16. Applications and implications¶
This week it is a matter of proposing a final project masterpiece that takes into account all the teaching units that we address so far.
Here is an overview of this week’s assignment¶
The final project masterpiece 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.
What will it do ?¶
My project is to create an intelligent waste garbage can designed to raise public awareness of the need to keep the environment clean. Here’s how it’s going to work.
With the help of a motion detector, it will be able to detect the presence of humans within a certain radius of its environment and will be able to emit a sound through a loudspeaker to signal its presence.
Then, using an ultrasonic sensor, it can calculate the distance between the human and itself.
Then, at a certain distance closer to her, she’ll start displaying environmental awareness messages on her screen.
Who has done what beforehand?¶
During my research, I found many people who have realized this kind of project. But among them, I decided to choose one that is already operational and usable by customers who adopt it.
It’s a solution that makes waste containers “intelligent” and enables waste collection activities to be monitored and managed in real time! For more details, click here.
What will you design ?¶
First of all, I designed and produced the 2 boards that will manage the devices. One for the output devices and the second for the input devices.
Then I did the 2D and 3D modeling of the electronic box and the garbage can. Then I moved on to the production of these models.
What materials and components will be used ?Where will they come from? How much will they cost?¶
Regarding these different questions, I can say that 99% of the materials to be used are already available in our fablab and there is only one component to be purchased on the local market. Here’s a summary table to answer all these questions.
| Description | Quantity | Source | Cost | link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ultrasonic sensor | 1 | Amazon | $11.95 | Link |
| Motion sensor | 1 | Amazon | $3.398 | Link |
| LCD display 16*2 | 1 | Amazon | $8.495 | Link |
| Micro speaker | 1 | Amazon | $5.09 | Link |
| XIAO SAMD21 | 1 | Amazon | $14.90 | Link |
| XIAO ESP32C3 | 1 | Amazon | $16.90 | Link |
| Toggle switch | 1 | Amazon | $9.99 | Link |
| Power bank 5V-2A | 1 | Local market | $8.10 | — |
| Plywood 10 mm | 2 | Local market | $40.20 | — |
| 3D PLA filament | 300g | Amazon | $7.179 | Link |
| Red LED 1206 SMD | 1 | DIGI-KEY | $0,18 | Link |
| 4.99 Kohm Resistor 1206 | 1 | DIGI-KEY | $0,035 | Link |
| 0 ohm Resistor 1206 | 6 | DIGI-KEY | $0,12 | Link |
| 1x7 Female PinHeader THT | 4 | Amazon | $ 0.633 | Link |
| 1x4 Male PinHeader THT | 4 | Amazon | $ 0.5064 | Link |
| 1x6 Male PinHeader THT | 1 | Amazon | $ 0.2528 | Link |
| 1x3 Male PinHeader THT | 1 | Amazon | $ 0.1266 | Link |
| JST Connector | 1 | Amazon | $ 0.0866 | Link |
| Total = $128.1424 |
What parts and systems will be made?¶
-
Custom PCB controller board
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The electronics box
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The bin
What processes will be used?¶
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2D and 3D design of parts
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CNC milling for the waste garbage can
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3D FDM printing of the electronics enclosure.
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CNC milling for PCB production.
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Programming
What questions need to be answered?¶
To complete the project, here are the various points that need to be resolved.
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Develop a program so that the bin can talk through the loudspeaker.
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Develop a program so that the dustbin can only start interacting with humans, not animals.
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Also think about how to power the garbage can. Will it be powered by solar panels or by electricity from the national grid?
How will it be evaluated?¶
To consider the project a success in this first spiral, here are a few essential points to check.
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The garbage can must be able to detect presence within a certain radius of its environment and emit a sound.
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The garbage can must be able to display messages on its LCD screen at a certain distance from a person.