Applications and Implications
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Applications and Implications
As FabAcademy is coming to an this year, this assignment is related to the final project. The assignment is to answer a series of questions that would help manage and guide the final project and what it would integrate based on what we learned throughout this course. I will do it in Q '&' A format below.
- What will it do?
- The machine I want to manufacture is a car mounted camera mount that has dual controlled axis. One is going to rotate 360 degrees horizontally and the other close to 90 degrees vertically. To narrow the scope of this project, it would be specific to the GoPro camera. So it would be controlled through its own smartphone application, whereas the mount would be controlled by a joystick attached to the smartphone itself, providing ease and effectiveness of control to both processes simultaniously.
- Who's done what beforehand?
- I havent seen or found what I am describing. Although as a process or concept it does exist almost everywhere. Car camera mounts are all over the market and easily accessible. The mechanism is found in many security cameras where they rotate on both axis. And some sophisticated tools for the television industry also are used for filming. The mounts that are found are mostly stuck to the car using specific double tape or through suction. The design I will have would use a magnetic sheet to stick to the car surface.
Even though it does exist as a concept, I think it would be nice to have one completely made in a FabLab, and this is a project of actual use to me and many others and would enjoy building one.
- What will you design?
- I will design:
- The bottom facing part to be effectively attached to the surface of the car (using magnetic sheet).
- The center shell that would contain a servo, the batteries, PCB and networking process.
- The upper arm that would be considered universal for GoPro attachments and vibration-reduction plates.
- The phone attachment that would hold the Joystick and its PCB
- The two PCBs one to operate 2 servos and another to communicate with the first sending the commands
- Vibration reducing panels seperated by flexible shock absorbing material to limit the transfer of vibrations to the camera.
- What materials and components will be used?, Where will they come from?, What parts and systems will be made?, What processes will be used?
- Everything would be made in the fab lab:
- The casing, servo holder, and moving arm would be 3D printed using PLA as no excessive stress is exerted on the mechanism except for the weight of the camera.
- The vibration reducing system would consist 2 identical laser cut panels, these could also be 3D printed.
- The magnetic sheets that would hold the mount to the surface of the car would be bought from the market or salvaged from roof ski holders (overkill for the resistance needed to hold the mount firmly but it makes it easier to install).
- Two servos are needed, Exact servo to be determined after some experiments to see how well they handle the operation
- An arduino joystick sensor that basically consists two potentiometers (market available Joystick Module would be used)
- two PCB millings one for the controller and another to receive the commands and execute the operation with the servos
- As for the networking aspect of the communication there are 3 potential options:
- As for power input there are 2 ways:
- Battery powered for both parts
- Wired connection to car battery (cigarette lighter)
- Possibility: Have the control module connected and derive power from the smart phone.
- Most probable and proven flexible spacers for the vibration reducing plates would be aquired from market available drone camera mounts. (Example)
- How much will it cost?
- Depending on the design 3D printed material cost would vary
- 2 Servos amount to about 15$ depending on servo used although they are available in the lab
- Bluetooth option would amount to an approximate 18$
- 2 Wireless modules would amount to an approximate 25$
- Wired would technically be free or under 1$ (amount needed)
- Anti vibration spacers salvaged or around 7$ according to the above example link.
- Magnetic sheet would be salvaged for the time being.
- Copper boards and electronic components would be added up once finished
Overall cost would be well under 100 USD
- What questions need to be answered
- If the anti vibration works in this case.
- Servo step in degree for most effective speed and if variable speeds could be implemented.
- Servo specs needed.
- Derving power from smartphone.
- Power consumption or batteries needed to supply electronics, and how long they would last before change / recharge.
- How will it be evaluated?
- It would be evaluated by being able to move smoothly and provide clean camera footage.
- Effectively controlled by joystick casing attached to phone.
- Ease of setup