Criteria for Success
TinkleTime toilet paper dispenser has the following features: durability, ease of maintenance, affordability, safe to use, able to manufacture at Rose-Hulman, it is appropriate in sizing, toilet paper tracking system, LED display that indicates the toilet paper level in each stall, and radio frequency-operated communication system for the toilet paper level in each stall on campus. We will be measuring a success based on the following methods.
Durability
The dispenser is able to withstand a light load such as a backpack (10 lb.)
Results: We were successful at loading TinkleTime dispenser with 10lb. of weight without damage.
Affordability
The dispenser is able to be manufactured under $100
Result: We have spent $44.45 on all of our materials, including the dispenser, which in real application is not a required item to purchase, since we can modify the existing dispenser.
Able to Manufacture at Rose-Hulman
The dispenser is able to be manufactured within 3 weeks
Result: All of our manufacturing process was completed within 2 weeks
Toilet Paper Tracking System Accuracy
Come within ± 3 mm accuracy on thickness measurements, which is equivalent to 19 sheets of standard 4.5 inches long toilet paper sheet.
(Calculation was done using a calculator on http://www.giangrandi.ch/soft/spiral/spiral.shtml )
Internal diameter: 45 mm
Thickness: 0.1mm
Length of each sheet: 114.3 mm
Result: We have been able to measure the toilet paper thickness within 3 mm of accuracy. (see test results)
Radio-operated Communication System
This possible feature is functional; toilet paper dispenser successfully updates the data on the communication device.
Result: The communication device was able to communicate with the dispenser through bathroom walls. (see test results)
Ease of Maintenance
The custodians can replace the toilet paper within a minute
Result: The average time and median time for changing toilet paper were 12.21 and 12.15 seconds respectively.
Safety
Meets the Roses-Hulman policy on public bathrooms
Result: We have met all of the OSHA Guidelines regarding toilet dispenser, which is what Rose-Hulman is required to follow. (There are no specific mentions about the toilet paper dispenser in public restrooms in the OSHA guideline.)
Apporpriate Sizing
The dispenser only adds 20% or less to the original toilet paper dispenser by volume
Result: TinkleTime toilet paper tracking size has volume of 66.58 cm^3, which is about 11% of the dispenser. (This value was calculated with the use of SOLIDWORKS mass property feature)
LED Display for Indication of Toilet Paper Level
Display how much toilet paper is in the dispenser outside the bathroom stall in three levels
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Full
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Medium
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Empty
Result: We were successful at indicating the three levels using green, yellow, and red LED lights, as well as wirelessly connected communication device.