2. Principles and Practices¶
Assignment¶
- Plan and sketch a potential final project
Light-up Anatomy Diagram¶
My final project proposal was to create a light-up diagram of a body, using capacitive sensors or transistors as an input and an LCD/neopixels as an output. This project aims to benefit those who want to explore physiology but find conventional diagrams unengaging (me included!); by creating a more fun and interactive tool for the classroom, students of all ages can explore basic anatomy and learn about systems in the body!
I was inspired by Elaine Liu’s final project, Nadieh Bremer’s final project and one of my previous engineering projects from two years ago. At this point, a lot of aspects in my project are still tentative, but I have a general outline of what I want to achieve:
| Method | How it will apply in my project |
|---|---|
| Week 1: Principles and practices | This week, I will plan my final project and create a concept sketch of the design. |
| Week 2: Computer-aided design | I will design my project in my CAD program of choice; in terms of a project-specific component, I will design a mini-holder/frame for the LCD screen and components for cable management (wire mounts) |
| Week 3: Computer controlled cutting | I will design stickers to put on the side of the frame, and I will begin cutting the acrylic frame for the top layer |
| Week 4: Electronics production | I will create the PCB I need to use for my LCD screen, neopixels, and transistors |
| Week 5: 3D scanning and printing | I will print out the previously designed components in week 2 |
| Week 6: Electronics design | I will design the boards needed for the program and create a plan for how to wire the neopixels, the touch sensors, and the LCD screen |
| Week 7: Computer controlled machining | I will use the CNC shopbot to create the components for the thick wood frame surrounding the diagram |
| Week 8: Embedded programming | I will begin to learn how to code; specifically, I will explore the Adafruit library (for the neopixels) |
| Week 9: Molding and Casting | I will create a mold to make a rubber bumper/feet for the bottom of the board |
| Week 10: Input devices | I will program the capacitive touch sensors/transistors |
| Week 11: Output devices | This week, I will program the outputs of my diagram, including the neopixels and the LCD screen. Hopefully, when I touch the sensor, the two components will work. |
| Week 15: Interface and Application Programing | I will design the interface of the LCD screen to show the appropriate information |
Last update:
February 4, 2024