II. Final Design

CAD Design

     With our cutting and quarter turn motions synthesized, we began designing the overall architecture of the tabletop De-Cruster.  Design was completed in Solidworks, with integration of all necessary components including the motor, power supply, microcontroller and power lines.  Combining our two main linkages in such a way that the entire system could be run off a single motor shaft had been a goal set early on in the design process and we were able to achieve it.

     Completing the CAD solid modelling allowed us to perform a motion study to ensure the rotating cutting wheel would be in proper alignment with the bread platform.  However, the designs were created with allowances for manufacturing tolerances.  This came in extremely useful once the actual bread was used in testing.  The challenge of creating enough downforce to slice through the gluten-rich material while minimizing friction was paramount to our overall system effectiveness.