Sponsored by: 3M
Project Summary
3M designs reflective pavement marking strips that improve road safety. Our project is to design a particle dispenser that distributes reflective particles onto pavement marking strips. This product is used in a lab setting to improve 3M's testing procedure for pavement markings.
Design Goal
The aim of our project is to develop a more repeatable testing process for applying reflective particles onto pavement markings. Through uniform distribution and applying multiple particle types, our goal is to optimize 3M’s testing process to contribute to safer roadways worldwide.
Design Constraints
- Must be able to apply particles evenly across a 12" x 48" test strip.
- Must be able to apply between 50 – 400 grams/min.
- Must be able to apply two separate particles independently.
- Contain excess particles for reuse.
- Be movable and convenient in a lab setting.
![Particle distributor](../../../../../_media-library/_images/ug-experience/senior-design/2023-2024/projects/t14-3m-image1-v2.jpg)
Particle distributor
Particle distribution system (to the left) sits on top of the conveyor belt. The pavement marking strips will flow from the left side to the right and be covered in particles.
![3M reflective pavement marking strips](../../../../../_media-library/_images/ug-experience/senior-design/2023-2024/projects/t14-3m-image2.jpg)
3M reflective pavement marking strips
Members of the Project Team
Student Team:
- Aubrey Frey - Major: Mechanical Engineering
- Joel Marinelli - Major: Mechanical Engineering
- Robinson Pinos - Major: Mechanical Engineering
- Calvin Rengel - Major: Mechanical Engineering
Industry Representative: Melissa VanLaanen
Faculty Advisor: Michael Hennessey
![Student team photo](../../../../../_media-library/_images/ug-experience/senior-design/2023-2024/student-teams/t14-3m-student-team.jpg)
Pictured left to right: Robinson Pinos, Joel Marinelli, Calvin Rengel, Aubrey Frey