“Labradoo’ Retriever”

-An assistive vacuum for more independent living
with a service dog

Challenge: Design and construct a a prototype device enabling our client to clean up after his service dog while on walks.
*Caveat: Our professor requested that our team pursue a vacuum-based design.

This was a group project for “Designing physical solutions for people in need”. Our team of human factors and mechanical engineers designed this vacuum in in collaboration with our sponsor to fit his wheelchair. The ideation and design stages were collaborative, however I was responsible for modeling and manufacturing the component parts.

While the modeling and construction alone were enjoyable, it was satisfying to combine a wide variety of materials; pre-manufactured parts, 3D printed PLA, laser cut acrylic, machined aluminum, and standard PVC pipe. Some of the features incorporated into the design included rechargeable battery, existing consumable vacuum bags, design fitting within normal profile of wheelchair, removable bracket, variable height end effector.