From Thursday, January 28th through the weekend, Andrew and I worked diligently to complete the final construction of the prototype for the kinematics project. We named it the "QwikPick" because of the device's ability to quickly pick up and store paper. I will be posting images from our presentation over the next few days showing details of the device. For now, enjoy these preview images!

Andrew and I pulled inspiration for our mechanical paper sweeper after we did some additional benchmarking. During our benchmarking process last week, we were inspired by a 1993 patent of a mechanical sweeper. While this patent focused on a design for a device that sweeps up and trash, the mechanical elements were idealistic: a gear system that turned as the drive axle was pushed forward. Thus, we added this device to our inspiration pile along with inkjet printers and old typewriters. Here are some images of the patent:



Over the weekend, we started determing how the gear system would work and how that would translate to the overall shape of our mechanical device. Andrew did some beautiful work on SolidWorks, a 3D modeling software that allowed us to determine the exact dimensions of our devices. Later, we would export these views to Illustrator and then laser cut our pieces out of 1/8" acrylic. These pieces are the frame of the mechanical device. Images below:


The gear box is circled. This gear system will be attached to our main drive axle. As the device is pushed forward along the floor, it will pull the paper back into a storage tray. In this manner, several sheets of paper can be collected.

Here are some photos of the first study model based on some of the sketches made during the middle of the week. This week, the goal is to construct a fully functional prototype (first round). The final prototype will due at the end of the month.


The user will push the unit forward until the wheel of the conveyor catches the paper and pulls it up


The conveyor pulls the paper up as the wheels and axle move forward


Eventually, as the unit moves forward, the motion of the conveyor will pull the paper into a storage bin that
sits above it at a curved angle

The majority of the first few days for our Kinematics project have been dedicated to sketching concepts and possible ideals for picking up a sheet of 8.5"x11" paper. Andrew and I made several sketches separately and finalized a direction by the middle of the week. Taking inspiration from antique typewriters and modern day printers, we decided to follow a concept that would operate on centripetal force from rollers, gears, or a conveyor belt. Below, you can see some of our quick sketches discussing how a frame shaped like a dust pan could scoop the paper up from the floor. The motion from the wheels would then carry the paper upward and then into a storage bin. In this manner, we would be able to collect numerous sheets of paper.

Initial Research: 1.15.10

Designers: Andrew Baranak/Donald Burlock Jr.

 

I will be posting sketches and concepts for the kinematics project this weekend. Yesterday, I decided to visit a couple of grocery and pharmacy stores to observe mechanical, hand-held products that act as extensions of the human body. My first thought was to observe hand mops and similar scuff cleaning products.

 

These products use simple pull and push handles to transfer force from a user’s hand to the floor. From an engineering perspective, the available mops appeared reliable enough to do the job they were designed for; however, from a design perspective, there may be an opportunity to consider human interaction with these types of products more.

 

Thus, after observing these handles and mops, the goals of our product shifted to making something that would be viable for the market. We want to develop a product that is reliable enough to pick up paper, lightweight, and has a form that communicates the active and passive parts of the product.


So many options...why is everything industrial green?


The green handle on the white shaft allows the user to apply a translational force to the bottom of the mop. Note that there is communication to the user of where the active and passive parts of the product are located.

Over hundreds of thousands of years the body, with the aid of various tools and technologies, has multiplied its strength and increased its capacities to extend itself in space and over time. According to this logic, the process culminates in the very immateriality of the body itself.

                                                                -Kathleen Woodward

I am back at it again! This spring 2010 semester, I will continue my graduate education at Georgia Tech with the following courses: Advanced Design Studio II, History of Industrial Design, Professional Practice, and CAD (SolidWorks). The first project of this semester focuses on how to approach design as a problem solving activity. Dr. Abir Mullick is teaching the advanced design studio and there will be at least three projects for this course. Here's the first one:

TASK: A 8.5" x 11" paper has fallen on the floor and the person is unable to pick it up. You need to design a device that will help pick the fallen paper (with one hand) and transfer it to the other hand. The paper must remain in-tact and NOT be damaged during the process.

CONTEXT: You are required to design a picking device for a standing adult. This person, due to an injury is unable to bend over and pick a fallen object from the ground. You must study the problems associated with picking a fallen object, design a mechanical system that will allow picking the object, construct a working prototype and test the device that help the person accomplish the task.

Look out for sketches and concepts soon...


Example of a EZAssistReacher that allows the user to reach and grab an object. The reacher assists people by allowing a product to be an extension of self. This is an example of engineering that balances with design. In this case, performance balances with human interaction.