BeeBox

Easy to catch, easy to use, works every time.

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Inspiration

Our team found this project very appealing, as with the given amount of time and our skills it was enough of a challenge to keep us thinking of multiple different solutions, but simple enough to where we had room for testing.

What it does

It allows the user to capture an insect with minimal effort. The push lever allows a platform within the box to be adjusted in order to corner the insect in one spot. The platform is designed to stop 0.5 cm before the wall to ensure the insect is not accidentally crushed. The cube is sized to fit in the user's hand nicely while alloying enough room to quickly catch an insect. The shape of the lever is designed so the user can rest it on the lever and rotate the cube freely to take pictures.

How we built it

We laser cut acrylic sheets and glued them together with super glue to make the shape of the cube. The platform was 3d printed.

Challenges we ran into

Initially, we had a different idea that we made a very rough prototype of, to test out tolerances and sizing. We weren't too satisfied with the design of this first prototype, so we decided to make a more creative design which was going to include a pyramid within the box to restrict any movement of the insect at all. But we knew this solution would be alot more complex and will require more time, so we decided to have a backup design. Although we got close to finishing that idea, technical difficulties with the laser printer and a few failed designs the time just didn't permit completing it. So as time ran out the back design started to become the main design and by the end of it we had our finished product. For this idea we were gonna use hinges to open and close the lid, but we realized after glueing it that the fitment wasnt ideal. So we decided to make the lid a snug snap in fit, but this led our finished product looking not so finished. We tried to sand and polish the glue away, which it worked, but left a haze on the whole product.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Our goal was to make sure we have a working product and something that would meet all our client's requirements. And our product does exactly that. Even though the finish of the acrylic got hazy, the fit and finish of the box were exactly what we wanted. The lid fits in the case very snug ensuring it doesn't fall off. The platform moves within the box with ease. And the whole case being acrylic the user can take pictures of the insect from 5 different planes.

What we learned

We learned that sticking with a simple and effective solution, especially in a very time-restricted project is the best way to go. Had we stuck to just building our design, we would have had a lot more time to refine the quality and features, and giving us room for error.

What's next for BeeBox

Given more time we would have liked to make slidable inserts with slots on the lid, allowing the user to choose whichever color background, and isolate the insect even more.

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