Project Design Proposal

PDF Link: engr103_grp10206_prop

ENGR 103 - Spring 2013

Freshman Engineering Design Lab

“One-Handed Food Cutting Device”

Project Design Proposal

Submitted to:	Rahamim Seliktar, seliktr@drexel.edu
Group Members:	Tom Mazza, tam338@drexel.edu
	Luyando Chibwe, lc626@drexel.edu
	Peter Esslinger, pce32@drexel.edu
	Neil Llona, nal54@drexel.edu

Abstract:

We have chosen to address a common problem that single-armed amputees, or people who have lost use of one arm for reasons such as a stroke, face eating food on their own. The issue is that it is extremely difficult to cut tough foods, such as a steak, with one hand. The design we chose had to simultaneously keep pressure on the food while allowing the user to cut the food without it sliding across the plate. The device must not attract a lot of attention and the user must be able to eat in a reasonably civilized manner as it is to be use in all setting including restaurants.

Introduction

            The goal of this project is to create a device that will allow people with use of one arm to cut their food in a civilized manner. The motivation behind this goal is the fact that people who suffer from problems like hemiplegia, or the loss of function in half the body, or an amputated arm can’t easily cut their food. They obviously need someone else to cut for them or they can use some crude device that will not cut easily and will not be very civilized.

            There are many objectives that will hopefully be achieved through this design project. One of these objectives is teaching the group members how to effectively work together in a group. Group projects take require different methods than a personal one, so acquiring the ability to function in a group is essential. Another objective is learning how to undergo the design process. Up until this lab many freshman students have never been a part of any kind of design process of this magnitude. Learning the methods and steps of engineering design must be done in order to have success in the field. One final objective is actually creating a solution for the problem. The overall goal of the lab is to solve a problem so it is obviously an objective to do just that.

            The major task of this project will be coming up with and creating a design that solves the previously stated problem. After this is done the task of completing a presentation about the device must be completed. Simply thinking of and creating the device will be the greatest technical challenge. There probably won’t be any programming to worry about as the device will most likely be human powered, but should any kind of robotic be applied then there will be a technical challenge to program it. If all goes well a device that solves the problem should be created. A strong presentation and grade are also very desirable.

Deliverables

By the end of the term a physical prototype of the device should be created. It is intended that this prototype follow the best design that is arrived at through the remainder of the term. As of right now it seems that this prototype will be a sort of scissor like device with a pie server like base so that the food does not slip away when the device is cutting. It is also intended that the prototype be fully functional and able to cut food easily when used with one hand. It is hoped that this prototype will be well made and function well so that it may not need much changed in order to arrive at a final product.

Technical Activities

A few major tasks need to be completed. First, a 3D model of the project will be made in order to get an idea of how to go about construction of the device. Next, research of and acquisition of proper materials will take place. Then, prototypes will be built and testing will be done. Then, if time permits, the design will be finalized.

3D Modeling

One of the easiest ways to figure out exactly what is desired for construction later on in the project is to model the design in Creo Parametric. This will allow for simple adjustments and necessary measurements to be taken.

3D Printing

Printing out the model created in Creo Parametric is a possibility if we are comfortable with the design and access to a 3D printer is allowed. This will allow for a physical model of exactly what we want to make, which is good for easy reference.

Material Acquisition

First, researching the specifics of the materials that are desired for usage will take place. Once an agreement of what is wanted is reached, we will gather the necessary materials.

Prototypes and Testing

Then, construction of a prototype for testing will begin. Once there is a physical prototype ready for usage, testing will commence using either reasonable foods that could be cut with an average knife or a similar substitute. Tweaks will be made as necessary.

Project Timeline

	Week
Task	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10
Introductory Brainstorming	x	x
CAD Design		x	x	x
Acquisition of Materials			x	x	x
Design of Prototype					x	x	x	x
Testing							x	x	x
Final report preparation								x	x	x

Table 1: This timeline shows the approximate plan of action for the remainder of the term.

Facilities and Resources

            Our group will take advantage of some of the resources offered here at Drexel. We will need to use tools that are at the machine shop to create a three dimensional model of the design. We may have to use CNC machines to create the model and along with that, we will need the appropriate materials to machine the model. We will have to use create a three dimensional model in the program Creo. We may also need to use the 3D printer to create a prototype of the design.

Expertise

This project calls for members of the group to have the following specialized skills:

• Familiarity with Creo Parametric
• Use of machine tools in machine shop
• Use of 3D printer

Budget

Category	Projected Cost
High Grade Scissors	$99.00
Stainless Steel Pie Server	$10.00
Connecting Joint	$5.00
TOTAL	$114.00

Table 2: Projected budget for Group 6.

Scissors

When need half of a pair of scissors to be fitted onto the pie cutter. The scissors must very high grade to be durable enough for constant use. The scissors would also have to be very sharp to be able to cut the food with as little friction as possible. For this reason we have chosen to use Cutco branded super shears. They are made from 4117 high carbon, 440-A grade stainless steel which is very strong. They come apart easily which is very convenient for what we need to do.

Pie Server

A stainless steel pie server is to be used as the second half of the scissors. Stainless steel is our material of choice as it will resist corrosion over time.

Connecting Joint

A metal joint will sit between, and connect, the scissors to the pie server. The joint has to hold the device together but also allow the parts to move freely up and down.