Redesign, Prototyping and Cost Optimization of an Automated Drain Cleaning Machine

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PE Technologies Inc. is a Manitoba SME and the manufacturer and distributor of the "Drain Commander Pro",an automated drain cleaning machine invented for residential and commercial buildings. The DrainCommander is designed to handle drain cleaning challenges including cutting through blockages, roots, grease,food wastes and other obstruction in the drain. The machine includes sensors for detecting water level rise andcapable of periodic clean-out operations. Drain Commander is equipped with a cutting snake capable of 75 feetreach in pipes, including thin-walled pipes, tubing and sheet metals. This equipment proves to be versatile.However, the current manufacturing processes, materials of construction and the overall design makes theequipment too heavy and expensive for the target market.PE Technologies requests to collaborate with the Technology Access Centre for Aerospace and Manufacturing(TACAM) at Red River College to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of the design, manufacturing processesand materials currently used to construct the Drain Commander in order to improve the cost effectiveness ofthe product and the company's competitiveness. The team is confident that a review of the product's currentblueprint, redesign of the components in question, evaluation of alternative materials of construction andselection of more cost-effective manufacturing routes would lead to 30-50% cost savings and some weightsavings in the Drain Commander. In addition, the team will be supporting the company's effort in improvinguser experience by integrating a new water sensor with the electronic systems. This work will require arigorous design iteration, materials selection, fabrication, microcontroller programming and systemsintegration. This project will culminate in the manufacturing of a new cost-effective and lightweight prototypeof the Drain Commander.TACAM team will capitalize on the College's existing capabilities and expertise in design, 3D modeling,mechanical analysis, fabrication techniques, electromechanical systems and systems integration to deliver this.