Applications and Implications
Propose a final project masterpiece that integrates the range of units covered.
Your project should incorporate:
Answer these questions:
Proposed Final Project:
Smart Self-Watering Flowerpot
This text was generated with the help of ChatGPT and edited by me.
Description:
My final project is a smart self-watering flowerpot that will incorporate the various units
covered in
the FabAcademy. The flowerpot consists of two water tanks, an electronics compartment, and a
gutter
for ice pack storage. It utilizes a pump and an ultrasonic distance sensor (HC-SR04) to measure
and maintain the water level in the left tank (which the flower sits in), ensuring automatic
watering for the flower when
needed.
It is supposed to solve the problem of me having the icepacks of Hellofresh laying around in my
kitchen. I get weekly cooking boxes that come with ice to keep the groceries cold. The ice will
melt in the tank and the flower will receive the water via a pump.
1. 2D and 3D Design:
The flowerpot's design will involve both 2D and 3D elements. The overall structure, including the water tanks, gutter, and electronics compartment, will be designed in 3D to ensure proper fit and functionality. The 2D design will include creating schematics and diagrams for the electronic connections and layout.
2. Additive and Subtractive Fabrication Processes:
To construct the flowerpot I will mostly use additive fabrication processes. Additive processes such as 3D printing can be used to create the main structure and components, including the water tanks, gutter, and electronics compartment. Subtractive processes may involve cutting or drilling holes for the pump, sensor, and other electronic components. But I will mainly use subtrative processes such as lasercutting to add small decorations to the project.
3. Electronics Design and Production:
The project will require designing the electronics system to control the water level and automate the watering process. This includes selecting and integrating connections for the components such as the XIAO SAMD21, pump, ultrasonic distance sensor, and any other necessary electronic components (5V regulator, MOSFET etc). Circuit design and PCB layout will be created in KiCad, and the PCB can be fabricated using the CNC in the Lab.
4. Embedded Microcontroller Interfacing and Programming:
The heart of the project will be this previously described embedded microcontroller responsible for controlling the water level and pump activation. The microcontroller will interface with the ultrasonic distance sensor to measure the water level in the left tank. Programming the microcontroller will involve writing code to read sensor data, control the pump, and implement the self-watering logic.
5. System Integration and Packaging:
Once all the individual components are designed, fabricated, and programmed, the system integration phase begins. This involves assembling the 3D-printed parts, mounting the electronics components inside the electronics compartment, and connecting all the necessary wires and tubes for proper functionality. The final packaging will ensure a neat and organized flowerpot design.
Bill of Materials (BOM):
- 3D-Printed Components:
- Main structure (flowerpot body, water tanks, gutter)
- Electronics compartment enclosure
- Electronics Components:
- PCB components (copper plate, pin headers, Resistors, capacitors, and other electronic components as required)
- Ultrasonic distance sensor (HC-SR04)
- Water pump
- Wires and connectors
- 12V DC power supply
- Fasteners and Mounting Hardware:
- Screws, nuts, bolts for assembling components
- Ice Packs (for water supply):
- Ice packs or similar frozen water containers to melt and provide water for the right tank -> in my case, supplied by my weekly HelloFresh cooking boxes.
- Miscellaneous:
- Tools for fabrication (3D printer, cutting tools, drilling tools)
- Soldering iron and solder (if applicable)
- Computer and cables for programming and testing
Final Project Q&A
- What will it do?
The smart self-watering flowerpot will automatically monitor the water level in the left tank and provide water to the flower whenever the water level is low. It achieves this by using an ultrasonic distance sensor (HC-SR04) to measure the water level and a pump to transfer water from the right tank (from HelloFreshs' melted ice packs) to the left tank. The system will be designed to ensure optimal watering for the flower, maintaining an adequate water level.
- Who has done what beforehand?Similar self-watering systems and automated flowerpots exist in the market. Various DIY projects
and commercial products have implemented similar concepts using different techniques and
components. Some projects may have used sensors like HC-SR04 for water level measurement, while
others might have used different types of sensors and control mechanisms.
Antoher project I came across is the Smart
Planter
from Svetlana Shishkovets. Her project includes a lot of features and extras such as growth
light, a desktop app and a waterlevel indiator. It is a very cool project and I read her final
project page for some inspiration.
In comparison to her project, I want mine to be smaller, as it should fit my windowsill.
In general, my final project is very much tailored to my needs and is supposed to solve one of
my own
problems and it's not looking to solve a general problem a lot of people might have or not have.
It is a
specific use case that only uses the minimum of components to achieve it's task. This approach
made
it possible for me to spend time on the integrating and packaging aspect of the project.
The design will include:
- 3D design for the flowerpot structure, including the main body, water tanks, gutter, and electronics compartment.
- Electronics system design, including the selection and integration of components such as the microcontroller, ultrasonic distance sensor, pump, and necessary supporting circuitry.
- Embedded system programming for the microcontroller to monitor the water level and control the pump.
The materials and components required will include:
- 3D-printed parts for the flowerpot structure.
- Electronics components such as a ultrasonic distance sensor (HC-SR04), water pump, wires, connectors, tubing, resistors, capacitors, and potentially a PCB board for electronics integration.
- Power supply (DC power supply or battery pack).
- Fasteners and mounting hardware.
- Ice packs or similar frozen water containers.
The 3D-printed parts can be created using a 3D printer. Electronics components such as the PCB will be self-made and other components can be sourced from local electronics stores, online retailers, or specialized suppliers. Power supplies, fasteners, and other miscellaneous items can be obtained from hardware stores or online suppliers. Ice packs will be provided through my weekls orders of HelloFresh.
- How much will they cost?The cost will vary depending on factors such as the quality of components, the quantity required, and the availability of materials. The follwing is an estimate that includes expenses for 3D printing, electronics components, power supply, fasteners, and miscellaneous items:
| Component | Price (€) | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Peristaltic Pump | 5 | FabLab |
| HC-SR04 | 3.80 | FabLab |
| Filament | 25 | FabLab |
| PCB Plate and Components | 10 | FabLab |
| Test Plant | 11.90 | Self-bought |
| Ice Packs | 0 | Self-bought |
| Wires, Screws, etc. | 8 | FabLab + Self-bought |
| Total Cost | 63.7 | |
| Self-bought Cost | 15.9 |
The parts and systems that will be made include:
- 3D-printed flowerpot structure, including the main body, water tanks, gutter, and electronics compartment.
- Electronics system with the microcontroller, ultrasonic distance sensor, water pump, and associated circuitry.
- Embedded system programming for the microcontroller to control the watering process.
The processes involved in the project include:
- 2D and 3D design + printing for the flowerpot structure.
- Electronics design and PCB production.
- Embedded system programming for the microcontroller.
- Assembly and integration of all components.
- Lasercutting/ -engraving for decoration purposes.
- Testing and troubleshooting to ensure proper functionality.
- How accurate and reliable is the ultrasonic distance sensor (HC-SR04) for water level measurement? Are there any alternative sensors that can be considered?
- What is the optimal pumping mechanism and flow rate to ensure efficient watering without damaging the flower?
- How will the system handle situations such as power outages or low battery conditions?
- Are there any safety considerations or measures to prevent overwatering or potential water leakage?
- How will the system handle maintenance?
- Program Functionality: Test the program that controls the water level monitoring and pumping mechanism. Verify that the program effectively detects low water levels in the left tank and activates the pump to water the flower. Ensure that the program runs without errors and performs the desired actions reliably.
- 3D Print Quality: Inspect the 3D-printed parts of the flowerpot structure, including the main body, water tanks, gutter, and electronics compartment. Evaluate the overall quality of the prints, considering factors such as surface finish, dimensional accuracy, structural integrity, and visual appeal. Ensure that the 3D-printed parts fit together properly and provide adequate support for the components.
- Water Pumping: Verify that the water pump operates correctly and delivers water from the right tank (melted ice packs) to the left tank when needed. Observe the pumping mechanism to ensure it functions smoothly without any leaks or blockages. Confirm that the pump delivers an adequate amount of water to effectively water the flower.
- Watering Effectiveness: Monitor the flower's hydration level and health after using the self-watering system. Assess whether the flower receives sufficient water to maintain its health and growth. Observe any improvements in the flower's vitality compared to manual watering or traditional methods.
- Overall Aesthetics: Evaluate the visual appeal and overall aesthetics of the smart self-watering flowerpot. Consider factors such as the design coherence, color choices, and integration of the electronic components. Ensure that the flowerpot's appearance and size is visually pleasing and enhances the overall presentation.