CAD Expert for Phase 2 of Dolma Roller Design

About the project

Mechanical Design Engineer Needed — Phase 2 (Detailed CAD Engineering) for Automatic Dolma Rolling Machine Project Overview I'm developing a home-use automatic dolma (stuffed grape leaf) rolling machine — a compact countertop appliance that automatically feeds a grape leaf, dispenses a portion of filling (rice or meat), and rolls both into a finished dolma in one continuous motion. This product does not currently exist on the market in this form. Phase 1 (Product Architecture & Mechanism Development) is complete. I now have a validated concept, mechanism selection, and system architecture. I'm looking for an engineer to take this into Phase 2: full detailed CAD engineering. Reference materials from Phase 1 (concept sketches, mechanism selection, architecture notes, and reference image/video) will be shared with the selected candidate. Machine Architecture (established in Phase 1) The system includes the following subsystems: Automatic Leaf Magazine – A top-loading reservoir that stores a stack of grape (or cabbage) leaves. Leaf Separation & Alignment System – Separates a single leaf at a time from the stack, aligns it, and transports it to the filling station. Handles both fresh leaves and jarred/preserved leaves (more delicate and slightly oily). Filling Hopper & Portioning System – A dedicated chamber for rice-based or meat-based filling with an adjustable metering mechanism for consistent, repeatable portions. Folding & Rolling Assembly – A synchronized mechanism that folds and rolls the leaf around the filling into a uniform dolma. Finished Product Collection Area – An output tray where completed dolmas are deposited automatically. Key Design Requirements Production capacity: 7-9 dolmas per minute (a typical home batch is 40–60 pieces) Power source: Electric, corded — with an on/off switch and adjustable speed dial Finished dolma size: 2–3 inches long, ¾–1 inch in diameter Leaf compatibility: Must handle both fresh and preserved/jarred grape leaves (variation in leaf size, thickness, and texture needs to be accounted for in feeding and rolling tolerances) Form factor: Compact enough for home kitchen countertop use Materials: Food-safe materials throughout all filling and leaf contact surfaces Scope of This Engagement — Phase 2 Only: Detailed CAD Engineering Full 3D CAD assembly (parametric, editable) Motion and mechanism refinement based on the Phase 1 architecture Food-contact component design Material selection and food-safe material recommendations Manufacturing considerations (DFM) Note: Phase 3 (manufacturing drawings, assembly documentation, prototype-ready CAD files, and design review/revision support) is a separate, future engagement and is not part of this scope. Strong Phase 2 work may lead to being selected for Phase 3. Deliverables Refined mechanical design for the entire machine, leaf feeding, filling, and rolling mechanisms Full 3D CAD assembly (parametric, editable) Food-contact component specifications and material recommendations DFM notes/considerations for manufacturability Estimated Timeline 2–3 weeks, depending on revisions. Budget $400 - $700 depending on experience Required Skills & Experience Professional Mechanical Design Engineer / CAD Specialist with expertise in parametric 3D CAD design, mechanical systems, and product engineering Proven experience designing mechanical systems and components such as gears, shafts, bearings, housings, linkages, actuators, frames, and enclosures Proficiency in SolidWorks, Fusion 360, and/or AutoCAD, producing fully parametric, editable, manufacturing-ready CAD models Experience preparing models optimized for CNC machining, simulation, and future production Strong, demonstrable experience in food manufacturing or food-contact equipment design — this is a hard requirement, not a nice-to-have (understanding of food-safe materials, hygienic design principles, cleanability, and relevant food-equipment standards) Prior experience with kitchen appliances, food processing machines, or similar automated mechanical systems is a strong plus Experience designing feed/singulation mechanisms for flexible, non-uniform materials (e.g., sheets, leaves, dough, fabric) is a strong plus Strong portfolio showing robotics components, automotive parts, or industrial machine assemblies Questions for Applicants Please answer the following in your proposal: Have you worked on food appliance or kitchen gadget designs before? Please share relevant examples. Do you have experience designing mechanisms that handle variable/non-standardized materials (like grabe leaves)? Are you interested in and available for a potential follow-on Phase 3 engagement (manufacturing drawings and prototype-ready files) if Phase 2 goes well? I'm excited about this project and ready to move forward with the right person. Looking forward to your proposal!

Skills required