Jesse Brown
Beam Box
An easy to use, accurate laser measuring reference for use with marine life
Skills
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User and Performance Testing
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Rapid Prototyping
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3D Modeling
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Third Party Integration
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Design for Fabrication
Senior Capstone
Problem
Our client is a marine biologist conducting research on the Caribbean Spiny Lobster. His research is driven by the Bahamian initiative to gain a census on the lobster population to prevent over fishing. Our client previously used a make-shift laser based prototype he created to measure the characteristic length of the lobsters. This prototype was inaccurate and difficult to handle due to variation between lasers and overall bulky form factor.
Requirements
The solution needs to...
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provide reliable length measurements up to 5 meters away
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be robust to the dive environment of the Caribbean Sea
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be easy to use while swimming and diving
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be easily fabricated within the capabilities of our client for future production
Design
The Beam Box design features a simple light system to create two parallel beams from a single laser light source. This method eliminates the large variance between two beams produced by two separate laser devices. Beam alignment can be fine tuned by adjusting set screws within the light system.
A rated Polycase box was sourced to protect the optical components from the saltwater and pressures in the Caribbean Sea. The case uses a silicone gasket to protect against water pressure and a polycarbonate material to be impact and corrosion resistant. A single modification was made on the backside to allow the laser beam to pass through into the light system.
We needed to secure the laser body to the case, so that the diver could use it as a grip point for ease of use. A 3D printed mounting bracket was designed to attach to the case using existing holes, align the laser in line with the window, and provide a mounting point for the GoPro camera.
Our client is limited to only operations capable by a drill press, mill, and 3D printer. We made sure that any custom or modified part could be easily recreated by the client with resources they already have.
Role
Final Device
Over 20 weeks, we produced a functional, field ready device that is able to provide a more accurate reference for the divers while taking underwater measurements. Through this capstone project, I learned how to pace a longer project than what I am typically used to. As a team, we exercised specialization and collaboration to maintain a healthy team dynamic.
One of my roles on this team was leading the iterative design and testing of the Beam Box's 3D printed components. In this role I modeled and tested both the optics mount and laser mounting plate to optimize their functions and interactions with other components in the Beam Box design. I used my knowledge from previous projects and Rapid Prototyping Manager experience to facilitate effective design and printing strategies to produce accurate and strong components.
