ME 360 · Electromechanical Design · Spring 2026

TRASHCAN.ASSIGNMENT

A compact 4‑bar linkage mechanism designed to move a trash tray into a disposal slot without tipping, modeled and motion‑tested from measured geometry.

Math IllustrationsSolidWorksSimulation3D ModelingMath IllustrationsSolidWorksSimulation3D ModelingMath IllustrationsSolidWorksSimulation3D Modeling
Course
ME 360
Period
Spring 2026
My Role
Classwork Design & Analysis
Tools Used
SolidWorksSimulationMath Illustrations3D Modeling
01 — The Project

What was assigned

  • The goal of this assignment was to study 4 bar linkages and degrees of freedom to design a trash bin that could move a tray of trash from the top of the bin to the garbage slot with out flipping the trash tray. Tasked with using Math Illustrator to find correct measurements then building a model and motion study with correct measurements.
03 — Design Process

How we got there

01

Linkage Geometry & Motion Planning

Used Math Illustrator to determine the correct 4‑bar linkage dimensions needed to move the trash tray from the top of the bin to the disposal slot without tipping. Verified forward and backward motion paths and ensured the tray stayed level throughout the sweep.

02

3D Modeling & Motion Study

Recreated the mechanism in SolidWorks using the measured linkage lengths. Built a full assembly and ran a motion simulation to confirm the tray’s start position, end position, and the closest‑approach clearance between the tray and bin walls.

03

Prototype Visualization

Captured images of the full trash‑can assembly, Math Illustrator geometry, the tray at its initial and final positions, and the minimum‑clearance point to document the mechanism’s behavior.

G
06 — Results

What we achieved

🧮

Verified the 4‑bar linkage geometry in Math Illustrator, ensuring the tray moved from top to slot without tipping.

⚙️

Rebuilt the mechanism in SolidWorks using measured dimensions and ran a full motion simulation confirming forward and backward operation.

📸

Captured the full assembly, Illustrator measurements, start and end tray positions, and the minimum‑clearance point inside the bin.

💡

Demonstrated how theoretical linkage design translates into a functional mechanism with predictable, controlled motion.

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