Many thanks to the Alumni Association for financial support during the project. We would also like to acknowledge Ed Hanzlik, Rob Kraynik, Jan Manetti, and the entire MSD department for their help and support in the machine shop and guidance throughout the project life. Our web page is at or scan the QR code to the right. Vibration Isolation Tables are useful when mounting equipment that are sensitive to local vibrations created by the environment, but they are often bulky and difficult to move. The RIT Mechanical Engineering machine shop has been responsible for relocating these isolation tables when necessary. In doing so, the staff has involved methods that incur several risks, including injury to the movers/users, damage to the equipment, and damage to the facilities due to lack of appropriate equipment. An improved system was designed in order to move these isolation tables in a faster, safer, and more efficient manner. The end solution resulted in a tool and training method that allows two people to effectively move the tables from one place to another without damaging the tables or facilities, while also providing a safe environment during transport. We chose to use a jaw system that clamps to each side of the table, and is lifted with an acme screw, actuated by human input. This provided a simplistic design that would be able to quickly manipulate the table while considering the safety of the operators. The parts were ordered at a certain time throughout the life of the project, so that they were available right when we needed them. From left to right: Nick LeBerth (ME), Curtis Stanard (IE), Dan Miller (ME), Cameron Young (ME) Project Summary Requirement SelectionBrainstorming IdeasDesign Proposal Using fatigue analysis and testing the system as it was built through different scenarios, we were able to determine that our build would be able to satisfy the needs of the mechanical shop. When we were first presented with the problem, we needed to determine what the important characteristics were to be. The mover needed to be able to carry heavy weights (~1150 lbs.) and small enough to fit in the basement (low ceiling). We were able to map out roughly what steps the operators would take in using the mover, and doing so helped us narrow down our design options. The engineering requirements were “translated” into design options for each subsystem. During group brainstorming, all ideas were considered and recorded. Some were typical solutions, like clamp grips and wheels and axle, and there were some that were crazy, like hover fans or rocket boosting for motion. Even though the crazy ideas wouldn’t happen, they may still provide an idea in another way that would not have previously thought. Testing/AnalysisPrototyping Mock-ups were used throughout the build process, especially when specific parts weren’t in quite yet. This was able to keep us busy, but more importantly allowed us to see what to expect out of the final system. Parts were organized and ordered to arrive at the shop at specific times, in order to coincide with specific times in the build. Unfortunately, some parts came in later than expected, delaying the build process. The project cam in slightly over budget, but considering the build quality and safety of the operators, the budget was well spent. Procurement Completed Build The system was completed, albeit slightly later than what we expected. The design evolved over the life of the project, even during the build process. The system is able to lift these isolation tables, along with other tables/objects if needed. With Rob’s, Jan’s, and the entire machine shop’s help, we were able to complete the build of the system. Without their extensive knowledge of the processes and their engineering help, we definitely would not have completed this project successfully.