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18. Project development

What tasks have been completed, and what tasks remain?

Completed tasks

  • Initial CAD designs for lasercutting + printed parts
  • Electronic designs + electronic production + embedded programming
  • Initial interface code.
  • Initial tests.

Remaining tasks

  • Improve CAD design, the current design is too basic. Also, experiment with other materials for the case.
  • Improve clock hand design.
  • Improve UI on Android App.
  • Dial design.
  • Debug the embedded code.
  • Improve cable management + Packaging.
  • Add a proper connector for power supply.
  • Final tests.
  • Update video + presentation.

Initial CAD design

What has worked? what hasn’t?

Worked

  • The PCB board works as expected.
  • The communication between the App, the bluetooth module, the main PCB and the Stepper Motor works well.
  • Components fit correctly on the 3D Printed base.

Does not work

  • The clock hand doesn’t fit correctly in the stepper shaft.
  • It seems the steps done by the stepper motor are not very accurated.

What questions need to be resolved?

  • How the improved CAD Design will look like? I want to reduce the device volume and also I want a more interesting design for the sidewalls, back and top faces.

  • Why the steps are not accurated? I have to debug the embedded code.

  • What would be a possible name for the app and the device? “Desktop notifier” and “fab-nofitication-manager” sound too serious.

What will happen when?

After those questions are answered the device will have a better appearence, name and accuracy so it will be ready for everyday use.

What have you learned?

During this week I learned to work in spirals. Although at this point the project doesn’t have a great look, I think that it is a good first spiral because I proved that all the components work well togheter. Obviously this will not be the only spiral before the final presentation because I have to improve the points I mentioned above.

First spiral

Additionally, I learned to adjust my designs to reduce the amount of 3d printed parts to save time and resources. Initially I planned to 3d print full size walls for my device, but then I decided to go with smaller walls that could contain laser cutted walls.

I'll pay more attention next time

I also learned to put more attention to the labels on the pigments because I accidentally loaded the 3D Printer extruder with ABS instead of PLA+ and as a result I lost a few hours of my life.


Last update: June 16, 2022