Embedded Files
Ideation
Ideation
Tell us about your assignment's idea for this week. Why do you care about this idea? What inspired you? (Please include images or links to sources of inspiration)
Tell us about your assignment's idea for this week. Why do you care about this idea? What inspired you? (Please include images or links to sources of inspiration)
Inspiration: Cat Launcher
For my first electrical device, I decided that (once again) I wanted to create something related to my cat. But this time, it was something we'd both enjoy. While going through Instructables.com, I found this cool Cat Launcher which is basically the electrical version of a tease and chase game for a cat only this time, the string is attached to a motor that pulls the string when operated. Given that I have a highly energetic cat that enjoys playing just when I'm out of energy, this would be both a fun and useful idea to try out.
Tool Chain
Tool Chain
Which software/machines/materials did you use in the assignment? Why?
Which software/machines/materials did you use in the assignment? Why?
Tinker Cad
Mini breadboard
5V adapter
Jumper wires
Crocodile wires
Red LED bulb
On/Off Switch
150 Ohm Resistor
Toy Motor
Potentiometer (1K)
Metal Sewing Spool
Yarn (probably safe if munched on by cat)
Soft crochet toy (as prey)
Cat collar bell (for sound)
Software & Componenets
Design/Preparation Process
Design/Preparation Process
Explain the design and/or preparation process of your assignment. How did you use the tool or software to design and/or prepare your assignment before fabrication/implementation?
Explain the design and/or preparation process of your assignment. How did you use the tool or software to design and/or prepare your assignment before fabrication/implementation?
Reviewing circuit design & creating one on Tinker CAD
I read through the Cat Launcher's project details until I came across the circuit design. In the original, three 1.5 batteries were used as a power source. There were also different speed modes used by having two switches. In my design, the power source was limited to either 5V or 9V adapters and also, I thought it would be more interesting if I used a potentiometer to control the speed of the motor. The rest of the circuit components and design were available and would help me follow the task's criteria. I created a new board on Tinker CAD and started adding my components to it.
After reviewing some of the prerecorded tutorials on the portal, I was able to achieve a circuit that contains an on/off switch, an LED bulb (with a 150 Ohm resistor), and a toy motor. The light intensity & motor speed (RPM) are controlled by a 1K Potentiometer. As you can see, when rotating the potentiometer, the voltage
Connecting components on a breadboard and running simulation on Tinker CAD
Development/Implementation Process
Development/Implementation Process
Explain the development/implementation process of your assignment. How did you use the machine/tool to manufacture or implement the design of your assignment?
Explain the development/implementation process of your assignment. How did you use the machine/tool to manufacture or implement the design of your assignment?
I applied the virtual design on the actual bread board and components. It worked from the first time which was a relief! The first real challenge was fitting everything into the box/controller. The wires were taking too much space especially the crocodile wires. I also had to make sure that the DC motor was stable in its place and that it was connected securely to the spool. Both were challenging! Determining the right area and making openings for the power source adapter, the on/off button, the LED bulb & the Potentiometer were not hard. In some cases, I needed to use tape to secure the wires in place. The breadboard fitted perfectly between one edge of the box and the adapter.
Electric circuit making and fitting into enclosure
Community of Learning
Community of Learning
Did you ask for feedback? What are the ideas that others have contributed or suggested? What was someone else’s idea that you built upon? How did you help your peers? How did your peers help you?
Did you ask for feedback? What are the ideas that others have contributed or suggested? What was someone else’s idea that you built upon? How did you help your peers? How did your peers help you?
Title of Media
Overcoming Challenges
Overcoming Challenges
When you got stuck, what/who did you turn to? At what point did you have to pause to research or learn more before moving on? What are some mistakes, pitfalls, or challenges that others can avoid if they were doing this assignment?
When you got stuck, what/who did you turn to? At what point did you have to pause to research or learn more before moving on? What are some mistakes, pitfalls, or challenges that others can avoid if they were doing this assignment?
Fitting wires in enclosure: As mentioned earlier, the wires did not fit nicely into the enclosure. I tried to eliminate the usage of the crocodile wires by securing the jumper wires to the On/Off switch terminals using black electrical tape but that did not work so I got the crocodile wires again but tied them tightly so as to minimise the space they occupied.
Stabilising DC motor: The motor vibrated when operating which would cause it to be dislocated from the sewing spool and also to be tilted inside the enclosure which might damage the enclosure or dislocate the wires from their places. First, I used electrical black tape to secure the jumper wires to the motor's terminals. Then, I added some cardboard pieces below the motor to keep it upright.
Stabilising sewing spool & using the right string
Fitting wires & stabilising motor
Stabilising the Sewing spool: The spool was made of metal. At first, I tried connecting the spool to the motor with double face gel tape but that failed. Next, I tried using a foam furniture pad which fitted nicely and did not add more weight to the already heavy spool.
Using the right type of string: After testing with yarn, elastic rope and sewing threads, the sewing thread was the best option for the motor to work properly. However, knowing how excited my cat would be, this thread would be too fragile. Therefore, I would replace the thread with fishing wire or elastic string to be more sturdy and also lightweight.
Final Project
Final Project
How can you use the skills and knowledge that you've acquired this week in your final project?
How can you use the skills and knowledge that you've acquired this week in your final project?
Cat chaser gadget
WOW!
WOW!
What is the coolest thing that you've learned this week? What is something that you will never forget from this week?
What is the coolest thing that you've learned this week? What is something that you will never forget from this week?
Title of Media
Weekly Digest [OPTIONAL]
Weekly Digest [OPTIONAL]
Tell us about any other cool things that you've made this week: in the Hands-on activity, tutorial examples, exercises, or any other cool mini-project that you tried out aside from the assignment.
Tell us about any other cool things that you've made this week: in the Hands-on activity, tutorial examples, exercises, or any other cool mini-project that you tried out aside from the assignment.
Title of Media
Assignment Design Files
Assignment Design Files
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