Embedded Files
Prototype 1
How it works:
PVC channel swivels on a fulcrum (like a teeter-totter) as the pipe leans back, the pop falls into the opening. Then, the channel pivots in the opposite direction, allowing the soda can to slide down as it is dispensed.
Reasons this failed:
As the pipe channel swayed to dispense the loaded soda can, it would get caught on entering soda cans, not allowing the pipe's freedom of motion.
If the soda can hopper had more than three cans, the weight of the cans caused high amounts of friction, preventing the loaded soda from sliding while it was in the pipe.
Prototype 2 (Success)
How it works:
I realized a rotational force would prevent any backups caused by friction. The cans fall into a 3d printed cylinder. Then, with the help of a stepper motor, the cylinder rotates. This rotational motion separates the cans, allowing a can to be dispensed.
Motor Driver Circuits
After conducting some preliminary research and prototyping, it became clear that using only cable connections would result in a cluttered mess, so I decided to design a custom circuit for the motor drivers to prevent wire clutter and disconnections.
Interface
Touchscreen with interactive buttons
I programmed this touchscreen to facilitate easy menu navigation and provide immediate user feedback.
Electronics Enclosure
Electronics Enclosure
I designed the enclosure to ensure optimal airflow, thereby preventing any future issues resulting from overheating.
Instead of 3D printing a cover, I fabricated an acrylic cover using a CNC machine. This provides high visibility into the motor driver enclosure, allowing the user to monitor the motor drivers and circuitry. It also ensures that diagnosing issues is streamlined.
How are beverages stored?
Inside the mini fridge, there are two hoppers. One hopper is for soda, and the other hopper is for water bottles. These hoppers feed into the dispensing mechanism on the outside of the fridge.
What I Learned:
Working on this project taught me some valuable lessons that will stay with me throughout my engineering career. Most importantly, I learned that hard work and dedication lead to successful outcomes. Investing my time and efforts into mastering new skills has allowed me to complete projects that were previously outside of my skillset.
A particularly enjoyable part of this process was designing the touch screen. Altough it was challenging, the end result was immensely satisfying. Through trial and error, I learned how to write efficient and effective code that made the touch screen integrate seamlessly into the design of the machine.
I also learned that there are optimal designs for certain applications. By carefully considering the design choices I made for this project, I was able to create a final product that is highly functional and user-friendly.
Additionally, this project taught me not to doubt my abilities because of my age. As someone who was still in high school at the time, I sometimes felt like I wasn't experienced or knowledgeable enough to tackle certain challenges. However, I pushed myself to learn and grow, and ultimately proved to myself that I was capable of achieving great things.
Finally, I learned how to make parts interact in Fusion 360, which was a crucial skill for this project. By mastering this software, I was able to create detailed and complex designs that worked together seamlessly.
Overall, this project was a valuable learning experience that taught me the importance of hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn and grow. I am excited to apply these lessons to future projects and continue pushing myself to achieve new heights in my engineering career.
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