Steam the oil and stress diffuser
Bennett Lewis
ME 318 | December 2021
Design Goals
Utilize lateral thinking and CNC machining to develop a personal project
Core Processes + Tools
CNC Milling, CAD - Fusion 360, CAM
Materials
Cylindrical aluminum stock
Inspiration
Faced with a particularly hectic quarter, I wanted to develop a product that passively reduces stress. I am a fan of aromatherapy and I love the smell of Northern California eucalyptus forests, so I sought to combine both in an essential oil diffuser.
When working on the physical design, I was reminded of a peaceful hike around Mount Fuji several years back. I wanted to evoke this memory as well as a reminder of nature's tranquility, so topographic data from the mountain served as a basis for the top surface of the lid. Since the product operates by heating water with a tea light, I wanted to maximize heat transfer, so I drew inspiration from PC heat sinks and the fins on some cooking pots.
Exploration
Prototyping
CAD/CAM
Realization
Final Product
