Embedded Files
Project Ideation
Project Ideation
1- Tell us about the purpose of your project. Which problem does it solve? Why do you care about this? What were you inspired by? Include images and videos of similar projects
1- Tell us about the purpose of your project. Which problem does it solve? Why do you care about this? What were you inspired by? Include images and videos of similar projects
tea dispenser
Many people struggle to prepare tea exactly how they like it, especially when it comes to getting the right strength and sugar level. Some prefer light tea, others want it strong, and the amount of sugar varies too. Doing this manually can lead to inconsistent results and a waste of time. I care about this because tea is an integral part of many people’s daily routines, and I believe that automating the process can make it more enjoyable, faster, and more consistent for everyone.
2- Describe the project idea and general features. How would it work?
2- Describe the project idea and general features. How would it work?
My project is a Smart Tea Dispenser that allows the user to choose their preferred tea strength (light, medium, or strong) and sugar level (1, 2, or 3 teaspoons). The device will have physical buttons or switches for input, which will be read by an Arduino board. Based on the selected inputs, the Arduino will control motors or servos to dispense the appropriate amount of tea and sugar. Additionally, there will be a separate section for using tea bags with a motorized arm that dips the bag in hot water for a set duration, controlled by a timer. The structure of the device will be made using CAD tools and fabricated by laser cutting and 3D printing.
3- Sketch your project: You may use pen and paper or a simple sketching tool like Microsoft Paint or Photoshop
3- Sketch your project: You may use pen and paper or a simple sketching tool like Microsoft Paint or Photoshop
Project Planning
Project Planning
4- Describe the Technical Modules that your project consists of
4- Describe the Technical Modules that your project consists of
Construction Parts
Laser-cut wooden box (or 3D-printed parts) with compartments for tea/sugar.
Input
(Sensing, Tactile Input, and/or Graphical Input)
Tactile buttons (tea strength/sugar level) + LCD display for settings.
Action
(Physical and/or Graphic)
2 servo motors (sugar dispenser + tea bag dropper).
Brain
Arduino Uno/Nano (processes input, manages timing, controls outputs).
Power Management
Rechargeable lithium battery (e.g., 18650) or USB power.
5- Create a cardboard prototype of your project, demonstrating the project face as well as internal movements and mechanisms. Include a demo video and photos of the prototype.
5- Create a cardboard prototype of your project, demonstrating the project face as well as internal movements and mechanisms. Include a demo video and photos of the prototype.
6- Categorize your project’s User Features into: Minimum, Complete, and Nice-to-have features. List the required action and input components per feature.
6- Categorize your project’s User Features into: Minimum, Complete, and Nice-to-have features. List the required action and input components per feature.
Minimum Features: are the least amount of features that would demonstrate the coverage of all the technical modules and their complete integration
Complete Features: are the set of features that will complete your original project objective and vision
Nice-to-have Features: are the extra set of features that will make the project cooler, yet they need extra time, effort, and/or resources to finish
Minimum User Features
Power On: When the device is switched on, the LCD screen displays the default settings — Medium strength tea and 1 spoon of sugar.
User Input: If the user presses the Start button without changing any settings, the machine will begin the brewing process using these default values.
Action:
The servo controlling the sugar dispenser releases exactly 1 spoon of sugar into the cup.
The servo for the tea section lowers a teabag (or tea infuser) into the hot water and steeps it for the preset time for medium strength.
Complete User Features
Customize tea strength (light/medium/strong) and sugar (1-3 spoons).
Action: Adjust steeping time/sugar dose
User Input: Button presses (strength/sugar)
Countdown timer on LCD (real-time steeping progress).
Action: Countdown timer on LCD (real-time steeping progress).
Nice-to-have User Features
Add flavors (honey, lemon) via extra compartment.
Action: 3rd servo for flavor dispenser.
User Input: Dedicated flavor button.
- Bluetooth/Wi-Fi app control (save presets, remote start).
Action:Sync settings with app.
User Input: Mobile app input.
RGB LED status lights (ready/brewing/complete).
Action
Change LED color per state.
7- What are the required electronic components and materials for the project?
7- What are the required electronic components and materials for the project?
Component/Material
Amount
Link
Arduino Uno board
1
Arduino Uno - Example
Push Button Switch
8
3 for tea strength, 5for sugar
LED (Red, Green, Yellow)
1
With I2C module for easy wiring
Servo Motor (SG90 )
2
(1 for sugar dispenser, 1 for tea bag)
DC Water Pump (Mini)
1
Optional (for automated water filling)
Relay Module (1-Channel)
1
Buzzer
1
Power Supply / Battery Pack
1
Jumper Wires + Breadboard
1
8- What are the project tasks and its time-frame?
8- What are the project tasks and its time-frame?
Task
Sub-Tasks
From:
To:
Design Phase
Brainstorming and concept selection
Week 1
Week 2
Prototyping
cardboard
Week 5
Week 6
Software Dev
Program Arduino (button inputs, LCD)
Week 6
Week 7
Testing & Debug
Calibrate sugar/tea dispensing
Week 8
Week 9
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