Alpha Prototype

Supplement Container Rotation

The alpha prototype was split up into three sections, each representing a different type of motion that will be used for the dispenser. The first section consisted of the system responsible for the supplement container rotation. To design this section, the team 3D printed the tube holder piece. The supplements used were ordered online and kept in their original cylindrical packaging. The packaging was then glued onto the rounded open sections of the tube holder piece. This piece was specifically designed to match the radius of the packaging. After being glued on, a motor was attached to the center of the tube holder on its bottom face. This allows for the holder to rotate to the specific supplement required. For future prototypes, this mechanism will rest upon the top plate. The video below shows the mechanism in use.

Linear Blade Motion

The second section of the alpha prototype that was designed was for the linear blade motion. A small, thin blade was 3D printed and glued onto the end of a linear actuator. The top plate of the dispenser was also 3D printed with a slot for the blade to slide over and cover the supplement hole. The actuator was taped onto a box and lined up so that the rectangle was aligned with the slot in the plate. The video below shows the mechanism in use. For future prototypes, the team will use a linear actuator that extends out a longer distance so that the blade completely covers the hole in the plate. Also, the top plate will be redesigned to hold the blade down more securely.

Middle Plate Rotation

The third section of the alpha prototype that was designed was for the middle plate rotation. The middle and bottom plates were 3D printed and, as stated previously for the previous section, so was the top plate. Each plate had a hole to allow for the supplement to pass through and were printed at a thickness equal to that of the supplements being used. Each plate also had a small hole in the center for a thin rod to pass through so that they'd each align with each other. Tape was wrapped around the rod to keep the plates in place. The bottom plate had a rectangular hole built into its design for a motor to pass through and attach to the middle plate. During the motion, the top and bottom plates remained still while the motor turned the middle plate. The hole of the middle plate would align with the hole of the top plate and then return to its original position aligned with the hole over the bottom plate. The video below shows the mechanism in use. It is important to not from the video that the plates were spaced out instead of making contact with each other. They were spaced out because the middle plate wasn't spinning properly when directly touching the top and bottom plates. Part of the issue was because of how the motor was attached to the middle plate, and part of it was the plastic material of the 3D prints not being as smooth as required. For future prototypes, the team will center the motor directly underneath the middle plate instead of offsetting it to allow for more consistent and easier rotation. The team will also consider using a smoother material, such as cardboard, for the plates. The two pictures below show where the motor is connected on the bottom plate. The top of it was aligned just above the top surface of the bottom plate. A plastic piece was glued and taped to the middle plate, and the piece was attached to the motor to cause the spinning of the plate. Cardboard was added to keep the middle plate centered along the horizontal axis instead of tilted. 

App Mockup

The alpha prototyping process also included the development of a complete app mockup in Figma, an interface design platform. Mockups help plan the user interface layout, which makes the coding process more efficient. The app mockup is also an opportunity to collect user feedback throughout the next phase of the project, instead of waiting until the app is ready to launch. Including users throughout the design process will clarify their needs, and ultimately lead to a better user experience.