Jorge Larach Proposal: Mixed Techniques

Proposal Statement
I plan to make a useless box. It is basically a device whose only function is to turn itself off. Mine will have a main on-off switch, a power switch, two servo motors, two RGB LEDs, and a mini speaker. It will be powered by an STM32 Nucleo microcontroller board and a 6V NiMh battery. The board will provide power to the LEDs, and will provide control signals to every component. The battery will just provide power to the servos and (maybe) the speaker if I can't figure out how to increase the volume. The main switch is what triggers servo movement, and the power switch turns on and off the servos, LEDs, and speaker. Basically, when the switch is off, meaning the box is closed and in neutral state, the LEDs are cycling through the color spectrum and the speaker is playing party music. When a user flips the switch up, the lights shut off, the music cuts, the lid servo lifts the lid, the arm servo reaches out and flips the switch back off, the lid closes, and the music and lights continue. 

Advice
I have mainly only consulted the internet and ChatGPT about how to approach this project, and have been successful in making a partial prototype out of a shoe box. I have recently discussed this project and what I've done so far with Mr. Hodges and Dr. Nickels, and both have expressed enthusiasm about it. I am hoping to schedule a meeting with Dr. Nickels to discuss some uncertainties about the project from here (will the arm servo be strong enough to flip the switch back down? How do I get the speaker to play the music a little louder?)

Rough Game Plan
My original plan was to finish the shoebox prototype - I still have to make the component that flips the switch back down - but because the box is made of cardboard, I don't think there is enough support to hold the switch in place while the arm is pushing down on it. Its kinda flimsy. In order to fulfill the requirements for this project, I plan on using the laser cutter to make the box, and to use the 3D printer to make the attachments to the servos (a long stick for lifting the lid, and a curved arm for flipping the switch off). The next steps are:
1. Measuring the dimensions of the final box in Fusion such that all of the components can fit inside it (but to not make it so big that the lid is too heavy to lift).
    1a. Maybe do a couple test cuts for the 5mm diameter hole the switch will fit through.
2. Measure, design, and print the servo attachments in BambuLabs according to step 1.
3. Ensure an easy way to access the box when off (just make the whole lid liftable, rather than just one section). 

Needs
I've been working on this since early March, and have already acquired most, if not all of the core components I'll need. Whatever I don't have (specific resistors, capacitors, transistors, etc.) are available at the electronics lab near the makerspace. The embedded lab on the third floor also has a great deal of resources. From here, I just have to jump back into Fusion, BambuLabs, meet with Dr. Nickels (who has experience making useless boxes), and just stay on top of this so that I don't fall behind in my other classes.


Cardboard prototype



Components I've destroyed so far


Wiring diagram for all the components



Early test for the switch


Early test for the servo motors


Comments

  1. Ryan HodgeApril 14, 2025 at 10:49 AM

    A never ending party machine. What a useless contraption :) I think you have a good handle on the project. Just keep plugging away.

    ReplyDelete

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