4.1 Prototype Generation
Our initial prototype was constructed using cardboard, hot glue, and toothpicks. We created a works-like model of the Geneva mechanism and tipping subsystem, as this was the one we anticipated the most issues with. The prototype consisted of the slot gear of the Geneva mechanism, a ball and hook to catch and turn the bottle, and a stand to hold it all together. In the end, we chose to move forward with a different method of tipping the bottle because of space constraints, but the prototype did help us to visualize how the Geneva mechanism would work.
Geneva Mechanism Initial Prototype
Additionally, to visualize and create a prototype for the quick return mechanism we laser cut and printed all the necessary links and roughly assembled them to gain an understanding of what our final product would look like. This prototype helped us plan for the size constraints we had in order to provide necessary torque.