Problem Statement Build a device for use in research that compares the ability of young and old monkeys to sense tastes and smells (stimuli). Once the monkey has chosen a door based on the stimulus, the other door must be inactivated.

Design Objectives Flexible stimulus capability Flexible stimulus capability Present two clearly distinct options Present two clearly distinct options Choice must be final Choice must be final Sensitivity Sensitivity

Design Objectives Provide a reward Provide a reward Readily movable between cages Readily movable between cages Durable, non-corrosive Durable, non-corrosive Simple operation - as automated as possible Simple operation - as automated as possible

Past Accomplishments Constructed a working prototype Mechanical door-locking mechanism Mechanical door-locking mechanism Moveable from cage to cage Moveable from cage to cage Sized to fit cage Sized to fit cage Durable construction Durable construction

Past Accomplishments Problems Doors opened sideways Doors opened sideways Cumbersome locking mechanisms to reset Cumbersome locking mechanisms to reset Edge of doors could be harmful to monkeys Edge of doors could be harmful to monkeys

Mechanical Design

Mechanical Design (locked tripped)

Alterations to Mechanical Design Switch door setup - hinge on top Switch door setup - hinge on top Eliminate metal ‘lip’ Eliminate metal ‘lip’ Install an internal divider Install an internal divider Remove locking mechanism Remove locking mechanism Rounded door edges Rounded door edges

Electrical Design Same form as mechanical design Same form as mechanical design Door hinges on top Door hinges on top Electrical locking mechanism Electrical locking mechanism –Photomicro sensors –Solenoid locks –Battery powered – 9 volt Simple Simple –Easy reset button –On/Off switch

Electrical Design

Comparison Mechanical Design Advantages: No electrical demand, easy to fix, high durability Advantages: No electrical demand, easy to fix, high durability Disadvantages: Cumbersome device to reset, more moving parts Disadvantages: Cumbersome device to reset, more moving parts

Comparison Electrical Design Advantages: Simplicity of operation, automatic Advantages: Simplicity of operation, automatic Disadvantages: Higher cost, electrical dependence Disadvantages: Higher cost, electrical dependence

Future Work Attach mounting plate for cage Attach mounting plate for cage Add a divider plate and food trays Add a divider plate and food trays Indicator lights for correct door choice Indicator lights for correct door choice Test the prototype with monkeys Test the prototype with monkeys Train and test monkeys with the product Train and test monkeys with the product

Acknowledgements Special Thanks to: Thomas Roberts – for assistance in prototype design and development Thomas Roberts – for assistance in prototype design and development Clients: Goran Hellekant, Vicktoria Danilova Goran Hellekant, Vicktoria Danilova Advisor: Professor John Webster Professor John Webster