Dispenser
I developed an automatic dispenser for "Advanced Design and Analysis of Machines." This course had an emphasis on designing with accessibility and inclusion in mind. The final project was to create a device that would make the lives of those who are disabled or disadvantaged easier. The course heavily emphasized the design and application of 4-bar mechanisms. In line with this, I chose to design an automatic dispenser that operates using both an Arduino and a 4-bar mechanism. The primary goal was to create a dispenser that could function at pre-set intervals throughout the day, catering to a range of applications for individuals with disabilities.
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The concept was originally designed as a dispenser for service dogs, apportioning dog food twice a day. For individuals who are visually impaired and rely on service dogs, this device would be very useful. However, the design is versatile and practical for anyone with household pets, ensuring that they are fed if something comes up that delays their owner. The potential applications extend beyond pet care, including dispensing pills for individuals with Alzheimer's or providing automated cereal dispensing in the morning.
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I began by designing a slider crank 4-bar mechanism. After calculating the distance I wanted the bowl to travel outwards, I constructed the two links shown in the assembly above. I found the design parameters using graphical methods in SolidWorks.
I then created the sliding bowl and the storage components of my design in SolidWorks. After creating a scale model of the system, I 3D printed all of the components of the system and assembled the final model.
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A servo motor was used to slide the bowl in and out of the dispenser, employing a slider crank mechanism to drive the bowl a pre-determined distance. An Arduino was used to drive the servo motor. For the proof of concept, the Arduino was programmed to dispense once every couple of seconds and for the bowl to remain out of the container for a couple of seconds. The Arduino makes it easy to manipulate the amount of time that the dispenser remains out and how often it dispenses. This makes for easy tuning depending on the application.
