Identify needs that justify an electrical and computer engineering problem-solving effort
Start preparing a design proposal that justifies the need to develop a technical solution to a problem
Objective (why?)
Background (who? where?)
Methodology (how? when?)
Expected results (what?)
Costs (how much will it cost?)
Program Outcome 5: (Teaming and Leadership)
5.2 (Teamwork) Students will participate in a modest-sized team to develop initial ideas into a full project, with the final objectives of the team evolving from the collaboration rather than being defined a-priori.
Our Team's Engineering Problem-Solving Effort:
Sensor for a laundry system that optimizes water usage and dryer heat level based on the input material type and weight of the laundry load.
Objective:
The objective of this project is to design a system that intuitively solves an everyday problem using our knowledge of computer hardware and software. By expanding upon the original idea of a system that detects water leaks, the team decided to focus on a specific problem. Optimizing water usage and dryer heat level will result in laundry wash and dry cycles being much more cost-efficient and environmentally friendly.
Background:
By using personal laundry machines and dryers, the team decided to create a robust device capable of determining the weight of a load, and user input on material type in order to use the particular heat and quantity of water required for the specified load.
Methodology:
In order to accomplish our goals in this project, the team will have to do research on optimal usage of water for each material type and apply that to the weight of the load. Along with this, in order to apply our findings, we will have to manipulate the code in the washing machine and dryer and optimize its usage. Furthermore, we can control our system with an Arduino and have it communicate to our computers directly. This way, the user can input any information, such as material type, through a computer and not on the physical machine. Ideally, this system will replace the default onboard system that is on most washing machines and dryers. Also, we can allow community developers to adjust settings for new material types that are not part of the stock materials the team will provide. This allows for the network of materials to be expanded allowing for more variability in our community.
Expected Results:
Our washing and dryer machines will be able to adjust their capabilities to save water and electricity. This will result in the entire process of washing and drying laundry being more environmentally friendly and save money at the same time.
Costs: