![Scorpion folding device team.](https://www.uc.edu/news/articles/2023/06/n21176987/jcr:content/image.img.cq5dam.thumbnail.500.500.jpg/1686583075004.jpg)
UC students engineer cutting-edge box folding device
Next-generation sustainable packaging designed through College of Engineering and Applied Science
A group of innovative students at the University of Cincinnati has unveiled its remarkable creation — the Scorpion, a box-folding device — as part of a capstone project.
The UC Center for Robotics Research, led by Janet Jiaxiang Dong, professor in the Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering and adviser of the student team/project in the College of Engineering and Applied Science (CEAS), received a request from Sun Sugar Farms, which markets reusable crate systems and recyclable, biodegradable produce containers.
Owner Linda Fritz reached out to the center for help with a unique challenge — designing an affordable automated folding device that small-scale produce farmers could use with her company’s packaging.
Dong presented the sponsored challenge to her students, who eagerly accepted the task as part of their capstone project. Kelly Lawrence, Duncan Poehner, Colton Sarver and Kelly Spraul were the team members.
This project and the student team set a great example for our missions and the collaboration between UC and the local community.
Janet Jiaxiang Dong Professor
The design process
Combining their engineering skills and entrepreneurial spirit, team members examined samples of boxes to be folded. They also researched the mechanisms of commercially available machines, which can cost upwards of $100,000. One of the manufacturers spoke with the team, offering valuable insights into how box folders work.
The team put their skills to the test:
- Poehner, with his background in electricity generation and power plants
- Spraul, who works with large air compressors and industrial control boxes
- Sarver, who specializes in additive manufacturing and design, plus anything involving 3D printing
- Lawrence, with computer-aided design skills, including 3D modeling and drawing
The students created several iterations of an automated folding device. Each version served as an incremental contributor to the creative process.
One major challenge they faced was controlling the four sides of the mechanism to consistently perform various actions of folding upwards within tight tolerances.
How it works
The final prototype uses four electric servo motors to fold large boxes efficiently. The mechanism curls and wraps around like a tail, earning the name Scorpion.
“At UC, as a higher education institute, one of our missions is to train and educate the next generation of engineers to be able to solve real-world problems and serve the local community," Dong said. "This project and the student team set a great example for our missions and the collaboration between UC and the local community.”
Dong also highlighted the impact of such a project:
- Helps small farmers to grow their business by using automation to replace human labor
- Can increase productivity and potentially reduce workers’ injuries
- Enables more small growers to use environmentally friendly boxes versus plastic boxes
“I was thrilled that the concept I was hoping for had been created — robotic-type arms folding the flat carton into its box shape," said Fritz, who initially proposed the project. "It was an ingenious design by these UC students and exciting to see. I could tell a lot of thought and work had gone into it.”
The Scorpion king
The team worked at an accelerated pace of four months to enter the Scorpion at the CEAS Expo, where graduating seniors present their capstone projects. With its chela-like mechanism, the Scorpion was king.
First place at the Expo was awarded to the Scorpion team in the category of Product and Device. The Department of Mechanical and Materials Engineering also presented an award to the team for Most Complex Device.
The team sums up their experience this way:
“We all had different strengths, but we didn't isolate parts of the project because of it. We've created an incredibly more economical solution to a complex problem, making it much more accessible to these farmers to use the sustainable produce containers from Sun Sugar Farms that are better for the environment. The option of a device that costs 90 times less than commercially manufactured box folding mechanisms creates a path for small farmers who are more likely to use this advanced, sustainable alternative," Team Scorpion said in a statement.
Featured image at top: The Scorpion folding device team. From left, Kelly Lawrence, Kelly Spraul, Colton Sarver and Duncan Poehner. Photo provided
Become a Bearcat
Whether you’re a first-generation student or from a family of Bearcats, UC is proud to support you at every step along your journey. We want to make sure you succeed — and feel right at home.
Related Stories
UC Day of Giving kicks off with celebration of scholarship gift
April 15, 2021
UC Day of Giving is kicked off with an important scholarship gift for nursing and engineering.
Neil Armstrong UC Forward Innovation Award 2021 winners announced
April 13, 2021
Team of three undergraduate students from different disciplines excel in an innovation course at the University of Cincinnati.
UC engineering students recognized for achievement in cooperative education
April 12, 2021
Top students in engineering cooperative education for 2020-21
UC staff have elected their 2021-23 Staff Senators
June 8, 2021
Join us in congratulating the 2021-23 new Staff Senate members! Elections were held in early May, and new senators will begin their two-year term in July 2021. All UC staff are encouraged to be part of the enthusiasm and excitement for our new senators by attending the Staff Senate online meeting via WebEx, June 30, 9-11 a.m.
The making of a successful Faculty & Staff Campaign
May 25, 2021
More than one-third of UC’s nearly 7,000 faculty and staff have already contributed to the 2020-21 Faculty & Staff Campaign, putting the goal of 45% within reach.
Three additional days off for UC employees
July 14, 2021
President Neville G. Pinto announced that UC employees will receive three additional days off in 2021 for going 'above and beyond' during the pandemic. The time away will take place during Winter Season Days.
UC Simulation Center Student Profiles
July 19, 2021
A glimpse into the background of students working at the Sim Center
What are common misconceptions about engineering?
From expertise in math to being a creative problem solver, Teri Reed explains myths and misconceptions about engineering and why you should be an engineer!
CNBC: How do you land your first job out of college?
August 5, 2021
UC College of Engineering and Applied Science student Danielle Hall talks to CNBC about the benefits of co-op at UC.
Aerospace Students Soar to Excellence at SciTech
February 21, 2016
Four UC CEAS aerospace PhD students present at the 2016 AIAA SciTech Conference in San Diego.