Michael Ethridge | Mechanical Engineer

For this project, I was responsible for the coding and wiring of the device. The code was written in Arduino and I had the responsibility of determining the sensor and motor types necessary to dispense masks properly. The design of the machine involved an infrared sensor to begin the process, followed by a set of rollers that pushes the mask over an ultrasonic sensor to tell the back rollers to stop. Finally, when the mask has cleared the ultrasonic sensors, the device returns to its default, dormant state until the infrared sensor gets activated once more. 

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The design was able to dispense a single mask properly, as shown in the attached videos. However, once more weight was added to the design and more masks were stacked up, the motors failed to produce enough torque to push the masks. In future redesigns, this issue would be amended by installing stronger, higher quality motors and redesigning the motor housings to allow for the motors to be optimally connected with the shafts.