkage. As the S-linkage moves, the slide moves simultaneously and the drinking hole is opened. The total weight of the acrylic lid turned out to be 110.1 grams.
Future Improvements Since this is only the mockup model, some improvements must be made. First, the lid will be integrated into a 3-D model in order to eliminate the layers. The 3-D model will also be created in order to manufacture the cup using the SLS machine. Parts will also be reduced and research on suitable silicon must be done. Snap guards will be added in order to resist impact shock and the chance of the lever being activated accidently. The body of the cup must be designed to be aesthetically appealing and a material for the body must be chosen. |
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The alpha prototype included every improvement listed from the mockup model. The acrylic layers were removed and the lid was integrated into a 3-D model using various CAD programs and the SLS machine. This resulted in the springs and sliding mechanism combining into one part and the S-linkage being changed into a regular linkage (no S-shape). The body of the cup was designed and manufactured. The lever and snap guard were also manufactured.
Future Improvements Some problems encountered wrong geometric tolerances and material selection. The snap guards posed assembly problems, which resulted into a decision to integrate the snap guards into the lid. The scale of the cup was too large, which resulted in a 20% reduction of the entire cup. The cup from the idea shop leaked due to the manufacturing process, which led to a decision to manufacture our second prototype with Craig. The combined sliding mechanism and spring turned out to be a failure due to the brittleness of the material and the design of the integrated spring. This resulted in returning to metal springs
Future Improvements Some problems encountered wrong geometric tolerances and material selection. The snap guards posed assembly problems, which resulted into a decision to integrate the snap guards into the lid. The scale of the cup was too large, which resulted in a 20% reduction of the entire cup. The cup from the idea shop leaked due to the manufacturing process, which led to a decision to manufacture our second prototype with Craig. The combined sliding mechanism and spring turned out to be a failure due to the brittleness of the material and the design of the integrated spring. This resulted in returning to metal springs
Final Alpha-Prototype Summary The final alpha prototype was a success. Each functional requirements made from the beginning of the semester was fulfilled. Compared to the alpha prototype, the geometric tolerances were fixed and the design of the lid was improved. The sliding mechanism and spring combination was removed and metal springs were used once again. In order to account for the metal springs, slots for the springs were created on the lid and the lid cover. The push lever was redesigned for a lower force required to open the lid, and the entire scale of the cup was reduced by 20%. The snap guards were fully integrated into the lid and an air hole was created. The cup was then colored using spray paint.
Future Improvements Some future improvements that could be done on the cup would be re-locating the air hole and re-designing the water hole for a more faster flow rate. Insulation will be considered in order to store extremely hot or cold drinks and the cup body will be re-designed for stability purposes. In order to ensure maximal sealing, the sliding mechanism at the water hole will be improved.
Future Improvements Some future improvements that could be done on the cup would be re-locating the air hole and re-designing the water hole for a more faster flow rate. Insulation will be considered in order to store extremely hot or cold drinks and the cup body will be re-designed for stability purposes. In order to ensure maximal sealing, the sliding mechanism at the water hole will be improved.
Team R.A.T.A.L
Ran Xu Ran Xu "Fun class, a lot of interesting work. I really enjoyed the process of brainstorming and designing new things." Andrew Cho Andrew Cho "Really enjoyed working with my teammates. They were the best!" Taehoon Kim Taehoon Kim "I'd never known how complicate the design process in manufacturing world before I took this class. Even a small plastic coffee cup we usually see in Starbucks has a lot of processes and feedback to be delivered to us. Yes, this class was tough and has too much things to do. However, in retrospect, it was really helpful, and Prof. Spenko made us a real mechanical engineer before we going out to the reality. Plus, surely Team RATAL was the best, is the best, and will be the best!!!" Alyssa Walther Ayssa Walther "The class was a great hands-on learning experience, but team RATAL's dynamic and chemistry is what made the class fun the whole semester. Thanks boys!" Laolu Adeola Laolu Adeola "I really enjoyed the class. I don't think it will be bad to have a project like this every year throughout the undergraduate period. Team RATAL was the best!" |
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