This Capstone Project worked with Snap-on to develop a muffler that would reduce the sound emitted from their air powered tools, while not reducing the power. The problem definition is below:

 

Snap-on’s PT850 impact wrench is loud and does not meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) regulations. It is harmful to users as it poses significant risks such as loss of hearing.

In addition, users remove the current foam muffler even though it dampens the sound because it throttles the tool

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Therefore, the Capstone team was tasked with developing and demonstrating a Helmholtz resonator to reduce the sound output of an air powered tool, WITHOUT significantly reducing the power output. The project goal was a 10 dB reduction during use, and sound levels within OSHA limits.

 

The team managed to reduce the sound without power loss with a 3D printed prototype of a 3/4 wavelength resonator, as the client requested. The client was very pleased with the development of the prototype as well as all testing, analysis, and final results.

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I served as a Mechanical Engineer and Project Manager on the team. I learned a lot about resonators in the initial phases of research and helped my team brainstorm prototype designs. I completed CAD and was responsible for all 3D printing of the 25 prototypes we created. I guided the team and organized our processes, and took minutes at all meetings. I also participated in prototype testing and analyzed the data that was recorded. I was heavily involved in writing all content, designed the poster, and coached the team for our presentations. I greatly contributed to and finalized the reports and presentations that were submitted to the client. 

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Due to confidentiality agreements, I cannot include the reports or presentation on this page.