For our final midterm project for BIOE 555, I worked with Sradha and Abby to create a new design for the existing LUCIA model (https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6407823/)
We inspected the original model and started sketching as a team some elements that we could change.
Some of the Design Changes incorporated:
- We removed the screws that were used to bolt down the individual panels, and rather we introduced a sliding slot mechanism at the base of the model that would allow us to slide in the different panels and hold in between at the base of the model. This was chosen in the hopes of making it more user-friendly.
- We added a dedicated cervix holder (similar to the existing vaginal cavity holder) to eliminate the need for extra components like the wooden panel and metal insert, further reducing the complexity of setup.
This is the process we used to create these new design adjustments:
Step 1) We began by carefully measuring the original LUCIA components to recreate each part accurately in Adobe Illustrator:
Panels 14.8 cm x 14.8 cm
Base 23.8 cm x 14.8 cm
Kickstand 7.5 cm x 14.8 cm
Vaginal cavity length: 11.5 cm
Cervix holder space: 1 cm (based on the cervix models we created in our earlier BIOE 555 project)
We then created Illustrator files for the redesigned vaginal and cervical panels, base, and kickstand.
From top left to bottom right: 1) Base 2) back panel (cervix) 3) front panel ( vaginal cavity) 2x 4) middle panel ( vaginal cavity) 5) base with kickstand
Step 2) We Cut the panels using the Epilog Pro Laser Cutter (Settings: 10 Frequency, 100 Power, 20 Speed).
Step 3) Initially milled the base and the kickstand using the Shapeoko Pro CNC, with 0.4 mm thick wood (8.0 mm width × 14.0 mm height). However, due to precision and timing issues, we pivoted to layering multiple laser-cut (using the Epilog Pro Laser Cutter) the base/kickstand pieces and gluing them together for added strength.
Step 4) We began by aligning the laser-cut panels into the base slots to ensure proper fit. An early setback involved the middle panel not aligning due to slight measurement inaccuracies. We remeasured and redesigned the base, then re-cut it to ensure all panels slotted in.
As seen in the image above:
Panel 1: Vaginal cavity viewing + holder
Panel 2: Vaginal cavity holder + cervix viewing + cervix holder
Panel 3: Cervix holder + back panel
Once aligned, we used wood glue to assemble the components securely.
Step 5) We post-processed our apparatus to ensure a polished look:
(1) Sanded all components using 150 and 180 grit sandpaper for smooth edges since the corners felt sharp to handle, (2) Applied wood stain to give some colour to the panels, (3) We used Danish Oil for a lighter finish since the woodstain dried darker than expected.
Step 6) The completed LUCIA model once assembled.
Cost Analysis
| Item | Unit Price | Quantity Used | Total |
| Laser-cut Wood Panels | $5.25/board | 2 | $10.50 |
| Wood Glue | $3.47/4 oz | 0.5 oz | $0.43 |
| Danish Oil | $13.99/pint | 3 mL | $0.10 |
| Wood Stain | $8.17/half-pint | 2 oz | $2.04 |
| Sandpaper (150 grit) | $8.54/12 sheets | ¼ sheet | $0.18 |
| Sandpaper (180 grit) | $5.98/3 sheets | ¼ sheet | $0.50 |
| Labor (Laser cutting) | $19/hour | 1 hour | $19.00 |
| Total Cost | $32.75
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Overall Reflection
This project was a rewarding culmination of everything I’ve learned in BIOE 555. It was exciting to bring together a variety of engineering techniques, from CAD modeling and precision fabrication to hands-on assembly and post-processing, and apply them to a real-world problem.
Clean work space
