Problem Statement
As described on the Adams Cancer Lab (ACL) page, ACL uses Petri dishes for their cancer research. Each experiment requires many dishes to be filled. Currently, student workers spend about one hour filling 60-100 dishes. The lab pays for the student worker's time, which could be better served doing something else (e.g., conducting an experiment).
Demonstration of the current system used to fill Petri dishes
Jean-Guillaume Lonjaret has asked Team ACL to build a device to do this automatically. The device will meet the following requirements:
- The device must transfer liquid media from a Pyrex No.4980 2000mL or 4000mL flask to a 89mm Petri dish
- Dispense 18.7 mL ≤ Vol ≤ 31.1 mL per petri dish
- Handle up to 60 Petri dishes in approximately 15 minutes (i.e., before the medium turns to gelatin)
- All tubes/parts that come into contact with the media needs to withstand 121°C (i.e., autoclave)
- The machine must be able to be carried to alternate locations
- No more than 15kg per section
- Sterility must be maintained
Design conceptualization