A Perpetual Marble Machine

For the Stanford class ME 102 ("Foundations of Product Realization"), I was challenged to build a machine that elevated a marble 3 inches then returned it to the container it came from.

The machine also had to meet these requirements:
1)    Translate a rotational input (of less than 360 degrees) into a linear mechanism that elevates the marble.
2)    Be made entirely from laser cut and 3D-printed parts.
3)    Store 5 marbles in a hopper.
4)    Feed marbles from the hopper without exterior input.
5)    Cost less than $40 to make.
6)    Remain capable of being disassembled.

I sought inspiration from existing ball-launching mechanisms, like trebuchets and pinball pistons. I then created countless concept sketches and rapid prototypes to assess the feasibility of each mechanism. I assessed the viability of each prototype using driver questions and quantitative testing.

Once I decided on a final mechanism, I created a CAD model of the entire machine. Then, I manufactured it by leveraging my skills in 3D-printing and laser cutting. I devised last-minute fixes to mechanical faults that arose after assembly, arriving at a fully functional end product.

I also put together a bill of materials and a photo essay (shown below) as documentation.