Team Members
David Knafo, Devangi Gaikwad, Marcos Tejada, Timothy Peterson, Thomas Vaisberg, Toan Nguyen
Abstract
Our group’s driving idea is to design a simple yet innovative Bio–printer around common weaknesses found in commercial designs while maximizing profit per customer need and minimizing complexity per–part. Each of the five subsystems include unique features that distinguish it from its competitors. The cell delivery subsystem is comprised of two syringes, each mounted independently to linear slider ball screw mechanisms with stepper motors. Both syringes connect to a needle on the cell–delivery support subsystem with a mechanism to allow for quick and easy needle replacement with no tools required. The cell support structure utilizes two solenoids allowing each of the two needles of the cell–delivery to be controlled autonomously of each other. The structure is designed to allow both needles to occupy the same working volume simultaneously. The turret mount features a compression spring between two pillars with two thumb screws fastened into them. The user pinches the thumb screws, positions the mount, then releases to initiate two arms that hold the mount in place. The linear motion sub–system consists of ball screws driving the motion of the needles in the XYZ–axes. The cell–delivery support system is mounted to one of the ball screws, while the others are supported by guide rods and mounted to the framework. The framework incorporates custom rapid prototyping beams, like 80/20 aluminum beams. However, the beams used are simpler, made of nylon, and the cross–section measures at just 10 mm x 10 mm.