Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) markets the number one single serve coffee brewing system in the United States. Students on the Keurig team will design and prototype of a motorized coffee pod puncture mechanism to be integrated into a Keurig coffee machine.
Abstract:
Coffee is one of the most popular beverages in the United States. According to the National Coffee Association, an estimated 517 million cups of coffee are consumed per day. Of U.S. coffee drinkers, 27% are single cup brewer users. In order for Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) to remain an industry leader, constant innovation occurs to improve the experience of coffee brewing. While Keurig Dr Pepper currently produces a robust line of manual puncture mechanisms, there is opportunity to develop and implement a motorized puncture mechanism into an at-home brewer system. Students on the Keurig Dr Pepper team will develop a motorized puncture mechanism that not only meets the puncture force requirements of the coffee pod, but also accounts for user safety, user experience, and design for manufacturability in a high-volume industry.
Impact:
The development of a motorized puncture mechanism will provide convenience and consumer satisfaction in a growing market and continue to put Keurig on the top of the home coffee brewing market.
Mechanical Design (2-3 Students)
Specific Skills:
Mechanical Design with specific interest/skill in prototyping, kinematics/dynamics. Experience with SolidWorks modeling and/or injection molding technology a plus.
Likely Majors: ME
Mechatronics Design (1-2 Students)
Specific Skills:
Design of mechatronic systems including the use of motorized linkages/gears/CAM systems
Successful completion of ME350, EECS314 or equivalent preferred
Likely Majors: ME, EE
Electronics System Design (1-2 Students)
Specific Skills:
Electronics design with specific interest/skill in power management and closed loop controls
Likely Majors: EE, CE
Human Factors Engineering (1 Student)
Specific Skills:
Engineering design focused on Human Factors and Human Safety engineering
Likely Majors: IOE
Sponsor Mentors
Charlie DeCataldo
Charlie is a Mechanical Engineer at Keurig Dr Pepper in the Puncture Mechanisms group, working on a variety of improvent and development projects. Prior to joining Keurig, Charlie worked as a Mechanical Design Engineer at Raytheon Technologies, and GE Appliances. Charlie is a proud alumnus of the University of Michigan where he graduated with a B.S.E in Mechanical Enginering. During his time at Michigan, Charlie participated in the Multidiciplinary Design Program on a corporate sponsored team, and worked as a peer advisor for the program.
Nick Borsari
Nick is a mechanical engineer at Keurig Dr Pepper in the Brew Engine group. He currently works to enhance the brew experience and offer new brew types for the consumer. Nick also mentored the 2022 Keurig MDP project. Prior to joining Keurig Dr Pepper in July 2021, Nick worked at Triton Systems, as a mechanical engineer in their Sustainment group. Nick holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in Mechanical Engineering, both from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.
Executive Mentor
Rob Cassano
Rob is a Senior Engineering Manager at Keurig Dr Pepper and leads the advanced development of the puncture mechanism team. Rob has been with Keurig for just over 5 years now and prior to that he was an engineering manager for Life Fitness/Cybex. Rob graduated with a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston.
Faculty Mentor
Grant Kruger
Dr. Kruger is an Associate Research Scientist in both Mechanical Engineering and the Department of Anesthesiology at the University of Michigan. He is passionate about finding novel engineering solutions to problems faced by care providers and believes in translating these solutions into broader practice. He has a diverse research background with publications covering areas from Intelligent Manufacturing Systems to Biomedical Engineering. Dr. Kruger’s current research focuses on Biomedical Informatics approaches (robotics, ultrasound, physiologic monitoring, software and firmware development, hardware design, algorithms, signal, image and video processing and novel prototype manufacturing) based on Computational Intelligence technologies.
Course Substitutions: CE MDE, ChE Elective, EE MDE, CoE Honors, MECHENG 490, MECHENG 590, SI Grad Cognate
Citizenship Requirements:
- This project is open to all students.
- International students on an F-1 visa will be required to declare part-time CPT during Winter 2023 and Fall 2023 terms. To learn more about this including eligibility, see our information page.
IP/NDA: Students will sign IP/NDA document(s) that are unique to Keurig Dr Pepper.
Internship/Summer Opportunity: Students will be guaranteed an interview for a 2023 internship. The interview dates will be coordinated for early 2023.