Background/Function of Device

Problem Statement: To build a mechanism that will deliver six tabasco bottles from a linear starting position onto a rotating removable tray.

The Idea of the project was that it could have some validation in the restaurant business. Our mechanism could be utilized in a machine where a waiter can input a drink order, go and pick up the food, and by the time he comes back the bottles will be neatly placed onto a tray ready for him to deliver it.

Our device is based off of two linkages, the 8 bar walking mechanism and the Geneva mechanism. The 8 bar mechanism is unique in that it produces a shape similar to a sideways letter D (The exact path is shown in our coding section), there will be a straight linear path, followed by a semi circle curve, and then repeating this shape. This allows us to have the bottles act as if they are moving along an assembly line, the linear path is from when the linkages first comes into contact with the bottle, then sliding it onto the tray. The curved path is when the linkage will lose contact with the bottle it just moved, and move back into its original position, ready to now move the next bottle which has been gravity fed into position. 

The Geneva mechanism on the other hand is what makes sure the tray is in the correct position to accept the bottle. This mechanism consists of a driver which looks like a single wheel with a small shaft sticking up, and then a clover shaped piece that will be turned a set angle every time the continuously spinning driving shaft turns it. A gif has been placed below if clarification is necessary.