Initial Ideas
The final idea that we chose was the Automated Serial Dilution Machine! We also brainstormed other ideas we considered pursuing:
Self-Cleaning Litter Box
Traditional self-cleaning cat litter boxes often come with challenges that can be inconvenient for both pets and their owners. One common issue is the noise generated during operation, which can be startling and disruptive. Furthermore, these systems typically involve complex setup and maintenance, requiring regular emptying of waste bins and replacing components such as filters or rakes. This can be particularly cumbersome for owners who travel frequently. Additionally, after usage, there’s a risk of lingering odours and unsanitary conditions if waste is not managed promptly, leading to cats tracking debris throughout the house.
In response to these challenges, we’ve conceptualized a new design for a self-cleaning litter box that aims to address these shortcomings. Our model uses stainless steel to prevent odour retention and includes an integrated baking soda dispenser for enhanced odour control. We’ve engineered a quieter operation with dampers and quiet motors to minimize noise disruption. To simplify maintenance, our design features a sophisticated scooping system that segregates used litter into a disposable compartment while unused litter is recycled back into use. This system is complemented by an automatic refill feature that replenishes the litter only when needed, based on precise weight measurements. Additionally, to ensure the box remains hygienic, it includes motion sensors to activate cleaning only after the cat has used it, and self-sanitizing features like UV(C) light and disinfectant sprays. This holistic approach not only improves the usability and functionality of the litter box but also enhances the overall living environment for both the cat and its owner.
However, after detailed consultations with Hanyang and Dr. Ho, we realized that our ambitious design for a self-cleaning cat litter box might be overly complex for practical implementation. The technical intricacies and high maintenance could potentially outweigh the benefits, making it less viable as a sustainable product. Additionally, considering our academic backgrounds and future career paths, Dr. Ho suggested that focusing on a project more aligned with our majors would be more beneficial.
Cocktail Mixing Machine
Another intriguing design we considered was a cocktail-making machine aimed at overcoming the limitations of traditional, manual cocktail mixing. Typically, manual mixing can be restrictive due to a limited menu and lack of customisability, forcing users to rely on pre-determined recipes without room for personal experimentation. Additionally, conventional cocktail machines often require the purchase of specific ingredient pods, which may lead to waste if the ingredients are not to the user’s liking and can be environmentally unfriendly.
Our proposed design for a customisable cocktail machine was intended to address these issues. It would use the classic 2:1:1 ratio of alcohol to sour to sweet components, allowing users to select their preferred spirit and flavour profile through an accompanying application. This app would suggest ingredients for the sweet and sour components, and users could deviate from the standard ratios for further experimentation. The machine itself would be capable of adding and mixing precise, small quantities of each ingredient to create tasting portions, facilitating experimentation with minimal waste.
Interestingly, this cocktail machine concept led us to develop the idea for our automated serial dilution machine. The principles of precise measuring, adding, and mixing ingredients were analogous to the requirements of serial dilution in the lab. Given our academic and professional focus, we found the serial dilution machine more applicable to our skills and career goals. Thus, we decided to pursue this project instead, applying the innovative mixing and stirring mechanism from the cocktail machine concept to enhance our capabilities in laboratory settings.