Mechanical Engineering Graduate Designs Unique Capstone Project

Sept. 30, 2021 - Jesssica Santos graduated from the Mechanical Engineering Technology program at Richmond Community College this year. For her capstone project, she came up with a unique idea called a Turning Top.

"It was a multifunctional device that could be used as a display for objects, a jewelry holder, or just to have as a cool object because it was made with see-through material,” Jessica said. “I came up with the idea by thinking about a revolving Lazy Susan tray top. I designed it to spin by using a worm gear with some ball bearings to make it continuously spin without having to rotate it constantly.”

Mechanical Engineering instructor Annie Harden was impressed with Jessica’s project.

“The complexity of Jessica's design was establishing a proficient gear arrangement to ensure the table would turn according to the multiple functions of her design. Jessica decided on a functional gear mechanism to transmit power both manually with a crank and by a battery-operated motor,” Harden said.

The main objective of any mechanical engineer’s design is to minimize cost during manufacturing, while also producing a safe, high-quality product that fulfills intended life expectancy and pleases the consumer.

“When Jessica presented her design to me for approval, the fact that she based her intent from these main objectives impressed me,” Harden said. “It was a proud moment for me to see a student demonstrating the right spatial development and problem-solving skills that are taught in the Mechanical Engineering Technology program.”

In this program at RichmondCC, students learn how to develop and test a design idea and then improve upon it. They learn engineering graphics, engineering fundamentals, materials and manufacturing processes.

“I've learned that there are so many factors that go into making a design, like cost, material, measurements, failure testing methods and more,” Jessica said. “One thing I would totally change in my project is the material. It’s acrylic, which is very expensive and heavy.”

Jessica is a graduate of the Richmond Early College High School (REACH) program. She felt REACH would help her get a head start on her career because she would be completing both her high school education and an associate degree in five years. She also knew she wanted to become an engineer like her brothers.

“My brothers, Christian and Jorge, also came to RichmondCC, and it helped them obtain the degree that they wanted. Both became engineers, and I want to follow in their footsteps,” Jessica said.