16. Applications and implications
What will it do?
It will be a clock that tells the time. The interesting thing is that each digit will be made mechanically, meaning it will be a clock with digits that are mechanical displays instead of using LEDs to turn the segments of each digit on and off. This clock can also switch to a Pomodoro method mode, which would work very well for me because I tend to get tired of doing some work or studying, and when I take a break, I usually don't go back to the same thing. It will also display the room temperature and the temperature of your city on a screen.
Who has done what beforehand?
I haven't found anyone who has made a mechanical clock with the Pomodoro method. What I have seen recently is that people have been designing mechanical 7-segment displays. For example, a guy who calls himself JBC Creative uploaded a mechanical 7-segment display. Rack Driven 7 Segment Display, but in my opinion, it is too wide, and he sells his design. Later, he joined six of these to make a clock that moves with motors. After researching more to understand the functioning of the gears, I noticed that the same guy uploaded an even thinner display, but he hasn't shared that design Mecanical 7 Segment Display. However, by investigating more on the internet, I found a free-use 7-segment display by the author Flower-3D, although his design is manual, meaning if you want to change the number, you have to press a button yourself. 7 Segment Mechanical Counter
There are some problems with the design of Flower-3D, for example, the segments do not completely hide or at certain points, the numbers are not fully visible because the gears did not move correctly.In the original design, its mechanism was very simple, which led to the problem of the photograph that can be seen at the bottom.
The way I corrected its mechanism was by adding more rubber bands. Specifically, each of the top segments was secured with one rubber band, while the remaining four segments were secured together with a single rubber band. This was done instead of using one single rubber band to hold all six required segments. Additionally, I redesigned the base where all the segments are placed to include two additional lanes, preventing the segments from derailing.
What will I design?
I noticed that the free-use 7-segment display by Floer-3D has aspects that can be improved. Since the idea is not to manually press each time you want to change a number but to have motors do it, I am working on modifications to the design to be able to place a motor, thus using only six motors in total. It would be incredible to make the six displays and, through a larger gear, combine them into one, so only one motor would be needed, though that might be very ambitious.
Additionally, I need to design where all the circuits will be mounted and the casing to place the screen. Everything else will be a matter of programming.
What materials and components will be used?
- 3D printing (PLA)
- 6 stepper motors / servomotors
- Xiao ESP32C3
- OLED screen
- MDF (casing to house everything)
Where will they come from?
Materials such as the Xiao ESP32C3, PLA, and MDF have been provided by the FabLab Puebla. The OLED screen and motors/servomotors will be sourced from the center of Puebla, or alternatively, I will find out if the FabLab Puebla has them.
How much will they cost?
Materials List
| Material | Quantity Used | Supplier | Unit Cost (USD) | Total (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NEMA 17 Stepper Motor | 4 | Steren | $13.39 | $53.56 |
| A4988 Stepper Motor Driver Module | 4 | Mercado Libre | $3.23 | $12.92 |
| XIAO ESP32C3 | 1 | Amazon | $19.99 | $19.99 |
| RTC DS3231 | 1 | Mercado Libre | $4.64 | $4.64 |
| Total | $91.11 |
What parts and systems will be made?
As mentioned, the displays to show the clock numbers will be mechanical, so the parts for the six displays will be either 3D printed or laser cut. The casing for my project will also be made.
What processes will be used?
For now, the plan is to use 3D printing, laser cutting or possibly router cutting, PCB manufacturing, and programming.
What questions need to be answered?
- How to make a better mechanism performance for the 7-segment display?
- Can a mechanism for the 6 segments be assembled?
- How convenient is it to 3D print the parts? Is laser cutting more convenient?
- If cut in MDF, will it wear out?
- What speed can the mechanism withstand?
- How difficult will it be to establish communication with an API to get the location, local time, and weather?
How will it be evaluated?
- Function as a clock
- Function as a Pomodoro timer
- Switch between clock and Pomodoro timer modes
- Display the room temperature
- Display the city's temperature