Engineering Design Portfolio

Senior Design Project: Arm Assistive Device, 2021

My engineering capstone project was to design an arm assistive device for a client with spinal muscular atrophy. Our final prototype offered adjustable wheelchair clamping mechanisms, adjustable arm lengths, and adjustable spring force to remove the force of gravity from the client's arms. Please reach out to learn more about the project!

The Lean Machine, 2018

The Lean Machine was the final project for my introductory course to industrial design. We were tasked with creating a new mechanism for a reclining office chair using linkages and springs. Our final design was both mechanically successful and aesthetically pleasing.

Final Report

Freehand Sketches, 2018

I learned the foundational skills for freehand sketching during my introductory course to industrial design. Pictured above are examples of orthographic, isometric, and oblique views of different products. I have found freehand sketching to be my most valuable communication tool when designing a new product.

Closed Loop Feedback Control System, 2020

The final project for my measurements and controls class was to design a closed loop feedback system. I used MATLAB and an Arduino kit to keep a moveable wall at a set, predetermined distance. I used an ultrasonic sensor to measure the distance and a proportional controller on a DC motor to move the wall.

Final Report

My Design Approach

1) Generate multiple concepts with freehand sketches. First, I talk to potential users of the product to determine customer needs. Using only pencil and paper, I sketch out any initial ideas I have. Whether it is drawing a preexisting system or an original concept of my own, drawing out a system allows me to understand how a product functions.

2) Perform feasibility analysis. I examine my initial sketches and pick out the top two to three designs to move forward with. The top designs are best suited to fulfill the unique requirements of the device.

3) Make quick 3D mockups of top designs. I build quick mockups of the design using simple materials like corrugated board and tape. These mockups show the full 3D shape, size, but have limited function. The simplicity of these mockups is important because it is easy to make quick changes to improve the design.

4) Review mockups and make a refined 3D mockup of final design. I review the mockups with the users and select the top design based on their feedback. Then I make a more polished 3D mockup that includes more detail and functionality.

5) Create a CAD model and manufacture final prototype. Going off of my multiple drawings and mockups, I create the prototype in CAD. Depending on the product, I use additive or subtractive methods to create a functional prototype.

I find this method of using quick 2D sketches and 3D mockups more efficient and less costly than the traditional method of jumping straight into CAD and 3D printing. By generating multiple rough concepts and comparing their 3D mockups, I find it easier to quickly change any aspect of a design to improve the final product.