Designer: Lauren Gwin (UpWork)  |  Hours: 4–6

Scope

• Chute System (High Priority): Clean, jam-resistant chute that meters one bucketful; sensor placement for bucket detection and fill level
• Off-the-Shelf Prototype Integration: Visualize how a commercial spreader adapts into overall layout
• Scalable Concept Hopper: Refined hopper form maximizing full 8' container height with volume calculation
• User Interaction & Aesthetics: Visual presence, intuitive use, branding-forward physical design

Report: Two Build Options Identified

Option A — Mechanical Portioning:

• Open system (not enclosed for prototype), supported by custom frame
• Custom chute adapted to stock hopper/auger system
• Mechanically driven portioning wheel (electrically triggered, 60° rotation per bucket)
• Portioned for single 5-gal bucket; easily duplicated for dual dispensing
• Optional branded plastic bags for customers without buckets

Option B — Weight-Based Portioning:

• Same open frame approach with custom drop chute
• Auger drops salt until electric scale senses target weight
• Allows custom volume selection (1lb, 2lbs, 3lbs, etc.) for flexibility
• Electric gate valve between chute and hopper prevents uncontrolled dispensing
• More expensive (complex electrical system) but more flexible for customer

Key Finding: SaltDogg Pro 1500 has detachable spreader system — can easily exchange for custom chute. Rough layout estimates for custom salt hopper in 8' container completed.

Designer: Lauren Gwin  |  Hours: 5–6  |  Date: June 28, 2025

Design Direction

Inspired by Primo 5-gallon water refill stations. Key deviation: side-sliding plexiglass door instead of swing-open (prevents breakage from snow plows, better winter operation, enables safety interlock).

Deliverables

• Concept sketch: chute drop path, bucket location, door track system, scale platform, grated spill tray
• 3D CAD model with chute, steel frame receptacle, sliding Lexan door, scale zone (~12"×12"), grated floor with removable spill tray
• Build notes: steel frame/chute (stainless or powder-coated), heavy-duty plexiglass door, door hardware annotations

Design Constraints

• Standard 5-gallon bucket size
• Door must slide (not swing) and activate safety interlock sensor
• Salt must drop cleanly without jamming
• Must operate in snow, cold, and unmonitored outdoor environments
• Modular — able to bolt onto full SaltTap enclosure

Deliverable: View 3D Model (Autodesk Viewer) →

Designer: Lauren Gwin  |  Hours: 5–6  |  Date: July 10, 2025

Design Direction

Evolving Sprint 2's bucket hopper into a modular front panel for shipping container or building mount. Integrates SaltDogg 147 Series commercial spreader on internal sled.

Objectives

• Fully integrated bucket chute and sliding door system (building off Sprint 2)
• Slim top-access front-facing fill door for salt loading above customer interface
• Mounting structure for standard shipping container dimensions (10' / 20')
• Vertical clearance for hopper and chute alignment

CAD Assembly Includes

• Receptacle integrated into full-width front panel
• Framing/bolting flanges for container attachment
• Top-access hatch aligned above hopper
• Optional branding/signage faceplate
• Payment terminal location and UI placement

Deliverable: Sprint 3 STP file on file (49 MB)

Designer: Lauren Gwin  |  Hours: 5–6  |  Date: July 26, 2025

Design Direction

Advancing toward prototype readiness. Focused on internal layout refinement and accurate fitment of SaltDogg 147 Series spreader (model 14708F467211).

Key Objectives

• SaltDogg Spreader Modeling: Simplified 3D model with mounting frame/stand; auger output alignment with receptacle zone
• Bucket Receptacle Refinement: Resized for max 5-gal bucket (12" top dia, 10.25" bottom, 15" height) + 4" clearance above for handle grip
• Chute & Flow Path: Optimal angle/geometry for salt flow from spreader output to bucket chute; angle of repose >30–35°; serviceable internal deflector

Prototype Approach

Working prototype will be built without a shipping container — constructed in a driveway using a smaller substitute salt spreader as the hopper, enabling early testing of electronics, dispensing behavior, and user interaction.