Opening Mechanism Subassembly
Automatic Jar Opener
This project aims to redesign a jar-opening alternative to develop a prototype for hand and wrist tendonitis users. The strap wrench effectively opens jars but does not support users with tendonitis. Our prototype must have the following requirements:
- Reduce wrist power required to operate and minimize repetitive hand motions for users.
- Supply the minimum torque to open a large jar.
- Prevent cracks from forming in the prototype during operation.
An Arduino would power our design. A motor rotates a bi-rotational lead screw holding two grabbers, which tightens around the lid of a jar. A second identical system tightens around the exterior of the jar to stabilize it. Pressing a button rotates the motors.
We designed a CAD model to analyze the device’s strength and rotating mechanisms to determine the best material. Our simulations showed our device needs to produce at least 10.2 Newton meter torque to open the average large Mason jar. We used acrylic for the grabbers due to its resistance against the applied forces and light weight. Epoxy attaches the grabbers to the bi-directional mechanism. For showcasing purposes, we built the inner grabbing mechanism.
- Operated under electrical power and no wrist power
- Provided 11.8 Newton meter torque to open small to large jars with a maximum diameter of 85 millimeters
- Provided a 5.4 safety factor and had no cracks or fractures during operation.
Ideation & CAD
FEA Test on Prototype 1
