Concept Designs

In the ME 234 Philosophy of Design course, our team aimed to develop a concept design for a robotic shelving assistant to help users, particularly those with limited mobility, safely access high shelves. The objective was to create a battery-powered, compact lifting system that could handle 50 lbs, reach up to 10 feet, and navigate within tight residential spaces. I was responsible for the full mechanical design, including CAD modeling, ensuring the system was both functional and manufacturable.

The shelving assistant utilized a scissor lift mechanism to provide controlled, stable elevation. To make navigation seamless in home environments, I designed a four-wheel independent steering system, allowing for precise movement in confined spaces. The compact footprint ensured the robot could fit into standard shelving gaps, while the omnidirectional control system enabled effortless positioning in front of the target shelves.

The system incorporated modular storage boxes that could be swapped out depending on user needs. These included open trays for quick access, enclosed bins for delicate items, and specialized compartments for heavier loads. The design allowed users to customize their storage solutions while maintaining secure transport during lifting and movement.

To ensure secure and effortless retrieval, I designed a hooking mechanism that auto-locks using a simple mechanism. The belt drive and linear rail system that moves the hook assembly forward also lifts the hook—eliminating the need for extra moving parts. As the assembly advances, the hook naturally lowers; when retracted, the hook first lifts to engage the box handle before the assembly can smoothly pull it back. This design also naturally applies an upward force, ensuring the box slides off the shelf seamlessly.

To improve my Fusion 360 skills, I took on the challenge of designing an entire house model from scratch, including every piece of furniture, structural elements, and small details—without relying on pre-made assets. This project allowed me to push my 3D modeling abilities, refine my understanding of complex geometry, and experiment with realistic design layouts. This project also served another purpose. While learning Unity for the NASA SUITS project, I used this house model as a test environment for a small interactive game prototype. This model was detailed enough to make the perfect environment for a 3d game. 

Beyond basic modeling, I focused on creating intricate details such as fireplaces, textured shingles, smooth fabric-like pillows, and fully furnished interiors. This project served as my first real test of Fusion 360’s rendering engine, helping me develop the skills I later used to create more photo-realistic product visuals—many of which are now featured across this website.

I explored the concept of airless tires by designing and 3D printing wheels using TPU filament, a flexible yet durable material. My goal was to create a single-piece wheel system that could provide grip, shock absorption, and durability without the need for a separate tire. I tested multiple internal structures and tread patterns to optimize performance, with the long-term vision of scaling up the design for applications like go-karts or other small vehicles.

I've always been fascinated by modern architecture, so I designed this high-security home to explore structural innovation and advanced material applications. The defining feature of this house was its fully retractable armored shutters, which could cover all windows, doors, and even solar panels using a hydraulic and counterweight system. Inspired by tungsten’s strength and resilience, I envisioned these barriers providing protection from extreme conditions, from natural disasters to security threats. This design challenged me to think about mechanical integration within architecture while still maintaining a sleek, modern aesthetic.

Beyond security, I wanted the house to feel open and luxurious, so I incorporated unique design elements like an indoor-to-outdoor pool that seamlessly connected different areas of the home. This project was also another deep dive into Fusion 360 rendering, where I refined lighting, material textures, and environmental effects to create realistic visuals. Compared to my previous house design project, this one pushed my ability to combine form, function, and mechanical innovation into a single, cohesive structure.

In 2019, as a college mentor for a Napa-based FRC robotics team, I worked closely with students to develop and refine their robot design for the FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC). My role involved helping students brainstorm mechanical solutions to the competition’s challenges while ensuring the designs were both feasible and effective. I used my experience in manufacturing and design to guide them through potential build strategies, offering insights on real-world engineering practices to help them create a functional and competitive robot.

While students generated ideas, I quickly turned them into CAD models and simulations using SketchUp—the software I was most proficient in at the time. This allowed for rapid prototyping of ideas, helping the team visualize mechanisms in motion and refine their concepts before fabrication. I also created animated simulations to show how different subsystems would interact, giving the team a clearer understanding of how their robot would function on the field.