Thermo Fisher Scientific

Redesigning a Syringe Pump

Melissa Carin, Patrick Gordon, Julia Mahroos, Marco Zgliczynski
Industry Sponsor Mentor: Jason Gourley

Context Final Prototype Seal Analysis

Thermo Fisher Scientific has requested a simplified redesign The final prototype was constructed in the machine shop. σv= 1,956 psi Based on 70 durometer
of the syringe assembly used with their benchtop filling The plunge and base is made of delrin, both machined. The
σu= 55,695 psi (borosilicate) AS568-031 o-ring and 1
units. The new model will encompass the entire syringe cap was 3D printed. The bolts, screws, and valves were ⅞” ID cylinder
assembly, consisting of 3 separate parts: the plunger, the ordered. FS = σu/σv = 28.48
cylinder, and the base. Design change to accomodate O-Ring

Labeled Solidworks model

Plunge re-design to accommodate the lack of elasticity

Force Analysis
Relevant Performance Data
We had to redesign the syringe with the following
constraints and data in consideration:

Common Fill 1. 250mL

Sizes 2. 500mL

● Cycle time: 5-15 second

Cycles ● Life cycle: 3-5 years
● Flow rate: 60mL/s +/- 5%
● Salient Solutions
● Room Temperature
Testing
Fluids Physical Model We conducted qualitative testing seen in our video. Our
● Each syringe is only assigned
one solution prototype is currently with our industry sponsor for
quantitative testing due to COVID-19.
Price Comparison
We were able to create a syringe that was over 450% less
expensive.
Item Price
Teflon Threaded Check Valve $128.14
O-Ring $46.80
Teflon Gasket $7.95 New Price:
Threaded Rod $9.30 ~$506.71
Hex Nut $12.12
Glass Cylinder $108.34
Original Price:
Teflon Block (for base) $67.79 ~$2,300
Syringe attached to Filler Exploded Assembly
Teflon Cylinder (for plunge) $126.27