I co-developed the Tank Sanitizer, a playful and fully functional robotic device engineered to disinfect phone screens. Inspired by the increased awareness of hygiene during the COVID-19 pandemic, the device was designed to encourage more frequent phone sanitation through a remote-controlled, toy-like experience. We combined CAD modeling, mechanical analysis, and physical prototyping to develop an interactive machine that delivers misted disinfectant and wipes the screen clean using an integrated brush system.
The final product mimicked the form of a tank, with distinct chassis, brush, and sprayer subsystems. The robot allows users to place a phone between its tracks, activate a sprayer that releases disinfectant, and then drive the tank across the phone while brushes beneath its tracks physically clean the screen. The project was informed by mechanical calculations, SolidWorks simulations, and user-centered design principles to achieve portability, cost-efficiency, and effectiveness. Our fabricated prototype weighed 3.5 pounds, measured 4.75” x 4.5” x 6.25”, and could pass for room decoration.
Throughout the design process, I led subsystem development and mechanical analysis. I performed calculations for critical fits, evaluated beam bending for the sprayer mechanism, calculated gear ratios to ensure the brush motors could overcome frictional resistance from the phone surface all the while keeping the design simple and aesthetic.
The design evolved from early foam core models to CAD-validated assemblies, incorporating feedback from user testing and iterative failures. Despite constraints, the project highlighted my ability to apply rigorous mechanical analysis and iterative prototyping under real-world limitations. It also emphasized creative problem-solving, as we balanced aesthetics, mechanical function, and manufacturing feasibility to create a device that is both engaging and technically sound. Future improvements include refining the sprayer housing, converting to wireless control, and improving brush material mounting. The Tank Sanitizer fulfills its original goal: to motivate users to clean their phones more often by making the process fun, fast, and functional.