Design an instrument for a more effective transfer of laundry from the washer to the dryer. This device, of a selected model, will contain the ability to fold clothes, too. This device should allow for a quicker way to complete house-hold chores without having to be present in the case that everyday life gets in the way. The automatic transfer and optional folding of laundry will eliminate the issue of worrying about soaking clothes that have been forgetten in the washing machine all day. The machine will have automatically retractable arms with mesh baskets attached that make for an easy scoop and transfer. Another specification is that it can be programmed to perform for both top and front loading washing and drying machines. The machine will also have an additional programming option to fold the laundry once it's dried. This device should be manufactured so it can be easily used, assembled, and cleaned by any able-bodied persons of an independently functioning age.
The functionality of this device is important to the overall effectiveness that it will provide to users.This device should have impeccable grip strength as the design selected will have the ability to fold clothing once the laundry duties are complete. This being said, the Grip Claws that will be placed on either side of the device, acting like human arms and hands, should be highly mobile so that articles of clothing of any materail, shape, or size will not generate issues for the machine, making this a highly desirable product for households and businesses all across the world. It should be safe, cost efficient, and generate desired results at quick speeds.It should be cost efficient and safe for every day use.
The Pugh Decision Matrix above considers all of the possible Modules that were designed for this machine. Each of the modules contains a differing claw that have similar functionalities but different levels of preciseness and overall effectiveness. The selected Module was Module 1, given that it contains the highest overall score in the Pugh Decision Matrix. The most heavily weighted category in the decision matrix is the grip strength, and with careful design and consideration, although Module 1 is not the highest rated in that category, it is effective enough to move forward with the design.
Component 1
This component is the base end of the retracting arm. It is what connects to the actual machine and allows for the mobility of the claw. With the connector towards the base of the component, stability is created and allows the designed claw to be able to carry and grip heavier loads without concerns of it breaking due to lack of strength. The holes that have been driven through the opposite end of the component allow for the connection to the other components to this machine's grip claw which are specified and displayed in the descriptions and pictures below.
Component 2
This component is the most important of the three displayed in this part of the model because it is what actively initiates and performs the grip of the clothing for folding purposes. There is a strategically designed grip part that is attached and connected to the end of the component that is what allows for the clamping mechanism. As the previous componet contained, there is a support bar connecting both sides of this component that allows for strength support. With through holes that run through the part measured at the same distance and diameter as Component 1, these holes are designed to line up to allow for connection with the use of Component 3.
Component 3
Component 3 consists of a silicon pin that allows for fluid mobility and strength in order to keep the other components in tact. It is removeable at one end and simply snaps into place once inserted through the holes of the other two components. This piece is easily removed and replaced if needed due to continuous use and material wear.
Assembled Model
FRDPARRC Tables (Components 1-3)
The above link is the Gantt Chart for this project. As the semester progresses, the chart will be updated.