17. Aplication and implimentation¶
Task: Applications and Implications¶
Propose a final project masterpiece that integrates the range of units covered.
Your project should incorporate:
- 2D and 3D design
- Additive and subtractive fabrication processes
- Electronics design and production
- Microcontroller interfacing and programming
- System integration and packaging.
Where possible, you should make rather than buy the parts of your project.Projects can be separate or joint, but need to show individual mastery of the skills, and be independently operable.
See Final Project Requirements for a complete list of requirements you must fulfil.
The answers to the questions below will allow you to create your BOM (Bill Of Materials).
In this week, I spend on planning my final project.
Automatic spice dispenser machine¶
In this week, I spend my time for planning the final project.
My initial plan was making a masala powder dispensing machine. I worked on that idea for some weeks.
Then I watched a spice dispenser machine in the youtube. So I shifted my plan to make a spice dispensing machine.
- It is very small in size.
- It includes mechanisms and I love mechanisms.
- I can include more spices in one machine.
Then I tried to learn about some spice dispensing machines.
What will it do?¶
It is an automatic spice dispensing machine. We can add a number of different spices. and when the user chooses a spice and amount using a mobile phone, the machine will dispense the amount.
Who has done what beforehand?¶
I studied some previous spice dispensing machines.
The TasteTro Spice System¶
It is a rotating machine in which we can add a number of spices. We can choose different spices and their amount with the help of a touchscreen or with a mobile phone.
Richard Gurberg’s Automated Spice Dispenser¶
It is a boxy look automatic spice dispenser. We can select spices and their amounts, then the machine will dispense the spices.
Some other references:
-
SPIZIO spice dispenser
-
2.009 DASH Spice Vending Machine
What will you design?¶
Container rotating mechanism.¶
Containers will be like arranged on a ring. The ring will rotate when selecting a spice.
2 tasks are there:
Mechanism for rotation
I will fix containers on a big internal gear. A stepper motor with gear will rotate the internal gear.
Bearing for Internal gear
To reduce the friction I will include a thrust bearing in the bottom of the internal gear.
Spice dispensing mechanism¶
After selecting a spice, the container of that spice will dispense the required amount.
Tasks are
Spice dispensing method
My plan is to include one auger screw in the bottom of each container.
Rotating the auger screw
When the container reaches the correct position, a shaft will couple to the auger screw and It will rotate using a stepper motor.
Sliding mechanism for coupling
I will use a pin slot mechanism with a servo motor for coupling the shaft
Coupling
I will use a 2 fluted coupling.
Spice containers¶
My plan is to make containers in the shape of cylinder using 3d printing and acrylic sheets.
Circuit board¶
I will design a board using SAMD21E17A. It will include connections for 2 stepper motors, one servo, and a Bluetooth module.
Casing¶
The casing only includes the bottom side. It will cover the electronic board.
What materials and components will be used?¶
- Structure and casing Acrylic sheet and PLA plastic
- Auger screw, sliding mechanism, and shaft using PLA plastic
- Internal gear using acrylic sheet.
- Electronics
- Servo motor
- NEMA-17 stepper motor.
- Bluetooth module
- SAMD21E17A
Where will they come from?¶
All components and material for my final project are available in Repository of Fablab Kochi. Servo motor is not available there so I will take it from a previous project.
How much will they cost?¶
| SI.NO | DEVICE | VALUE | QTY | PRICE($) |
| 1 | Stepper motor | NEMA-17 | 1 | 10 |
| 2 | Stepper motor | 28BYJ | 1 | 3 |
| 3 | Bluetooth module | HC-05 | 1 | 5 |
| 4 | Stepper drivers | A4988 | 2 | 3 |
| 5 | Acrylic sheet | 4 mm | 2 Sq.ft | 7 |
| 5 | Acrylic sheet | 2 mm clear | 2 Sq.ft | 3.5 |
What parts and systems will be made?¶
- A number of containers with 3d printing and acrylic sheet.
- Auger screw by 3d printing. A casing will also be needed for that.
- A thrust bearing using metal balls and acrylic sheet. The top plate of the thrust bearing will be modified to an internal gear.
- Sliding, rotating, and coupling mechanism using 3d printed parts, servo motor, and stepper motor.
- A circuit board by using SAMD21E18A and it will include connections to Servo motor, NEMA-17 stepper motor, and Bluetooth module.
- A casing will be made with the acrylic sheet.
Programming
- When the user selects a spice with the required amount or a mix of 2 or more spices and places a vessel, The spices will dispense into that.
- Users can select spices from a mobile phone with Bluetooth.
What processes will be used?¶
I will build the project by implementing the fabrication processes I learned throughout the course which are:
- 2D and 3D designing
- Laser cutting and 3D printing
- Electronics Design & Production
- Input and Output Devices
- Embedded Programming
- Networking and Communication
- Interface and Application Programming
*What questions need to be answered?*¶
- Will the auger screw can dispense spices in different sizes?
- Will the coupling mechanism work properly?
- Will the Sliding mechanism work properly?