We returned to the lab to try shaking our prototype to test if our idea works. It did not.
Yuki trying out our shaking idea on the prototype.
We identified the problem as the tips getting stuck in the rectangular holes if they rolled towards the holes in a manner that was parallel to the length of the holes. Hence, we modified our idea by replacing the rectangular holes with circular holes. We then created a 3D model of our idea on Autodesk Fusion and converted it into a .stl file for 3D printing.
Screenshots from the .stl file of our second prototype. (Credits: KK)
Later that day, we realised that we would need to come up with a way to push the tips through the holes after they have entered them and oriented themselves in the correct orientation. Mr Gan and Jeremy then introduced us to the possibility of using air jets. We experimented with this idea by observing how the pipette tips move when blown by an air jet available in the lab.
We encountered our first problem with 3D printing that day (there was a problem with the machine).
The first layer of our prototype did not print properly D: .