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Abstract
Once a process cycle has been completed, glass condom molds are removed from spindles that connect them to the process equipment. Currently, glass molds are removed by destroying the glass around the spindle, resulting in safety hazards from glass shards, monetary loss due to replacement cost, and also loss of money due to the labor cost associated with time spent cleaning up the glass shards and breaking the molds. To solve the dilemma, the sponsor demanded a safe, cost efficient method or addition that would not harm the process during the cycle nor damage the spindle and glass molds at any moment. Two routes were concocted, chemical (lubricants, rubber grommet specifications) and mechanical (rotational torque puller). After experimentation with both chemical and mechanical options, a purely mechanical option was decided upon once the cost effectiveness and the simplicity of use for the proposed device were noticed. A working prototype was constructed and experimented with success trials in the removal of the glass condom molds from the spindles within given constraints. Currently, the only issues remaining with the project are making sure that the mechanical puller becomes automated, and making sure that it is completed by the Senior Design Expo. This project will impact Church & Dwight Co., Inc. by saving them a minimum of $13,000 per year in labor, and will enable them to increase the safety and efficiency of their manufacturing plant while eliminating most of the replacement cost of the glass molds. Society would greatly benefit from this project due to the increased production of various condoms causing further evolution of condoms and ultimately protected sex.
Publication Date
2016
Keywords
Chemical and life science engineering, glass mold
Disciplines
Chemical Engineering | Engineering
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Dr. Bennett C. Ward
Faculty Advisor/Mentor
Brad Drum
VCU Capstone Design Expo Posters
Rights
© The Author(s)
Date of Submission
August 2016