Beach Cleaning Device Prototype + Analysis

Objective: 

• The project aimed to develop a personal beach cleaning device that can be attached to a bicycle, offering an affordable and efficient way to clean beaches compared to existing methods.

Concept Development:

• Evaluated multiple preliminary designs, including a sifting mechanism and a brush-based system.

• Combined elements from these designs to create the brush model, utilizing a parasitic power system for operation.

Design Analysis:

• Analyses included measuring experimental coefficient of rolling friction, gear ratio for the power system, and various load scenarios.

• Focused on achieving optimal performance while considering manufacturability and cost-effectiveness.

Prototype Development:

• A simplified proof-of-concept prototype was built using a repurposed manual push mower.

• Adjustments and refinements were made based on prototype testing to enhance functionality.

• Final prototype proved to work on a bike.

Final Design Considerations:

• The finalized design features a tire with treads and a sifting plate, optimizing the collection of beach debris while minimizing sand pickup.

• Further improvements and a second prototype were planned to validate and refine the design.

Conclusion:

• The project demonstrated significant learning in design and manufacturing processes.

• The team plans to continue development to achieve a viable product for beach cleaning, contributing to environmental sustainability.

This report encapsulates the engineering process from conception to prototype testing, highlighting both the technical challenges and the practical applications of the design.