User:ChandlerSBaird/sandbox

Project 2

Problem Statement
A useless box, a box that performs functions varying and entertaining operations, will be created. In this cycle possible functions will be conceived, functions will be short-listed for inclusion, and the chosen functions implemented.

Project Plan
The functions to be implemented as well as the physical design will be conceived. Parts will be physically manufactured and function codes written. Everything will then be compiled and tested with possible revision.

Week 5 Narrative
A code was created that was able to demonstrate control of a servo motor. It was a code that rotated the servo arms to the 0,45,90,135, and 180 degree marks.

The next steps to be taken will be to create a revised prototype for both the arm and door flap mechanisms. Then they will be fit into the box and the coding will be added to the other coding and synced.

Week 6 Narrative
This week was mostly spent discussing and planning the next steps and how to integrate the individual tasks together. So far the prototype dimensions were decided to be 8*4*4. With these dimension the dimensions for a door flap were created and the dimensions for the arm are being calculated. The arm dimensions are reliant on the positioning of the switch on top of the box. The idea of using the 3d printer has opened the opportunity to create prototypes of designs that would otherwise be very difficult to construct out of other materials.

The other part of the week was spent discussing how to integrate the coding and functions that have been created into a prototype box. What needs to be integrated in the code is the servo motors, switch, lights, buzzer, and possibly a motion sensor

The next steps in the project will be to settle on the final dimensions for the prototype and create the design. Once that is done the prototype will be printed from the 3d printer and assembled to be tested.

Week 7 Narrative
This week a new arm design was selected. The previous design that had three linkages was determined to have too many possible failures. A simpler single arm design was found that would work better with the new larger servo motor. It is a single curved arm to limit the amount of area the arm will need to move

The next steps will be to print all of the needed components and begin to assemble the box. Then the testing of the prototype will commence.