Siphon Consumer Design Project

Recognizing the need

The client, Keith Larson, has asked us to create a siphon for his aquariums. There are three different sizes, (30, 55, and 75 gallons); and product should work better than clients three currently owned. Two problems with currently owned siphons are water spillage and difficulty cleaning.

Defining the problem

Goal: Design an improved siphon hose that won’t spill water or get water in the consumer’s mouth.
Objectives:
Functional without problems
Size appropriate and easy to use
Used for three tanks of various sizes
Will not leak
Constraints:
Within budget (Less than $30)
Needs to function for 30, 55, and 75 gallon fish tanks

Project Schedule

Design 1: Double Syringe Siphon

Materials:
2 300 mL Syringes (Amazon - 2 pk. $16.99 plus free shipping)
600mL = 0.1585 Gallons.
13 ft. SLSON Airline Tubing and accessories (Amazon - $5.99 plus free shipping)
13 ft. Airline Tubing
2x Check Valves/one way valve
3 T Connectors
3 Straight Connectors
2 Air Stone
6 Suction Cups for aquarium
3D Printed Encasement ($6.80)
Sealant
*Some assembly required*
Total cost: ~$29.78

Design 1: Evaluation

Pros:
Under budget
Great concept functionality
Works with one or two syringes to produce suction
Parts are easily replaceable
Cons:
Moderately difficult to clean due to un assembly
Many parts
Instructions for Assembly:
See exploded view for parts layout. Disassemble syringes as shown, and placed into encasement, part 1 and part 4. Attach tubes to syringe output, designated holes on inner syringe, and check valve underneath encasement design

Design 2: Syring and Bottle Siphon

Materials:
2L Bottle (Grocery Store - $1-3 value brand)
500 mL syringe kit (Amazon - $19.90 plus free shipping)
40 inch Plastic Tubing Hoses
1 sterile enema catheter
1 size caliber converter
4.5 mm one way valve (Petco - $1.79 plus free shipping/Pickup)
*Some assembly required*
Total cost: ~$25

Design 2: Evaluation

Pros:
Under budget
Parts are easily replaceable
Simplistic Concept
Cons:
Hard to clean
May not create enough suction force
Significant alterations required to existing products may result in failure of design
Instructions for Assembly
Bore 2 ⅜ in. hole in bottle top. Cut rubber tubing to 6 inches, and attach to syringe output and bottle. Insert tubing into side of bottle. Cut two 5 ft pieces of tubing and insert into top of in unused hole bottle. Bore hole at bottom, and insert other 5 ft tubing into hole. Seal as needed.

Recommendation

Preferred Design: Double Syringe Siphon
Important Criteria:
Compatible to work with various sized tank
Will not spill excess water and does not require your mouth to start suction