Sponsored by: Solventum (formerly 3M Health Care)
Project Summary
Solventum produces the Littmann line of stethoscopes, which are used in everyday clinical settings by healthcare professionals. Our senior design team was tasked with designing a process that improves the appearance of the Littmann stethoscope tubing. This process involves surface modification of the tubing through compression by a slip roller mechanism. This mechanism transforms the tubing from a glossy surface finish to a uniform matte surface finish without damaging the tubing. The final goal of this mechanism is to produce consistent and ready-for market stethoscope tubing that satisfies the needs of healthcare professionals.
Design Goal
Design and prototype a mechanism with a CAD drawing that produces the desired surface finish for Solventum’s Littmann Stethoscope.
Design Constraints
- TUBES must have a uniform matte finish.
- TUBES must have a smooth tactile finish.
- PROCESS must be motorized and have minimal ergonomic affects.
- PROCESS must produce bulk batches within a set timeframe.
- PROCESS must be applicable for any Littmann Stethoscope color and type.
- TUBES must pass visual standard requirements.
- TUBES must be free from lacerations or permanent indentations.
Prototype of Mechanism
Adjustable Parameters:
- Speed of Mechanism
- Gap between Rollers
- Durometer & Material of Rollers
- Feed Orientation
Members of the Project Team
Student Team:
- Bridget Hill - Major: Mechanical Engineering
- Zachary Maaske - Major: Mechanical Engineering
- Rabia Malik - Major: Mechanical Engineering
- Connor Miller - Major: Mechanical Engineering
- Paris O’Reilly - Major: Mechanical Engineering
Industry Representatives: Jeffrey Pederson, Zane Johnson, Del Lawson, Dylan Cosgrove and Craig Conti
Faculty Advisor: Keith Berrier
Pictured left to right: Paris O’Reilly, Connor Miller, Zachary Maaske, Bridget Hill, Rabia Malik