Motion Controlled Fan Design (Group 1)

This post overviews the initial setup of the project and design of the physical product and thinking behind it’s use.

Idea Generation

We knew that we wanted to develop what we had from the first project and add some complexity to the fan we designed. The existing project was slightly sustainable in the sense that the fan only turned on at a certain temperature, much like a radiator. We did some idea generation around having a fan design that would sit on your desk, as we identified as a group this would be the best place for a fan

We liked the shapes of the middle design and so took this one forwards for development further

Meeting Sustainability Criteria

The criteria for the design of the fan was as followed:

Be portable and moveable around a home environment (thus increasing where you can store it)
Temperature threshold for only being on when required to, with a user set temperature.
User serviceable and upgradeable
Be able to use standard components to encourage recycling and upcycling (bottles)
Be turned on and off at the push of a button

Form Development using Rhino

To start the design, Kai and Ty both used Rhino to develop the shape. Rhino was much better for us trying this because it is better for freeform modelling.

The design was then developed with the base design, we used GRABCAD files to make sure a breadboard would fit.

Shelling and Interior Design in SolidWorks

The model was then taken into SolidWorks to improve further and enhance the visuals and functionality. This included setting up the cutouts for the ultrasonic sensors and space claim for the uno.

We then forgot to make sure the design fitted a breadboard, so we have incorporated a slot at the back for it to sit outside the main body. This is just for the prototype.

3D Printing prototype 1

The first prototype was developed off the initiative that the Arduino would sit above the servo and it’s plinth.

Here is the printed model:

Prototype 2

We enlarged the space and elongated the base so we could fit the uno in comfortably. We then printed it on the MakerBots on campus again.

This was then printed and assembled. In the design of the elongated version, the spacing between cutouts for the ultrasonic sensors was not changed and so this issue came up:

We shortened all wires so the cable management would look better in the space constrained interior. We also managed to find a breadboard small, which was lent to us by Z block technicians.