Cakerator¶
MACHINE WEEK¶
We are Sayanth, Rayan,Ansu, Kavya and Basil .We are building a Cakerator 2000: Making baking sweeter,one cake at a time!
Our Machine Week Journey¶
Project Management¶
Integrating project management into the development of the Cakerator 2000 involves meticulous planning, organizing, and execution to ensure the successful realization of this innovative machine. Here’s how project management principles can be applied to each aspect of the project:
1.Initiation: The project begins with the identification of the need for a cake decorating machine and the formation of the team. Clear objectives are established, including creating a precise, user-friendly, and automated device that enhances cake decoration.
2.Planning: Detailed planning involves defining project scope, setting milestones, allocating resources, and scheduling tasks. The team outlines the functionalities of the Cakerator 2000, such as SVG input, icing dispenser, extruder, and turntable cake platform. A timeline is established to guide the development process, ensuring adherence to deadlines.
3.Execution: During this phase, the team implements the planned activities to construct the Cakerator 2000. Tasks include designing the machine components, sourcing materials, assembling the device, and developing the software interface. Regular communication and coordination among team members are crucial to maintaining progress and addressing any challenges promptly.
4.Monitoring and Control: Project progress is monitored closely to track milestones, identify deviations from the plan, and address any issues that arise. Quality control measures are implemented to ensure that the Cakerator 2000 meets performance standards. Adjustments are made as necessary to stay within budget and schedule constraints.
By applying project management principles, the we can effectively coordinate their efforts, minimize risks, and deliver a high-quality product that meets the needs of home bakers. The Cakerator 2000 project exemplifies how project management practices can facilitate innovation and collaboration in interdisciplinary ventures.
Timeline¶
Work Schedule¶
Mind Mapping Using Miro¶
Utilizing miro.com for mind mapping proved to be instrumental in orchestrating the project management process for the development of the Cakerator 2000. Through this dynamic digital platform, the team seamlessly visualized and organized various project elements, from initial brainstorming sessions to detailed planning and execution phases. Miro’s collaborative features enabled real-time collaboration, allowing team members to contribute ideas, outline project objectives, and delineate tasks efficiently. The platform’s flexibility facilitated the creation of comprehensive project timelines, task lists, and resource allocations, ensuring clarity and alignment throughout the project lifecycle. Additionally, miro.com served as a centralized repository for project documentation, enabling easy access to essential files, updates, and communication threads. Overall, leveraging miro.com for mind mapping enhanced team collaboration, streamlined project management workflows, and contributed to the successful realization of the innovative Cakerator 2000.
Cakerator 2000¶
The Cakerator 2000 is a machine that takes cake decorating to the next level. It utilizes user-provided SVG files to automate cake decorating, drawing, and writing, allowing for precise and creative designs.
Some functions
SVG Input: The machine accepts SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics) files, a common design format that ensures precise translation of intricate details from the digital world to the cake.
- Icing Dispenser: This attachment acts like a high-precision piping bag, controlled by the machine to create smooth and even frosting layers, borders, and decorative elements based on the SVG design.
- Food grade Extruder: This interchangeable attachment acts like a pen, using edible ink cartridges to draw intricate details, write messages, or create artistic flourishes directly onto the cake’s surface.
- Automated Turn table Cake Platform: The cake sits on a motorized platform that rotates and tilts according to the SVG instructions. This allows the toolhead to access all areas of the cake for a seamless and consistent decoration process.
- Software Control: The Cakerator 2000 is controlled by user-friendly software to upload SVG files, choose frosting and pen colors, and initiate the decoration process. The software translates the design into G-code, which is then sent to GRBL for machine control.
Research & Brainstorming¶
As a dedicated home baker our friend Ansu always strived to create cakes that not only taste delicious but also look visually appealing. However, the process of decorating cakes has often posed challenges in terms of time and precision. Recognizing this common struggle, the team joined forces to develop a solution: the Cakerator2000
Reasons for Developing the Cake Decorating Machine:
Shared Interest:
While her passion lies in baking, we as a team share a keen interest in engineering and machine building. Combining our skills and expertise, we saw an opportunity to collaborate on a project that would integrate both disciplines and address a real-world need within the baking community.
Learning Opportunity:
Developing the Cake Decorating Machine provided us with a valuable opportunity to gain practical experience in designing, building, and testing a machine from concept to completion.
Problem Solving:
Identifying the challenges faced by home bakers, particularly in the realm of cake decoration, sparked our collective problem-solving drive. We saw the opportunity to leverage automation and technology to streamline the cake decorating process and alleviate some of the burdens associated with manual decoration.
Innovation:
As a team, we’re driven by a curiosity to explore new ideas and push the boundaries of what’s possible. The Cakerator2000 represents our commitment to innovation and our belief in the power of technology to enhance everyday experiences, even in the kitchen.
Collaboration:
Working as a team has been an enriching experience, allowing us to leverage each other’s strengths and perspectives. Through collaboration and communication, we’ve been able to overcome challenges, iterate on ideas, and ultimately bring our vision for the Cakerator2000 to life.
The decision to develop the Cakerator2000 was driven by our shared interests, desire for hands-on learning, problem-solving mindset, passion for innovation, and collaborative spirit as students. We’re excited to showcase the results of our hard work and creativity, and we hope that the Cakerator2000 will not only benefit home bakers but also inspire others to explore the intersection of baking and technology.
((Brainstroming Pic Including all group members near the board))
Initial Sketch¶
Then we had to draw a basic sketch in fusion , this helps to uderstand the foam factor of the machine
Then we have divided the team to design the individual parts
CAD Designing - Collaborative design in Fusion 360¶
we had set up the Collaborative design in Fusion 360, Which allows multiple people to work on the same design project simultaneously in real-time, since we had 5 people working on the same project it was necessary
Extruder¶
Extruder was the main part of the machine , We are planned to extrude the whipping cream externally and created the sketch in fusion
We have 3D printed the various parts and assembled to get the below extruder
Turn Table¶
A manual cake turntable is a baker’s best friend for decorating. This rotating platform, usually with a non-slip base, allows you to effortlessly turn your cake with one hand while you ice, pipe, smooth frosting, or add decorative elements with the other. This complete rotation makes it easy to reach every part of the cake without having to awkwardly maneuver it yourself, resulting in professional-looking and beautifully decorated cakes.
So for the motor controlled turn table for our machine we have reaserch some videos in youtube and identified a basic sketch .
Then we the design for the parts based on the items that are available in our inventory
Once the design is completed , we convert it into .stl format for 3D Printing
After removing the supports , we have assembled the Motor, Bearings , Proximity Sensor in the turntable.
Then we have tested the turn table, and it was successfully functioned. 2/3 is completed
Machine Frame¶
We are planned to fabricate the machine frame in aluminum extrusion; for that, we have identified the vendors and purchased the 20 mm extrusion for our machine.
We have designed and 3D printed the joints and assembled the frame with other parts
Final Assembly¶
Once we Printed and fabricated all our parts, we had assembled all components
The project “Cakerator 2000” has been developed using the repo at https://github.com/bdring/Grbl_Esp32/tree/main/Grbl_Esp32, which is a specialized project that utilizes the ESP32 microcontroller to run GRBL, an open-source control software designed for CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machines. This project essentially adapts GRBL to leverage the advanced features of the ESP32 chip, such as Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, increased processing power, and more GPIO pins, which can be extremely beneficial for a wide range of CNC applications, from milling machines to laser cutters and beyond.¶
The specific files you’ve mentioned, Machine.h and Polar_coaster.h, play crucial roles in configuring the GRBL software for specific hardware setups. Here’s how they fit into the customization of your “Cakerator 2000” automatic icing machine:
Machine.h¶
- Purpose: This header file is essential for defining the general hardware configuration for a CNC machine running GRBL on an ESP32. It acts as a template where you can specify various parameters such as motor settings, axis configurations, limit switch behavior, and more.
- Customization: For the Cakerator 2000, you would modify this file to match the mechanical and electronic specifics of your icing machine. This could include setting up the stepper motor parameters that drive the icing dispenser, configuring the axes to match the cake decorating area, and defining the limits and safety features to prevent the machine from moving beyond its operational boundaries.
Polar_coaster.h¶
- Purpose: This file is an example of a specific machine configuration that demonstrates how to set up a CNC machine with a polar (rotary) axis, which is somewhat akin to the movements needed for cake decoration. It’s tailored for projects where circular or radial patterns are essential, making it a potentially good starting point for the Cakerator 2000.
- Customization: You would use
Polar_coaster.has a reference or a starting point for defining how the Cakerator 2000 moves the icing nozzle in circular patterns around a cake. Adjustments might include configuring the rotary axis to match the dimensions of the cakes you’re decorating, tuning the speed for precise icing application, and setting up patterns specific to your decoration needs.
Testing¶
After the GRBL configuration, we tested our machine with Tomato sauce, which was easily available at nearby store and it has some viscosity, just like chocolate Ganache
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