MAE 471/472

IndexTeam MembersSenior Design Project Title and Short Synopsis (<100 words)
MAE 471/472 - Dr. Christiane Beyer's Class
Group 1: Suspension Regeneration Device 
Monica Reye The team designed a device to harness excess energy generated by mimicking vehicle movement within a suspension system. The energy regeneration device is mounted onto the test rig, which was modeled after a MacPherson strut setup. Energy will be harvested from vertical motion using an alternator we designed, which uses magnetic induction to convert mechanical motion into usable electrical energy. 
Samantha Villines
Daniela Diaz
Jason Rivera
Mark Lam
Group 2: Fixture Table 

Ethan Travis

The goal of this project was to create a fixture table for a drill press or milling machine that could be quickly changed without using lead screws. The table mounts to industry-standard t-slots on the machine bed and has a t-slot table on top to mount the part. The table moves in the x and y axes and has the ability to rotate the table to any angle. The fixture table prioritizes speed over accuracy, enabling the operator to manufacture a part more quickly. 
Tobias Neumann
Ahmad Yosef
Ethan Rhodes
Group 3: Impact Testing Unit 

Katie Okano

The goal of this project was to create a unit to perform impact testing on visors, glasses, and goggles according to the European ECE 22.06 standard for high-speed particle impact testing of visors. The apparatus uses air pressure to fire a 6-millimeter steel ball (as dictated by the standard) through a barrel at the test sample, which sits on a multilaterally adjustable head form in a protective box. 
Quinn LaFranchi
Antoine Ivtschenko
Felix Tannheimer
Group 4: Algae Mitigation System 
Kalena RenfrewThis project aimed to develop a solar-powered device to combat harmful algae blooms in the ocean. It emits high-frequency ultrasonic waves to disrupt algae biologically and an aeration system to add additional oxygen to the saltwater to ensure the eradication of harmful algae. The system provides a chemical-free, autonomous solution for protecting aquatic ecosystems in coastal environments. 
Maria Atanacia Aldridge
Pilar Carbajal
Selena Nguyen
Pedro Estrada
Amanda Martinez
Group 5: Garden Hose Auto-Purger 

Thomas Kraemer 

The Garden Hose Auto-Purger is a compact, automated system designed to remove residual water from standard garden hoses after use. By integrating flow sensing, valve control, and a small vacuum pump, the system detects when water flow stops and actively purges trapped water from the line. This prevents common issues such as hot water discharge, freezing damage, and long-term stagnation. Built using commercially available components and a manufacturable housing design, the system demonstrates a practical solution that improves safety and user convenience in everyday residential water systems. 
Victor Marquez
Mina Henan
Jazmin Guadarrama
Samantha Perez Toledo
Andrew Hernandez
Group 6: Thermosiphon GPU/CPU Cooling Device 

Vinod Wijetunge 

The team designed a pump-free thermosiphon cooling system for CPUs and GPUs that uses natural fluid circulation to remove heat. Eliminating mechanical pumps reduces energy use, increases reliability, and simplifies the system. This approach provides an efficient, low-cost alternative to traditional liquid cooling for high-performance computers and data centers. 
Alexa Saad
Bryant Salinas
Moses Moreno
Ariel Rios
Luke Shneider
Group 7: 3D Filament Recycler 

David Vuong

The team designed a 3D filament recycler to convert leftover PLA support material back into reusable filament. The process combines shredded PLA waste and new pellets, which are first shredded and then melted in an extruder using heating bands maintained at 190°C to 220°C. The material is then formed into a filament and cooled in a U-shaped system with fans to ensure solidification. A spooling mechanism collects the finished filament for reuse in 3D printing.
Alex Cho
John Gelacio
Alejandro Rodriguez
Michael Juarez Jr
Salvador Ortiz
Group 8: Mechanical Water Filtration System (F.R.E.S.h) 
Francisco AnayaThis project is a mobile mechanical water filtration system designed to provide clean drinking water in remote or emergency situations. It uses a multi-stage process, including a carbon filter followed by membrane filters, to remove contaminants effectively. A hand-squeeze pump drives water through the system without electricity. All components are mounted vertically on a compact frame that can be carried in a backpack or mounted on a small, wheeled base, making the system portable, versatile, and easy to use in the field. 
Ryan Woon
Eduardo Gonzalez
Syoei Aizawa
Group 9: Exoskeleton Assist System for Arm (E.A.S.Y. ARM) 

Bobby Lam

The team designed a motor-driven exoskeleton device targeting physical therapy for the elbow. The goal of the device is to lift at least 15 lbs and support elbow flexion and extension using an Arduino-controlled motor, while keeping the assembly relatively compact. The project also aims to provide a more affordable and accessible tool for paraplegics, focusing on the upper body.
Vincent Kenworthy
Jacky Liang
Efren Orozco
Andrew Nguyen
Group 10: Manufacturing Docking Station 
Cesar MedinaThis system is a mobile cobot docking station designed to improve workflow in manufacturing environments. It uses a fixed docking station and mobile platforms to precisely position parts, reduce space constraints, and enable flexible automation. A lifting cradle uses air cylinders to lift and align the station for repeatable positioning. The system targets small to medium manufacturers seeking efficient, modular, and space-saving automation solutions.
Diego Ayon
Alejandro Saenz
Alexander Moreno
Will Kasso
David Blechinger