Objective:

Design a device that effectively and conveniently cleans clear aligner trays and retainers, while decreasing size, weight, effort, and/or use cycle time in comparison to similar devices on the market.

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Notable Features:

• Rechargeable battery

• Charge indicator with light pipe

• UVC bulb w/ self timing circuitry and status indicator

• 40kHz transducer w/ self timing circuitry

• SUS reservoir

• One-button operation

• UV reflector

• Water ingress protection

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Skills and Tools Used:

• ME Design via Fusion 360

• Firmware Programming via Arduino

• Circuit Design

• System Architecture

• Industrial Design Sketching

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Additional Details:

My senior Capstone project (completed with 4 other ME students) was the Dental Appliance Cleaner, built in my final semester at Northeastern University. The D.A.C. is a 2-part system for sanitizing dental appliances (clear aligner trays, mouthguards, dentures, etc.). 

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One half of the device is a battery powered portable unit that cleans via UVC radiation. Users would place their aligners in this subsystem to be sanitized while they are eating.

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The user can then dock the portable assembly onto its 40kHz ultrasonic cleaner base before adding water for a deeper clean at home. 

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Throughout the Capstone project, the team established a problem statement, conducted user research, consulted with dental experts, held design reviews, and fabricated a fully functional, aesthetically pleasing prototype. My contributions to this project included the full electrical and mechanical design of the portable module, creation of early ID renderings, and extensive physical prototyping efforts.

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