Amy Phan

Project Details

My time at UC Davis as an undergraduate engineering student ended with the completion of a 6-month long Senior Capstone project, named Oculus Mouse. This project aimed to design a head-fixation device for mice that also allows head rotation during research that involves immersing mice into a virtual reality environment. Existing designs rigidly fix the head of the mouse, which causes the mouse to be confused, resulting in inaccurate data collection. Our sponsor needed a design with an added degree of freedom to allow more natural movement of the mouse during testing.

Due to the complexity of the design needed, our six-person team split into two subteams to work on the headpost system and treadmill system. I was a member of the treadmill subteam, and we worked to design an infinitely long track that would feel natural for the mouse to run on (low track friction, must not cause slipping). To meet the needs of the sponsor, we utilized the design concept of a spherical treadmill, which featured an acrylic frame, air bearings, a styrofoam sphere, and caster wheels.

Since this project was assigned during the COVID-19 pandemic in a virtual class, the final deliverables included a complete CAD model of the system with extensive design analysis. In addition to creating parts for the CAD model, I ran finite element analyses on critical components of the treadmill system and calculated the treadmill frame's factor of safety. I also created detailed prototype testing plans for the sponsor to use during the verification of the design functionality. I took on the administrative role of Communications Director on the team as well, which involved maintaining consistent contact with our sponsor and his team, professor, and teaching assistant.