WEEK 15 System Integration

FINESS CAT:

WHAT IS FITNESS CAT?

Finess Cat is a cat gym that consists of several smart devices. The primary component is a food dispenser that provides exercise rewards (ideally low-calorie snacks). This device works wirelessly with three additional exercise machines:

WHAT DOES IT DO?

1. Wireless Button: A simple wireless button that triggers snack release when pressed. The idea is to place it far enough so the cat must travel a certain distance to earn the reward.
2. Climbing Tower or Wall: This device recognizes when the cat climbs to the top, signalling progress with lights and sounds. Upon reaching the top, the cat is rewarded with a treat.
3. Treadmill Wheel: Equipped with a distance sensor, this device can be programmed to specific goals (e.g., 100 meters). Like the other devices, it signals progress and dispenses a reward once the target is achieved.
4. Future Expansions: There are possibilities to extend the system with additional types of devices.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

The reward system uses signals like lights and sounds that are easily recognized by cats but not disruptive to humans, ensuring the device remains functional without being annoying.

The idea came from noticing that two of my cats clearly get far too little exercise during the day. Naturally, they tend to be more active at night, which is when humans rest. The goal is to create a smart device that encourages cats to move and burn calories at night- without disturbing their owners.

WHAT IS THE CONNECTION SYSTEM?

PAW BUTTON:

RENDER

MECHANICS

ELECTRONICS

PROTOTYPING + PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS

• MOLD

The silicon mold came out pretty good, so no changes needed.

• HOLDING SYSTEM

  

  The system I designed to hold the mold in place seems to be working perfect so no need for changes.

• CABLE TUNNEL

  

  I need to make the hole bigger because is a bit to tight.

• PCB PLACEMENT

  

  The PCB board hole is to tight. I think I used an updated model while designing it.

• LED. PUSH BUTTON & CABLES

  

  The LED grove and the space for cables seems to be spacious. The push button holders seems to be working fine so I wont change anything here.

• BUTTON

  

  The holes for springs are to small, need to enlarge them. The system to hold the button in place is to fragile. I need to add thicness.

TO DO LIST

• finish the little changes in the model (mentioned above) and the PAW BUTTON is ready

TREADMILL:

RENDER

MECHANICS

ELECTRONICS

PROTOTYPING + PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS

• STRUCTURE

  In the previous Treadmill the base was a bit weak:

  

  The thickness I used was 12mm so in the new version I have 16mm.

• CONICAL WHEEL DESIGN, BEARINGS AND RODS

  

  

  This system was not working good, the rods were coming out of the bearings and everything was very shaky. The conical wheels seem to be good.

  Here’s the updated system:

  

  

  

  This system works perfectly!

• SIDE PANELS

  

  

  The way I produced it didn’t come out good. I need to rethink my CNC paths as well I need to go deeper in the kerf bend. Also I need to redesign it, to have a space for electronics box and a power cable

• PCB

  The code needs more complexity to be able to get information about the distance

TO DO LIST

• remodel & produce the side panels as motioned above
• produce updated PCB board and work on the code
• design the mechanical system for the hall sensor
• design a box to hold the PCB together with the mechanical part
• consider putting felt material on the wheel surface for better grip for cats

REWARD MACHINE:

RENDER

MECHANICS

ELECTRONICS

PROTOTYPING + PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS

• PCB

  I need to produce a newer version of my PCB congaing the mounting wholes and definitely work on the code

TO DO LIST

• model 3D & prototyping process is still in the indicial phase, time to work on that
• code requires rethinking, because so far the servo acts crazy
• whole communication process with other devices is not established yet

FILES:

PAW BUTTON

3D MODEL:

• REWARD_MACHINE2.zip

PCB:

• BUTTON2.zip

TREADMILL

3D MODEL:

• REWARD_MACHINE_FC.zip

PCB:

• BUTTON_FC.zip

REWARD MACHINE

3D MODEL:

• REWARD_MACHINE_FC.zip

PCB:

• BUTTON_FC.zip

CHECK LIST:

• Design and document the system integration for your final project

Learning outcomes:

• Define and apply system integration to your final project

Have you answered these questions?

• implemented methods of packaging?
• designed your final project to look like a finished product?
• documented system integration of your final project?
• linked to your system integration documentation from your final project page?