Week 1-Planning for Final Project

I am going to create a "puzzle box". This will be a container with buttons on the exterior that when depressed/selected open the box. I will begin by creating a box that opens with a button press, then move into creating a box that only opens with a particular sequence of presses with multiple buttons. As my programming experience grows, I will incorporate that into the design.

Early Sketch of the Puzzle Box

I also am thinking about size and shape. I am uncertain if I want it to be spherical - two halves joined at the middle, or a traditional rectangular prism. I also am thinking about possibly making the switches location and object size such that it is much easier to open with two people rather than one.

My current plan is a rectangular prism. The electronics should be modular, so changing the design to a sphere in the future should be possible with a minimum of modification.

I want the design to be:

  • Scalable - above a minimum of size for the mechanical and electronic parts
  • Programmable - created so that a more complex box can be created without structrural change
  • Open - designed in such a way that others can improve upon it and use it for their own boxes

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