TensionTide??????

• What you have done so far?

Having revised my concept for the water dispenser, I began by refining the idea. I then discussed with my professor the best approach to construct it, deliberating whether to opt for an electrical system or pursue a purely mechanical one, which could pose a greater challenge. Embracing the risk and the chance to learn something entirely new, I chose the mechanical route. I have deconstructed the system into its structural elements. A valve system will control the water flow, and a slider mechanism will allow users to indicate their stress levels. Consequently, I am designing a mechanical adder that will function as an interface between the slider and the specific valve to be opened. 

• What is giving trouble?

Since this is my first mechanical project, I am struggling to visualize the system. After reading a book on mechanical adders, I managed to develop a pulley system. I started with a single-string mechanism, using rulers to observe the relationship between pulling the string and the movement of weight to see how addition works. However, the water dispenser requires turning valves to allow water flow, so I am experimenting with a looped pulley system. With this, I am having difficulty calculating the amount of rotation based on the distance of string movement. 

• What is your plan going forward?

Moving forward, I would like to first prototype the entire mechanical system using parts such as ball bearings and threads. Then, depending on the time remaining for the project, I aim to construct the entire system in a way that is more aesthetically pleasing. Considering other components, such as the containers for water storage, the pipes through which the water will travel, and the type of valve, are also important aspects that I need to figure out.