Previous ASME Award Winner
Recent Departmental Runner Up Awards
Capstone Design Projects
KickEase Pediatric Swim Trainer
2023-2024 - Winter
Team: 7
The KickEase is a pediatric swim trainer that is worn around the knee, and limits excessive knee flexion in order to promote the development of proper muscle memory for flutter kicking. The final design of the KickEase consists of four major components: a fabric body, restraining hinges, attachment straps and internal grip pads. These components are layered on top one of another and fastened using Chicago screw and snap fasteners.
Genetically Modified Mosquito Incubation Box
2023-2024 - Spring
Team: 13
Team Members
Emily Inthavong
Emily Weiner
Keileina Honda
Matthew Amankonah
Samantha Stampfl
The goal of this project is to create a mosquito suppression box that allows for the development of genetically modified mosquito eggs so that the sterile male mosquitoes can easily exit the box while the flightless female mosquitoes are contained.
Robotic Assistant for Cardiologist
2023-2024 - Spring
Team: 24
The project aims to enhance Transesophageal Echocardiography (TEE) by developing a teleoperated robotic assistant to remotely control the procedure. Current TEE procedures are time-consuming, ergonomically challenging, limited in precision, and hazardous due to radiation exposure. By enabling remote control of the TEE probe features, our robotic assistant seeks to mitigate these drawbacks, improving efficiency, safety, and precision.
Precision Jacket for Photoacoustic Imaging
2023-2024 - Winter
Endotracheal Tube Support Clip
2023-2024 - Spring
Team: 14
Team Members
Jusung Park
Maria Resendiz-Cruz
Michael Usherenko
Madison Whiteman
Brian Yi
The Endotracheal Tube Support Clip is an innovative medical device used to reduce the probability and severity of throat injuries during intubation.
BronchoMate
2023-2024 - Spring
Team: 9
Team Members
Chaewon Kim
Ryan Lumaban
Jaden Mcdonald Peltier Yu
Rushil Narain
Alondra Pureco
Intubation often requires both laryngoscopes and bronchoscopes. However, video laryngoscopes require separate equipment and their own monitor. With limited space in the operation room, an additional monitor for the laryngoscope can reduce efficiency. To increase procedural efficiency during intubation procedures, our team has created the BronchoMate to replace the need for a laryngoscope and provide a more cost effective and versatile solution.
Solar Turbines -Turbine Pre-Swirler
2023-2024 - Winter
Team: 4
Team Members
Team Member 1 - Fernando Acuna
Team Member 2 - Jennifer Duong
Team Member 3 - Richard Montalvo
Team Member 4 - Horacio Ramirez-Nunez
Printed Pre-Swirler using Additive Manufacturing (Two Left Images). CAD of entire Pre-Swirler (Right Image)
Ultrafast Subpixel Resolution Enhancement
2023-2024 - Spring
Team: 3
Image enhancing techniques such as structured illumination microscopy and subpixel resolution enhancement (SRE) are able to drastically increase the resolution of image sampling devices, allowing cameras to surpass the diffraction limit of light or simply increase sensor resolution. This project aimed to apply these techniques to high-speed imaging, or "slow-mo" video. The system was able to continuously move a grating and control its position within ±2.5 µm of the setpoint.
Dynamic Stabilization System For Marine Optical Equipment
2023-2024 - Spring
Team: 5
DeepWater Exploration (DWE) designs camera hardware and complementary machine learning algorithms to improve the quality of their hardware in the marine environment. The objective of this project is to develop a mechanism capable of stabilizing the footage from DWE cameras with the capability for DWE to implement their own control algorithms. The final design for this project consists of a 3-axis gimbal and z-axis stabilizer to compensate for angular and vertical disturbances.
Development of Cutting Edge Instrumentation for Vision Preserving Surgery
2023-2024 - Winter
Team: 12
Team Members
Hans Chen (www.linkedin.com/in/hans-chen-30b0b6150/)
Joanne Low (www.linkedin.com/in/joanne-low-3b1487205)
Quinn Mullineaux (www.linkedin.com/in/mullineauxq/)
Hanieh Seilsepour (www.linkedin.com/in/hanieh-spr/)
Optic nerve sheath fenestration is a process which requires the surgeon to bluntly dissect through the fat pads in the orbital socket, in order to reach the optic nerve. Once reached, the surgeon can then create a small slit in the optic nerve to release the build up of pressure due to excess fluid. The project's motivation was to reduce the manpower and complexity of this surgical procedure by designing a specialized surgical device to reduce the number of tools required for the operation.
Project Tortas: Flattened Duct for Engine Build-Up
2023-2024 - Spring
Team: 28
Collins Aerospace, a subsidiary of Raytheon Technologies, specializes in designing and servicing systems for various aircraft. To enhance the efficiency of turbojet engines, they are focusing on investigating the feasibility of flattening air ducts to route through tight spaces more effectively. The final deliverable is a sensitivity study of the factors that contribute to maintaining the original duct's characteristics while fitting within certain boundaries to support the sponsor's decisions.
The Grounded Conductive Shield for the Radio Frequency Plasma Source
2023-2024 - Spring
Team: 6
Team Members
Team Member 1 - Haochen Bai
Team Member 2 - Julissa Villalobos Valencia
Team Member 3 - Xiran Wang
Team Member 4 - Ziguang Zhu
This MAE 156AB project will redesign the grounded electrically conducting shield around the antenna for easy removal and replacement, ensuring it maintains effective radio frequency (RF) shielding of 13.56 MHz, so sensors can operate efficiently during experiments.
Poseidon's Bidet
2023-2024 - Winter
Team: 9
A mechanical cleaning prototype for OceanWell, a start-up focused on energy efficient methods of desalination to supply drinking water to water-stressed regions. This device will be used to test methods for cleaning biofouling off of OceanWell's LifeSafe intake filter. It features a linear motion axis, water jets with 3 degrees of freedom, and interchangeable brushes to try out different cleaning methods.
Mechanoluminescent Material
2023-2024 - Spring
Team: 25
Zinc Sulfide (ZnS) in a silicone base yields an elastomer with mechanoluminescent properties. This means that when it experiences stress, the material emits light! We wanted to use this special property to create a proof of concept application for alternatives to battery-powered light-up products.
Hybrid Kapitza Pendulum
2023-2024 - Spring
Team: 1
The team implemented closed loop control for a Kapitza's pendulum using feedback from a capacitive encoder to create the world's first globally stable Kapitza's pendulum using hybrid dynamical control theory. Thus, the pendulum was capable of stabilizing in the inverted position regardless of its starting point.
Autonomous Rail Robot Transportation Network for Spacecraft Servicing and Inspection
2023-2024 - Winter
Team: 1
Current orbital programs lack the ability to economically and autonomously access all parts of a satellite for servicing and inspection. The proposed system is an autonomous, self-constructing rail system that can reach any Point Of Interest (POI) on a host satellite. Single-function robots perform operations at this location, after which the rail is relocated to access another POI. The system enables failure diagnosis, extends host lifespan, and reduces severity of hardware failure.
Enclosed Cell Stretcher
2023-2024 - Spring
Team: 2
Professor Geno Pawlak and the Experimental Biofluidics Lab are studying the genetic expression of biological cells under three biomechanical forces (pressure, shear stress, and cyclic stretching) in order to develop pharmaceuticals that can help manage Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. The enclosed cell stretcher prototype is able to apply all 3 forces simultaneously, inducing flow and pressure across a cell membrane while also cyclically stretching it.
Automation of a Glow Discharge Spectrometer
2023-2024 - Spring
Team: 4
Collaborated with the UCSD NanoEngineering Department to automate the sampling process of the GDS900 spectrometer, optimizing the HT-Read research methodology, particularly in verifying the composition of AI-generated 3D-printed metal alloy samples. This automation enhanced process efficiency and increased the likelihood of discovering optimal metal alloys.
Accessible Enclosure System
2023-2024 - Winter
Team: 5
Team Inspiration is designing an autonomous surface vehicle (ASV) to compete in RobotX 2024 International Maritime Challenge. The team’s 2022 overhead mounting solution faced accessibility and signal interference issues. This project seeks to mount and protect the sensors and electrical components with an undermount solution for increased modularity and accessibility, without compromising structural integrity or water resistance.
Thrust Vector Control Module for a Rocket Engine
2023-2024 - Spring
Team: 32
Team Members
Omeed Shahhosseini
Setekh Karaismailoglu
Claire Wang
Georgia Prewitt
The goal of this project is to develop a thrust vector control module that can rotate a rocket engine to guide the sponsor’s Riptide vehicle in the desired directions. The module has to allow 7° radius gimbaling from the central axis of the Nephas engine, withstand 2000 lbf thrust force for 15 seconds while drawing a circle, and use the two linear actuators provided by sponsor.
CRANE 3 - An 8-Axis Robot for Lung Biopsies within CT Scanners
2023-2024 - Spring
Team: 27
Team Members
Arjun Naageshwaran
Muhammand Bintang Gemilang
Brian Fader
Steven Molotnikov
An 8-Axis Robot for Lung Biopsies within CT Scanners
Gradwell Drive-By-Wire Go-Kart
2023-2024 - Winter
Team: 3
DRIVR is a startup that focuses on the idea that combines the experience of VR and Real life. The driver wears a VR headset while sitting in an actual go-kart and views a simulated course and any inputs from VR are translated to the go-kart.
The project focuses on the mechanical/electrical aspect of the go-kart. The aim was to build a fully electric go-kart that incorporates Drive, Steer, and Brake-by-wire.
The project focuses on the mechanical/electrical aspect of the go-kart. The aim was to build a fully electric go-kart that incorporates Drive, Steer, and Brake-by-wire.
Haptic Shoulder for Physical Human Robot Interaction
2023-2024 - Spring
Team: 22
Team Members
Calvin Joyce
Isabella Fiorini
Rizzi Galibut
Roger Nguyen
Tarun Murugesan
ARCLab investigates advancements in search and rescue operations with robotics. Our project focuses on the physical human-robot interaction needed for casualty extraction. We developed the Shoulder Haptic Universal Limb Dynamic Repositioning Device (SHULDRD) to train a robotic manipulator to safely perform upper arm repositioning. The SHULDRD simulates human shoulder motion and applies resistive forces for safe casualty manipulation, enhancing efficiency and safety in disaster response.
Pogo Pin Inspection Automation
2023-2024 - Winter
Team: 2
This project aims to develop a proof of concept to enhance the efficiency and scalability of pogo pin inspections through automation. The team has designed a four-stage system that includes a vibratory bowl feeder, a conveyor belt, a force test module, and a visual inspection module. This system demonstrates that automating the sorting and inspection of pogo pins is a viable solution.
NDT- Endovascular Blood Clot Removal Device
2023-2024 - Spring
Team: 18
Design and manufacture an endovascular blood clot removal tool that is safe, reliable, and effective, along with a test bed for thorough testing.
Neublox - Educational Pneumatic Circuit Building Blocks
2023-2024 - Spring
Team: 29
We aim to introduce children aged 7-12 to soft robotics and circuitry. Using logic gates and soft actuators, our pneumatic building blocks provide a safe, hands-on learning experience for concepts related to computation, electronics, and soft robotics. These blocks allow kids to construct and control soft robots, fostering early engineering skills without electrical hazards. Neublox aims to inspire creativity and problem-solving, shaping future engineers and innovators through playful learning.
Spaceflight Honeycomb Panel Depressurization
2023-2024 - Spring
Team: 19
Honeycomb panels are used frequently in aerospace, but trapped air can burst due to rapid depressurization during launch. The cell walls are perforated to allow air flow, but traditional methods for analyzing these perforations are untested and computationally expensive. Our project seeks to experimentally verify theoretical porous resistance coefficients. To collect this data, our project consists of a testing chamber with a variable mounting system and sensors to measure critical values.
Ion Beam Faraday Cup & Scintillator
2023-2024 - Spring
Team: 31
Team Members
Alex Pietrow
Samuel Green
Timothy Kendrick
William Hulett
The UCSD Pisces Lab conducts plasma-material interface research. Pisces-RF simulates plasma-wall interface in magnetic confinement fusion reactors and their new ion accelerator will simulate neutron irradiation on reactor walls. Our project was the design and implementation of a linearly actuated ion beam diagnostic system that will eventually be used to characterize the current and spatial profile of the beam using a Faraday cup and scintillator.
Underwater Robot Swarm: A Birch Aquarium Interactive Exhibit
2023-2024 - Spring
Team: 20
Team Members
Peyton Cross
Elliot Myers
Aidan Reedy-Schneider
Guy Walters
Adrian Zugehar
This interactive Birch Aquarium exhibit prototype educates visitors about technologies within the world of underwater imaging, featuring a buoyancy control mechanism and water column profiling sensors. Direct vertical motion is achieved through the robot's dome-shaped canopy capturing bubbles released by guests from the bottom of the tank. Once surfaced, pressure, temperature, and UV light sensors relate the tank conditions to images from across the globe captured by the Jaffe Lab.
Double Opposing Self-Folding Micro Clamps
2023-2024 - Spring
Team: 15
Our project aims to lower the entry barrier for surgeons training in microsurgery by developing a low-cost double opposing micro clamp for training that maintains the functions of traditional clamps while being significantly less expensive. To achieve this level of accessibility, a standard operating procedure is made to ensure the proper assembly of the clamps and quality checks ensure the functionality of the clamps so anyone with the right tools can make them.
