Element G
Construction of a Testable Prototype
April 7, 2021
Construction of a Testable Prototype
April 7, 2021
Problem Statement
According to the CDC, there are up to 13 diseases and 3 parasites that are directly transmitted by mosquitos and their bites. Of up to the 500 million people affected by these diseases each year, over a million of these cases are fatal. Because of the nature of their size, and how widespread they are, this is a worldwide issue.
Introduction
After researching my desired materials and their dimensions, I aim to assemble an accurate presentation of my previous concept sketches and CAD Models. Some concerns to be noted is the construction of the shell and accidental triggering of the mosquito spray. To ensure that the proper results are deduced while maintaining safety precautions, I will use a shaving-cream can as a substitute for the flying-insect spray and a larger shell that conceptualized.
Working Drawings
Front plate & Back plate
Nuts, Bolts, & Electronics
CAD Model
Prototype Fabrication
Coding
#include <Servo.h> //Includes the servo library
Servo servo; //Establishes servo as a variable
int indicator=4; //Establishes led as a variable in pin 4
int sensor=2; //Establishes sensor as a variable in pin 2
void setup()
{
pinMode(sensor,INPUT); //Determines sensor as an input
pinMode(indicator,OUTPUT); //Determines led as an output
servo.attach(6); //servo is in pin 6
}
void loop()
{
int val = digitalRead(sensor); //Reads the sensor value
if(val==HIGH){ //Determines what to do when sensor is triggered
digitalWrite(indicator,HIGH); //Turns on led
servo.write(90); //Servo turns 90 degrees
delay(250); //Waits 250 seconds until continuing
servo.write(0); //Servo returns to 0 degrees
}
else{ //Determines what to do when the sensor is not triggered
digitalWrite(indicator,LOW); //Led turns off
servo.write(0); //Servo returns or remains at 90 degrees
}
}
Materials Selection
Setting Up the Arduino
Assembly
Conclusion
Even though the prototype strayed from its conceptual designs, I feel as if this was a necessary step in determining how to build this contraption. I wanted to use wood, but because I was not entirely sure how the layout of the inside panels would fit everything and considering the materials I had on deck, cardboard felt like the safer choice. The coding had its ups and downs and was probably the most frustrating portion of the process. It required a lot of research on each component to fully understand how they all contribute to the product. My only concern now is how the servo will interact with the spray can in terms of structural integrity. In the end, I am proud of how the prototype turned out. It is what I intended to create, and I feel as if the results will be of great success.
Sources
“Mosquitoes.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 8 Sept. 2020, www.cdc.gov/mosquitoes/index.html.