17. Applications and implications

What will it do?

My final project will be a modular toy. Its purpose is, on the one hand, to be eye-catching for children. That's why a peculiar shape and the coloured lights. Also that the little ones know how to use the puzzle games, fitting the pieces into the holes in the right position.

It is modular as it will have several boards that work in a similar way in the different areas of the game. In addition, the modular concept gives options so that new game options can be created later on.

The game option created is a connect 4. This means that it is mainly intended for two players. The first player will place a piece of one colour. The second player of the opposite colour. They have to place tiles alternately and try to place them touching the sides of the previous triangle of the same colour already placed. The first player to get 4 in a row wins.

Who´s done what beforehand?

There is no similar game project. However, I have found some ideas for similar light puzzles that I liked a lot. One example is Nova, the final project of Nadieh Bremer.

However, working with tokens on a more complex surface and having to think about programming a neighbourhood matrix (a graph) implies unrealised hardware and software specifications.

What will you design?

This project has 4 main parts, the base, the dome, the puzzle pieces and the electronics. My idea is to design the whole thing.

For the dome I am going to design a hollow geodesic structure, and each hole must correspond to the shape of the puzzle pieces to be housed. The base should be able to be opened and closed, and will store the electronics.

What materials and components will be used?

To do this project I will need:

- PLA (or any other material) to print the structure.

- 3 mm thick wood for the base and the doors.

- Wax to make a model, silicone to make a mould and resin to cast the puzzle pieces.

- 40 LEDs of two colours, one for each team.

- 10 Attiny microcontrollers.

- Resistors, capacitors, pins and several metres of cable.

Where will it come from?

All the materials I can get from the FabLab and everything will be manufactured here, except the electronic components.

How much will it cost?

I don't know yet. However, the cost estimate is included below:

1. PLA (2kg)-> ~30&

2. Wood -> ~5$

3. Material for casting (mould wax, silicone and epoxy) -> ~37$

4. Microcontrollers ~1$/unit -> 10$

5. Miscellaneous electronic components (wires included) -> ~15$

TOTAL -> The prototype will cost around 100$

What parts and systems will be made?

As mentioned above, all parts will be manufactured in the Fablab.

What processes will be used?

My idea from the beginning is to use all possible processes learned during FabAcademy:

3D printing: For the dome and various tests of the puzzle pieces.

Laser cutter: For the wooden doors.

CNC: For the decagons that form the base.

PCB milling machine: To make PCBs and the models of the puzzle pieces.

Casting: To make the silicone moulds and the epoxy parts with the embedded LEDs.

Vinyl cutter: For the copper stickers

What questions need to be answered?

There are many questions that may arise before starting to make the actual model:

How will I make the puzzle pieces with the embedded LEDs?

Will the epoxy be affected by the possible heating of the LEDs?

Will the wooden base support the weight of the structure and the pieces?

How will I make the door slide without getting stuck in the base rails?

Will the communication between so many boards be correct?

Will the microcontrollers chosen have enough memory for programming?

How to make contact between the puzzle piece and the structure?

Will this contact be possible in only one position?

Can I make a multiplayer piece?

How will it be evaluated?

The success of this project will be measured in two functions: functional and personal.

On the functional level, and given that it is the first prototype, I will be proud of the product if it works. As it is a modular work, I intend to make at least three modules of the complete product work, which means 12 holes in the structure, as it would mean repeating the board and wiring.

On a personal level I think I feel part of success already after this course and a continuous learning process. I didn't do this course to make a concrete project and this proposed project has been "propose anything". I want the course and the realisation of this project to serve me in my professional life, where I teach.