This fixture was created to pull on the dispenser tab, a critical component responsible for locking the cassette into the dispenser. It was identified that any issues with the tab mechanism would result in the cassette unintentionally releasing a syringe during insertion. It was vital to the project to ensure an appropriate force was used to pull on the dispenser tab to provide proper insight into the component's life expectancy. Research into force standards across a spectrum of actuation devices, noting both the environment and use case of our product, led to adoption of a military standard for button actuation force. This product is used heavily on a daily basis, and this part is difficult to replace making it a potentially tedious fix if it were a failure point.

A significant majority of this fixture was manufactured using a Markforged 3D printer with the Onyx filament. Multiple design iterations were necessary to ensure the fixture was strong enough as the force of the solenoid would cause deflection under load. The solenoid was chosen to pull on the dispenser tab as it provided a balance between precision and testing velocity. A custom jig utilizing a Nidec-Shimpo force gauge mounted on a manual press with a wheel was designed to calibrate the solenoid's pull force accurately. Adjustments were made until the force applied matched our target, with visual markers on the solenoid to indicate the correct force level. A micro switch and a photo interrupter sensor were integrated near the pull tab to ensure the mechanism engaged and disengaged correctly. Managed by an Arduino Mega, this setup allowed the dispenser tab to undergo thorough cycle testing, passing with zero failures and confirming the fixture's effectiveness in testing the component's durability.