Automated mechatronics system for cleaning disc golf discs
MechatronicsArduinoFusion 360Onshape
Overview
The Disc Golf Disc Cleaner is a fully integrated mechatronics system built for Olin College's Mechatronics course. The machine automates the disc cleaning cycle using motorized brushes and embedded control logic.
Project Specs
Form factor: Tabletop unit with disc-loading slot and motorized brush assembly
Primary goals: Automate the cleaning cycle end-to-end, covering mechanical, electrical, and software subsystems as a fully integrated system
I worked on mechanical design and system integration for the disc cleaner, focusing on the disc retention fixture, brush mounting geometry, and making sure mechanical interfaces lined up with the electronic actuation requirements throughout the assembly.
Mechanical CAD in Autodesk Fusion 360 and Onshape: disc retention fixture, brush mounts, and chassis layout
Coordinated tolerances between 3D-printed parts and off-the-shelf components
Contributed to Arduino firmware for motor sequencing and timing logic
Ran full-system integration tests and iterated on cycle timing after each test run
Technical Contributions
Designed disc-loading and retention fixture to accommodate variation in disc size
Specified brush geometry and motor selection to achieve required cleaning force
Developed cleaning cycle sequence: load → brush → eject
Conducted integration tests and iterative refinement of cycle timing parameters
Project Website
Full documentation, build log, and additional detail is available at the project site:
CAD render of the disc cleaner enclosure showing the chassis layout, disc-loading slot geometry, and overall form factor of the tabletop unit.
The assembled disc cleaner showing the brush assembly and disc retention fixture in their final integrated configuration.
Close-up of the brush mount and motor assembly during integration, showing the tolerancing between 3D-printed brackets and off-the-shelf drive components.
Screenshot of the Arduino firmware or CAD environment used during development, showing the control logic or mechanical design in progress.
System architecture diagram showing how the mechanical, electrical, and firmware subsystems interface across the full disc cleaning cycle.
Detailed system diagram illustrating the control and actuation flow from Arduino motor commands through to the brush and drive mechanisms.
Wiring diagram showing the electrical connections between the Arduino, motor drivers, brush motors, and power supply throughout the disc cleaner assembly.
Animated simulation of the disc cleaner cycle, showing the load, brush, and eject sequence.Fusion 360 CAD walkthrough of the disc cleaner assembly, demonstrating the mechanical design intent, component relationships, and key interface features across the machine.
Tools & Methods
Autodesk Fusion 360OnshapeArduino IDE3D Printing
Development followed iterative build-test-refine cycles across mechanical, electrical, and firmware subsystems.
