====== Speedy Capper ======
{{:start:classes:principlesofdesign:speedycapper:z334006.jpg|Tubes}} {{:start:classes:principlesofdesign:speedycapper:t0162.jpg|}} {{:start:classes:principlesofdesign:speedycapper:z738824-2.jpg|}}

Images from http://www.sigmaaldrich.com/labware/labware-products.html?TablePage=9580325

===== Problem Statement =====

Whether one is in the world of medicine or engineering, the use of Micro-centrifuge or Eppendorf Tubes is vital for storing sterile cultures efficiently.  Unfortunately, to use these tubes may not be so efficient due to "pop-on" or "screw-on" caps which are difficult to utilize quickly.  Our goal is to create a hand-held device which uncaps tubes quickly and efficiently while keeping the environment sterile.

{{:start:classes:principlesofdesign:speedycapper:speedy_capper_introduction.zip|Introduction Video}}

Youtube URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-uEYlYmILI

{{:start:classes:principlesofdesign:speedycapper:speedy_capper_final.zip|Final Presentation}}

===== Schedule and Minutes ===== 

[[Minutes]]

===== Background Research ===== 
http://www.ssirobotics.com/capper.html

  * This link shows a system already invented for uncapping the tubes.  It is essentially a large box in which you can place one tube at a time.  The device stores each cap individually and does not associate one cap to one tube.  It seems very large, and thus not portable.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Laboratory_centrifuge#Microcentrifuge_tubes

  * An article about the uses of Micro-centrifuge Tubes.

http://www.sciencelab.com/page/S/PVAR/23722/60-199250001

  * An existing cap opener.  In our opinion, expensive for a simple piece of plastic ($25).  Simply mechanical.  Does not re-cap or label tubes.

{{:start:classes:principlesofdesign:speedycapper:toothbrush.doc|Electric Toothbrush}} - Feb.24.2011

  * Analysis on an electric toothbrush and possible application of its mechanisms to a one-handed vortexer/cap opener





===== Designs ===== 
{{:start:classes:principlesofdesign:speedycapper:questionnaire_for_determining_design_-_copy.doc|Questionnaire for Determining Design}}  Edited 2/5/11

Consolidated Results of Design Survey:

^Question:   ^ Types of caps used:^ Do you own a device to uncap tubes?                     ^ Containers for storage:                   ^ How many tubes used per experiment?     ^
^Answer:     |Mostly snap-on, but all used screw caps for high heat and high pressure environments|None owned a device. All used hands.| Plastic racks mostly, but Styrofoam and paper boxes also used.|Ranged anywhere between 2-5 to 400+|

^Question:   ^ Any labeling system? ^ Disposable or reusable tubes?                 ^ Frequency of purchases of tubes?               ^ 
^Answer:     |Writing by hand on the top of caps|All used disposable tubes.|Depended on each lab, but ranged from every 2 weeks to 3 or 4 times a semester.|

^^^^^^^^ If you have the option to own a device, change the capping system to more efficient caps, or neither, which would you choose?^^^^^^^^
^ Device: |  4 ^ Caps |  3 ^ Neither: |  0 ^ Undecided: |  1|

^
{{:start:classes:principlesofdesign:speedycapper:goals_of_design.pdf|Goals of design - capper & vortexer}} - March.17



===== Protected Area ===== 

[[start:classes:principlesofdesign:speedycapper:protected:start| This area is protected for design development]]

===== Group Work for Class ===== 

[[Flowchart for Clock with Stepper Motor]]

[[QFD Chart]]

[[Stepper Motor Project]]

[[SOLIDWORKS surface models]]

[[Rhino Projects]]