ANIMAL TEST FIXTURE
ANIMAL TEST FIXTURE
Mechanical Engineering Intern at Octavian Solutions
May 2024 - Aug 2024
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OBJECTIVE
OBJECTIVE
To design a fixture that secures a glucose blood sensor against the medial artery in an adult pig’s ear—adjustable to different pig sizes and capable of being reapplied with consistent force.
CONCEPTUALIZE
CONCEPTUALIZE
Ideation explored different methods of securing a rigid component to a flexible surface. Eventually a clamping method was chosen for its adaptability to different tissue thickness.
MODEL
MODEL
Design details were modelled in SolidWorks, outlining tolerances and necessary features for manufacturing.
PROTOTYPE
PROTOTYPE
Rapid prototyping enabled an iterative process of testing, evaluation, and model refinement. Important improvements—such measurement tools for angle and force—were realized through this process.
EVALUATE
EVALUATE
Reaching out to a local farmer, the design was evaluated on a live pig. Critical improvements were identified—a larger range of reach and greater clearance for ear thickness—and the design was refined.
SECOND ITERATION
SECOND ITERATION
Accommodating a new sensor from the electrical team, a second edition of the test fixture was developed and tested—additionally optimizing for reduced mass.
THIRD ITERATION
THIRD ITERATION
A new direction from the biology team shifted the target location from the ear to the collateral artery in the leg—prompting a third and final redesign.
FINAL DESIGN
FINAL DESIGN
Utilizing the geometry of the sensor for its main structure, the final test fixture features a resin-printed loop that clips into the sensor, with a second loop that works with a series of straps to secure the sensor to the pig’s thigh.
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