Principles and Practices

Individual assignment

Learning outcomes:

Have you:

THIS PAGE IS OBSOLETE. NEW PROJECT HERE!

Electronic Components Vending Machine:

For my final project, I decided to develop a very necessary Fab Machine: a vending machine for electronic components. I hope this machine will relieve Fab Managers from the burden of doing inventory and selling components, as everything will happen automatically.

Electronics vending machine concept Electronics vending machine

Currently, electronics vending machines use the soda/snack vending machine platform. I believe that, with the high cost of such machines and their excessive footprint, they are prohibitive equipment, especially in small labs.

Commercial electronics vending machine Electronics vending machine

The other thing that bothers me is the need to repackage the electronics to be sold. That in itself is a boring task that should be avoided, as it creates waste from packaging material and wastes time preparing the packages.

The payment system should be one that uses virtual currency, to eliminate yet another managerial task. With electronic payment, everything will be automatically accounted for without human intervention. During my stay in China, I came across the WeChat and Alipay payment systems. These systems allow you to pay for virtually everything in China.

WeChat QR code payment system WeChat payment system with QR code

Machine Description:

The machine will use the same electronic component reels that are used to feed pick and place machines. The DIY Pick and Place below illustrates the reel tape system I would like to incorporate.

DIY pick and place machine PIC.01: DIY pick and place

Because sometimes it's not possible to stock such quantities of electronics in a Fab Lab, the machine should also be able to use already-cut component tape strips stored in the machine itself.

I plan to use a guide like the one in PIC. 02 to guide the strips along the machine.

Strip guide for electronics vending machine PIC. 02: Strip guide

Sketch:

Front view sketch of vending machine Front view

Parts:
  1. Reel
  2. Reel support
  3. Gear and motors
  4. Cutter
  5. QR code
  6. Dispenser
  7. Site
  8. Control

Side view sketch of vending machine Side view

User steps:

  1. User scans QR code (leads to app/site)
  2. User logs in
  3. From the app, user selects desired components and quantities
  4. User confirms/pays for items
  5. Machine supplies and cuts component tape
  6. Component falls to collecting point
  7. User collects component

Manager Steps:

  1. Manager feeds machine with new components
  2. Manager updates inventory through software, with price, quantity, and type

Updates 1

Over the course of Fab Academy, I changed my mind about the Final Project. Click here for the updated page where you can see the Incubator.

Exploded view of Incubator Exploded view of Incubator

Updates 2

I know it's getting old. Check the new update here. It's going to be an Irrigation Controller.

all weeks · Project Management (Feb 05) →