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Fine adjustments in the positioning of the eye are necessary to obtain quality scans of the retina and nerve. We currently have an automated head holder device for positioning the head of the animal. However, concerns about possible neurologic damage during rotation of the head makes it desirable to develop a device that can rotate the whole animal. Animals can weigh up to 10kg although most are 3-6 kg. Several cm of rotation are desirable in all axes.
We have finished building our prototype. Our client and advisor really liked the design. The only additional step that our client would like is lowering the speed at which the actuators move.
From Left to Right: Nathan, Kellen, Holly, Laura, and Dhaval
Figure 1 Current device
The above picture shows the device that our client uses to take images of the eye. The device can rotate the subject’s head with this setup. But the concern with this device is that it may cause possible neurologic damage during rotation of the head. Our device would eliminate the use of this device and has the capability to rotate the whole animal about the pitch and roll direction (See Figure 2)
Figure 2 The pitch, yaw, and roll directions.
Final design: The Linear Actuator Model
The final design is named the Linear Actuator model. It consists of two plates constructed from High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) held together by two linear actuators and a stainless steel rod. Each actuator is controlled by a momentary switch, which allows for extension and contraction of the actuators.
Bearings: The actuators and the center support are connected to a bearing that allows for the necessary rotation.
Switchs: The switches, which are powered by a power adapter, control each actuator independently.
Inclinometer: The inclinometer magnetically attaches to the metal piece on the top plate, providing information on degree of rotation.
We also performed several tests to validate the reproducibility of our our device. We found that the device matched our design specifications as it allowed a resolution of about 2 degrees.
Testing data regarding reproducibility of specific angles in pitch and roll directions. Vertical displacement from base of prototype was recorded to gauge accuracy. Lines indicate initial displacement, while data points indicate position after each trial.
| Week | Reporting Period Beginning | Activities |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | September 8 | Form team, team roles, contact client, and set up client meeting |
| 2 | September 15 | Background and research on project, create problem statement, begin PDS |
| 3 | September 22 | PDS, brainstorming, begin developing designs |
| 4 | September 29 | Elaborate on design ideas, explore materials and equipments to be used in design. |
| 5 | October 6 | Work on mid-semester presentation, continue exploring materials and equipments. |
| 6 | October 13 | Mid-semester presentation and paper, order materials for prototype building. |
| 7 | October 20 | Decide on final design, paper and notebook due |
| 8 | October 27 | Order materials, work on final design |
| 9 | November 3 | Work on final design |
| 10 | November 10 | Thanksgiving break |
| 11 | November 17 | Work on final design, test prototype |
| 12 | December 1 | Prepare final presentation and paper |
| 13 | December 8 | Final poster presentation |
| 14 | December 15 | Notebooks and paper due |
| 15 | December 22 | Final meeting with adivsor and client |
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Product Design Specification (Oct 6 2006, 26 kb) |
 |
Midsemester powerpoint presentation (Oct 20 2006, 3114 kb) |
|
Midsemester report (Oct 25 2006, 299 kb) |
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Final Poster (Dec 12 2006, 774 kb) |
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Final paper (Dec 13 2006, 644 kb) |
