The idea behind this was to move away from an assembly line and towards a fixed testing rig approach. This is heavily inspired from a 3D printer and a vending machine. It combines the movements of a 3D printer and the picking mechanism of a vending machine.
Design thinking process:
- Permanently fixes all testing material
- Cuvettes and watch glasses are stored in 3D printed trays
- 3 DOF movement provided to the cuvette trays
- Electromagnets are used to lock in place and/or pick up the cuvette trays
- Soil is accepted into the lab through a 3D printed funnel (called the hopper) placed on top
(Images depict CAD from different angles)
(Image shows a colour coded key for components)
Advantages
- Allows scope for expansion
- Easy mechanical movement (all linear)
- Most parts can be easily 3D printed
- Use of 2020 TSlots make mounting easy and increases strength
Problems faced
- Movement is complicated to control
- Consumes a lot of space
- Increases the weight of the lab drastically
(Image shows weight measured with default solidworks densities hence actual mass will be less than displayed mass)