Project Title: Flush N' Go

Introduction: The Flush N’ Go Toilet Bowl Cleaner is a device that cleans the toilet using a lever at the top, gears inside, and brushes on the bottom connected to it. The motivation is to help those who cannot clean a toilet normally, and this device would make cleaning a lot easier. The device, when spun using the lever, would have gears connecting down to the brushes on the bottom. When spun, the device will move the brushes up and down, hopefully cleaning the toilet bowl.

Objectives:  The main project goals are to help the elderly or any disabled person who has trouble cleaning the toilet. People would still need to clean the outside of the toilet, but its main purpose is to clean the inside of the toilet. The time allotted to complete the project has been slimmed down to after school. After the person working on the project (me and my partner) are done with practice, we would spend 15-30 minutes on the project. Challenges that could stand in the way of working on the project would be the limitation of knowledge when working on the project. We will be bringing in an expert in the engineering field to assist in the project and how it can work in a realistic way.

Design Strategy: The approach the group is taking to assemble this project involves using tools such as a gearmaker tool online and SolidWorks 3D. Model validation is done through simulations on Solidworks or by an engineer/teacher. Design and tuning will be done after the first prototype has been completed, as well as performance testing. Design alternatives can be explored instead of its base foundation and lever. The lever could be inserted instead of being built with the foundation. It may be necessary to wear masks when testing the project.

Plan of Action:  Study foundational resources and what makes cleaning products appealing. Study mechanical engineering resources. Obtain resources needed for the project and start building. Test the first prototype. Make redesigns and readjustments. Test multiple prototypes if needed. Repeat the last 2 steps if needed. Submit a report on the final project.

Verification:
Testing Procedures: The system will be tested for performance and will gather data on how well the prototype completes its objective. This means how much the toilet bowl is initially cleaned. Step 1: check and make sure the Flush N’ Go can hold onto the toilet and doesn’t fall off when run. Step 2: make sure the gears work and the brushes on the bottom will spin up and down when cleaning. Step 3: analyze the process and make adjustments if needed.
Tolerance Analysis: The lever, the brushes, cleaning supplies, and gears. The gears and everything else inside would be designed by the partner. Everything that makes everything look visually appealing and how everything works on the outside.

Cost Analysis: List of components can costs: Crank: $0.50 of 3-D Filament

4 gears: $0.50 of 3-D Filament

2 Axles: $0.50 of 3-D Filament

Latch for toilet lid $5-$10

Connector for the brushes : $0.50 of 3-D Filament

4 brushes: approximately $30 

Total: $42

Schedule:  Develop the models and designs of the gears, the crank, and the connector for the brushes. All of these will be designed and modeled on SolidWorks. The next step will be cutting a hole in a toilet lid and attaching the latch and lining to prevent leakage. The next step would be adding all of the 3-D models together and attaching the brushes to the brush container. The last step is to test the Flush N' Go and to see if it works and make revisions if needed. 

Bibliography:  

Myles O'Donnell Team. (2017, September 15). How cleaning can ruin our toilets. Myles O’Donnell. https://mylesodonnell.com/proper-toilet-cleaning/

Instructables. (2015, August 14). Basic Gear Mechanisms. Instructables; Instructables. https://www.instructables.com/Basic-Gear-Mechanisms/

Fluidmaster Toilet Bowl Cleaner. (2024, September 3). Fluidmaster. https://www.fluidmaster.com/products/toilet/automatic-toilet-cleaners/flush-n-sparkle-automatic-toilet-cleaning-system-starter-kit-2-pack/

Cristina Mihaela Balaceanu, Marcu, I., Suciu, G., & Mayer, P. (2019, September 2). Developing a Smart Toilet System for ageing people and persons with disabilities. ResearchGate; unknown. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/335458659_Developing_a_Smart_Toilet_System_for_ageing_people_and_persons_with_disabilities

Src="https://Www.familyh, img C., yman.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Brad-Holden.jpg?fit=32, Mar. 11, 32">Brad H., & 2019. (n.d.). How a Toilet Works. Family Handyman. https://www.familyhandyman.com/list/how-a-toilet-works/