Emilio Méndez- Fab Lab CiDi 2024

Assignments

1. Principles and practices 2. Project management 3. Computer Aided design 4. Computer controlled cutting 5. Electronics production 6. 3D Scanning and printing 7. Embedded programming 8. Computer controlled machining 9. Embedded programming 10. Mechanical Design 11. Input devices 12. Molding and Casting 13. Networking and communications 14. Interface and application programming 15. Wildcard week 16. System integration 17. Applications and implications 18. Invention, intellectual property and income 19. Project development

17. Applications and implications

Assignment:
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).

What will it do?

Its main function will be to detect the user's position and direct the audio monitors toward them. If achievable, other functions would include saving the position configuration that the user establishes as the best according to their preferences, or according to the location set for better audio quality (this generally depends on the room's dimensions and other auditory parameters). This would allow the user to freely point the audio monitors wherever they wish and then return to the original configuration.

Who has done what beforehand?

I have not found robotic arms specifically designed for audio monitors; however, there are many manual mount options for audio monitor stands with technology that allows them to be moved easily, and materials that can absorb unwanted sound frequencies (example 1 and example 2). However, I have found intelligent robotic arms designed for computer monitors, aimed at ensuring the user maintains a correct posture while working at the computer. In my specific case, the mechanism I plan to use is quite common for security cameras and webcams. The movements I plan to use can be called Pan and Tilt. Pan is the left-to-right (horizontal) movement, and Tilt is the up-and-down (vertical) movement. Initially, I used this design to start designing the mechanism and conducting tests. I was also observing the programming of some of these mechanisms. Right now, I am trying to find a mechanism and function similar to those used by a webcam, XIAO RP2040, or XIAO ESP32C3, in order to study the programming and wiring.

What will you design?

I started by making the mechanism, and although I downloaded a design, I had to make some adaptations and changes. However, I plan to create another design that I like better. Additionally, I will have to design the stand that will hold the mechanism. As for the electronic part, I will need to design one or two boards that allow me to connect and use a webcam as a sensor, process the information, send it to the microcontroller, and finally move the servos.

what materials and components will be used?

Case and mount

  • PLA filament
  • Glue
  • Nuts and bolts
  • MDF
  • Rubber Silicone for molding
  • Epoxy resin
  • Paraffin
  • Polyethylene

Electronics

  • Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32C3 or Seeed Studio XIAO RP2040
  • Webcam
  • leds
  • A PCB blank
  • Small cable
  • 5V power supply
  • LED
  • Buttons
  • Resistors
  • FTDI connectors
  • USB

Where will they come from?

Most of the parts are available in the CIDi inventory. The rest, such as the webcam, I will get at a local electronics store.

How much will they cost?

Case and Mount

PLA filament: $20-$30 per kilogram​​.
Glue: $5-$10.
Nuts and bolts: $5-$15 per box.
MDF: $25-$50 per sheet (4x8 feet).
Rubber Silicone for molding: $20-$40 per kilogram.
Epoxy resin: $20-$50 per liter.
Paraffin: $5-$15 per kilogram.
Polyethylene: $10-$20 per kilogram.

Electronics

Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32C3 or Seeed Studio XIAO RP2040: $5-$10 per unit.
Webcam: $10-$30 for a basic model.
LEDs: $5-$15 for a pack of 50.
PCB blank: $5-$10 per board.
Small cable: $2-$5 for a pack.
5V power supply: $5-$15.
Buttons: $5-$10 for a pack of 20.
Resistors: $2-$5 for a pack of 100.
FTDI connectors: $5-$10 per unit.
USB cables: $5-$10 per cable.

What parts and systems will be made?

  • The case and mount
  • An input/output board
  • The case

What processes will be used?

  • 3D design and printing
  • 2d design, laser cutting
  • PCB design and milling
  • Soldering
  • Molding and casting

What questions need to be answered?

  • How to connect the webcam to the microcontrollers?
  • What will the flow of information be like and how will the connections be made?
  • Will I be able to create a wireless system if I use the XIAO ESP32C?
  • Are there examples of systems and programs with the components I have?

How will it be evaluated?

This is an evaluation proposal considering different levels.
  • First spiral: Design and manufacture a tentative mechanism, test using an electronic board that allows servo movement as output
  • Second spiral: Investigate, design, manufacture, and test an electronic board for the webcam that will be used as input
  • Third spiral: Integrate the input and output. Also programing
  • Fourth spiral: Work on the final design and interface.