Automated UV-C Mask Disinfection Device
Initial Design
The purpose of this project was to design a device that could quickly and efficiency disinfect a face mask that had potential COVID-19 exposure. My team decided to do this using UV-C lights operating at the correct wavelength for disinfection. The project required a use of a four bar mechanism, so we decided to employ an automated tray system using this design. This would allow for easier loading and unloading and fit the no-touch design philosophy of the project.
I was put in charge of the design of the bar mechanism for the tray and started early designs in Creo. The concept was to use a floor mounted stepper motor attached to one of the four main bar links. This motor would drive the tray forward and back allowing for easy non-touch operation by the user.
Final CAD design
After multiple iterations the final CAD parts were design. The primary parts were the stepper motor floor mount, the bar link floor mount, the bar links, and the mask tray. The linkage connections were designed for bearings to ensure smooth operation and the motor mounts had a captive screw and nut design to ensure that there was no slip on the motor shaft during operation. Finally the design was assembled in Creo and mechanically modeled to ensure proper fitment and movement between the components.
3D Printing
The final stage of the tray mechanism was printing the 3D parts. The tolerances were accurate and all components fit together seamlessly.
