Introduction to Engineering Design - Project 2 Report

Dumpling Maker
EDSGN 100
The Pennsylvania State University
Summer 2017
Section 202 - Xinli Wu

August 8th 2017

Team 5

Submitted By:
Zachary Neff
Eric Shumway
Logan Ruthardt
Evan Rabinowitz
Samuel Zakutney

Submitted To:
Dr. Xinli Wu
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Abstract

For the second design project in EDSGN 100, section 202 was tasked with designing a

dumpling maker which met the projects criteria, including price, production efficiency and ease

of maintenance. In order to complete the prototype, group 5 utilized a customer needs

assessment, design matrix, working drawings, and a cost analysis.

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Table of Contents [Logan Ruthardt]

Abstract (Eric Shumway) ......1

Introduction (Eric Shumway) ........3

Description of Design Task (Logan Ruthardt/Sam Zakutney) ..... 4

Problem/Mission Statements .....4

Design Specification ..........4

Design Approach

Gantt Chart (Zachary Neff) ......5

Customer Needs Assessment (Logan Ruthardt/Samuel Zakutney)......5

Concept Generation (Eric Shumway).......8

Design Selection Matrices (Zachary Neff) .....9

Final Design and its Prototype ....11

Working Drawings (Zachary Neff) .12

Prototype Images/Scale (Eric Shumway) .....9

Design Features (Evan Rabinowitz) ....12

Operation Instructions (Evan Rabinowitz) ..13

Engineering Analysis ...................................................13

Working Mechanism (Zachary Neff)....13

Cost Analysis (Evan Rabinowitz) ....15

Summary/Conclusions (Eric Shumway) ......16

Acknowledgments (Sam Zakutney)......16

References (Evan Rabinowitz) ....16

Introduction
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This report details an engineering design project undertaken by incoming College of

Engineering students at The Pennsylvania State University. The goal of the project was to

design and manufacture a prototype of a dumpling maker capable of producing 10 dumplings per

minute using an automatic or semi-automatic mechanism, able to be safely washed, and cost

under $200.

To facilitate an effective and successful design, a comprehensive list of customer

recommendations were documented and transformed into quantitative engineering specifications

through a design matrix. Group 5 then used a customer needs assessment to determine which of

those specifications were most important to the customer, which led to a second design matrix to

narrow down the final design. Finally, team 5 analyzed the cost to ensure that our design met the

qualifications assigned.

Team 5 created a prototype that accurately shows our design in scale in the lab using

Styrofoam and various adhesives. The prototype allows our group to explain the working

mechanisms of the dumpling making process to those who are unaware, which the team

accomplished in our presentation.

Description of the Design Task

Problem Statement:
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Consumers may have the desire to create as many dumplings as an experienced

chef in one sitting. However, the time required to obtain this skill is, in most cases, unavailable

to the typical consumer. These individuals require a medium that will allow them to generate

dumplings at a rate that can rival professionals. Additionally, individuals should not have to deal

with potential mess associated with creating dumplings.

Mission Statement:

In order to resolve the stated problem, group 5 developed a dumpling maker

design that has the capacity to produce ten dumplings per minute, is easy/safe to use, is semi-

automatic, and showcases the process of production via a plastic screen.

Design Specifications:

Semi-automatic

Produces no less than 10 dumplings per minute on average

Materials are as cost efficient as possible

Dishwasher Safe

Easy to Transport

Safe
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Table 1. Gantt Chart

Customer Needs Assessment

Questions asked:

1. Do you enjoy dumplings?

2. Would you ever purchase a dumpling maker?

3. How big do you think a dumpling maker should be?

4. Would you prefer an automatic or semi-automatic dumpling maker?

5. On average, how many dumplings per minute do you think a maker should produce?

6. Would you prefer a dumpling maker that is hand-washable or dishwasher safe?

7. What other features would you like the dumpling maker to have?

8. Do you see the value in this product?

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Table 2- Customer Needs Chart

Results:

1. Most people interviewed reported that they like dumplings. This assured the group that

there was real world value in the design project.

2. The amount of people willing to purchase or not purchase a dumpling maker was fairly

even. This lead to the conclusion that the product may be harder to market. This new

information led the group to make decisions that allowed the design to stand out among

similar products.

3. The interviewed persons stated that a dumpling maker should either be standard-size or

smaller than standard size. Having this information persuaded group 5 to focus on

keeping the design project as small as possible.

4. There was not much of a preference when regarding the autonomy of dumpling makers.

The team responded to this with the decision to make the dumpling maker semi-
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automatic. This saved the team time and budget money. Additionally, a semi-automatic

maker gives the user better control over the machine.

5. Consumers expected the maker to generate 4-12 dumplings per minute. Although this

was a wide range, team 5 resolved to cater to the syllabus for the number of dumplings

per minute. Team 5 created a dumpling maker that produces at least 10 dumplings per

minute.

6. The interviewees generally desired a dumpling maker that is machine washable. The

team responded to this by making the design out of HDPE plastic which is dishwasher

safe.

7. Consumers desired extra features such as a faster rate of production and the ability to

make foods other than dumplings. Team 5 responded to this by creating a design which

could create other foods.

8. The majority of people interviewed saw the value in the product. This reassured team 5

that the design process was worth the time put into it.
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Concept Generation

Pictured Below- Fig 1- B, Fig 2- C

Fig 3- E Fig 4- D
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First Design Matrix

CONCEPTS

A B C D E

Selection Criteria Reference Motor Belt Meat Press/ Plunger Push The BC Maker Flat Dump

Durability 0 0 + 0 +

Reliability 0 - 0 0 +

Safety 0 - - + 0

Compact ability 0 + 0 - +

Ease of Use 0 + + + -

Cost Efficient 0 - - 0 +

Unique 0 + + + 0

Production Efficiency 0 0 0 0 0

Totals

0's 8 2 3 4 3

+'s 0 3 3 3 4

-'s 0 3 2 1 1

Net Score 0 0 1 2 3

Rank 4 4 3 2 1

Continue Combine Yes Combine

Concepts

Second Design Matrix

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MEAT PRESS BC MAKER REFERENCE

Selection Criteria Weight (%) Rating Weight Rating Weight Rating Weight

Durability 16 5 0.8 3 0.48 3 0.48

Reliability 18 4 0.72 3 0.54 3 0.54

Safety 6 4 0.24 4 0.24 3 0.18

Compatibility 6 3 0.18 2 0.12 3 0.18

Ease of Use 20 4 0.8 4 0.8 3 0.6

Cost Efficient 15 5 0.75 3 0.45 3 0.45

Unique 5 4 0.2 4 0.2 3 0.15

Product Efficiency 14 3 0.42 3 0.42 3 0.42

Totals 100 4.11 3.25 3

Rank 1 2 3

Continue? Develop No No

Final Design and its Prototype

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Fig 5 -Dumpling Maker/ BOM

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Fig 6 -Dumpling Maker Layout

Design Features:

The meat press dumpling maker is a unique design. Most of the parts are made out of

HDPE plastic which makes it safe for food and dishwashers. Our crank handle design powers

rollers that press the dough and a conveyor belt that carries the dumpling to a meat press. The

meat press in unique because it dispenses a specific amount of meat each time. Our dumpling

folding mechanism is a sloped wall that half of the dumpling rides up on and then folds over on

top of the other half. Removable acrylic windows allow the user to see where the dumpling is

and when to dispense the meat. They are removable in case they break they can just buy a

replacement window not a whole machine. The meat press dumpling maker is a one of a kind

tool for anybody interested in cooking dumplings.

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Operation Instructions

1. Place the dumpling dough into the funnel and push down until it touches the top

roller.

2. Begin cranking the handle counter-clockwise.

3. Stop turning the handle once the dough becomes fully visible through the side

window, directly underneath the meat press.

4. Push down on the meat press to dispense the desired amount of meat onto the

dough.

5. Begin turning the handle again until the completed dumpling comes out the end.

6. Repeat steps 1-5 for each additional dumpling.

Engineering Analysis

Working mechanism:

The Dumpling maker will produce between 10 and 20 dumplings a minute, it all depends

how fast you crank. The dough begins by flowing through two rollers, flattening it, shaping it. As

the dough is flattened against the back wall, it slides down a fairly steep ramp. Next, the dough

falls on a conveyor belt which rolls it past a window, When the dumpling hits the window, you

press down on a meat press/syringe that releases the desired amount of filling on the dough.

Lastly, the dumpling exits the conveyer belt, slides down a ramp that folds it over into the

standard dumpling shape.

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Fig.7 - Conveyer Belt/ Filling Distributor

Fig 8 -Folding Ramp

Cost analysis:
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The final material cost of the dumpling maker is $194.75. The most expensive part is the

outer frame of the dumpling maker. It consists of HDPE plastic which is food and dishwasher

safe. For the outer frame and ramp the cost totaled $86.74. The same material was used for the

meat press and the funnel. However different thicknesses were used. The meat press frame

totaled a price of $12.68 and $2.37 for the rod and press. The rod was made out of high strength

abs plastic. The funnel, again made of HDPE plastic, costs $20. Our conveyor belt was made of

two inch diameter rollers. They cost $7.52 each and the belt costs $2.44. Our crank handle

would be bought already made and costs $5. Next the timing belt pulleys that connect to the

crank and conveyor cost $10 each. The belt that is attached costs $2. Finally the windows are

made out of clear cast acrylic and cost $2.50 each. High strength materials were used without the

risk of being over budget.

Conclusion

The goal of this project was to develop a design and prototype for a dumpling maker

which meets the requirements in efficiency, easy of use and cost. The dumpling maker was built

with customers who wanted to produce dumplings at the rate of an experienced chef would. Our

semi-automatically operated maker allows this through a system that flattens the dough and fills

and folds the dumpling through a simple crank and syringe mechanism. This dumpling maker

serves its purpose and solves the problem by allowing the user to produce dumplings with a

device that is efficient, safe, easy to use and cost effective.

The design specifications were based on customer needs, cost analysis and feedback from

our mentors. The most important specifications were safety, ease of use/manufacturing, and

production efficiency. Group 5 took all of these into account when determining the design and

materials. The design comes close to the allocated budget of $200 and the prototype accurately
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conveys the designs features for those who are interested in the product. The groups design

successfully solved the problem and meets the parameters set by the instructor.

Acknowledgements

Chris Trianosky: During most of the group lab sessions, Chris was very helpful in

offering pointers during the design process. Whether it be during the information gathering or the

SolidWorks model creation, Chris was always free to answer questions. Additionally, his

contagious optimism made the lab sessions much more enjoyable and interesting.

Evan Rabinowitz: Of all the group members, Even may be the most quiet, but ultimately

the most determined. He spent countless hours working on the cost analysis and design matrices,

making sure that everything looked as professional as possible. Being really open-minded and

focused, he was an incredibly valuable asset to the group.

Zachary Neff: Although he was not part of group 5for too long, Zach immediately

became a great team player. Zach dedicated a lot of time to the SolidWorks model, which gave

the team great difficulties. From completely having to abandon the original assembly model

conveyer belt to having to spend around 6 hours trying to figure out the development of the

folding ramp,he always remained composed and optimistic.

References

McMaster-Carr. McMaster-Carr, www.mcmaster.com/#hdpe/=18tscos.

McMaster-Carr. McMaster-Carr, www.mcmaster.com/#abs/=18tscwo.

McMaster-Carr. McMaster-Carr, www.mcmaster.com/#standard-conveyor-belts/=18tsd9f.

McMaster-Carr. McMaster-Carr,

www.mcmaster.com/#standard-rollers-for-conveyors/=18tsdea.
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McMaster-Carr. McMaster-Carr, www.mcmaster.com/#acrylic/=18tsdr9.

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