STEM Concepts
For our prototype, to prove that all aspects of our design function as intended, we will need to use various concepts from all corners of the STEM field. Listed in no particular order, first is the electronics element of the whole device. Since this is a robot that will contain a lot of wiring, a main computer chip, and it, and runs off of a rechargeable battery, we will need to apply knowledge of electrical engineering. We will need material science to determine what cloth, disposable or reusable, would be best suited for this special type of use, being spun around and experiencing a lot of friction, but still being able to collect and retain debris or liquids from the surface it is cleaning. Material science is also needed in deciding what type of wheels will be used in order to prevent marking the surface it moves along, or tracking around dirt or liquid it drives over We will need some knowledge of hydraulic systems and fluid-dynamics to pressurize the cleaning solution and eject it as a spray. We will need mechanical engineering when connecting the motors to the moving parts of the robot, especially if we deem that gears will be necessary during testing. We will need chemical science to determine what the makeup of the cleaning solution should be that will be used inside the device, or if we decide other 3rd party cleaning liquids can perform the same function. Lastly, we will need math and programming to incorporate the use of sensors into the robot so that it can take in the data, determine the layout of the surface on its own, and then path around it effectively on its own.
(No experts consulted yet as of 4/28/2020)
(No experts consulted yet as of 4/28/2020)
Prototype Stages
For prototyping, one of our members owns an Arduino (a small simple computer that can take input and release output in the form of electrical signals), which would be used as the brain of the prototype. To make things easiest yet still effective as a working prototype, we would use a cardboard or plastic box (7 by 7 inches) as the shell, and we would simply wire up the Arduino, its motors, and its sensors all together with loose connections (electrical tape). Next we would have to create and glue in mounts for our electronic components and moving components. In total for electronics, we would need four sensors of either distance or pressure, then four other distance-only sensors, 6 small electric motors, one Arduino, and one battery pack, rechargeable or not.
Before putting all of the things inside the shell, we would test the function and programming aspects of the robot on the outside. Once properly coded, we place all the components in their designated areas, use a makeshift, sealed fluid container with water or other liquid inside, and test to see how the robot reacts to its surroundings. The main thing we would be looking for once the testing commences is that the robot stops at walls, paths around objects, and stops before it goes over the edge of a surface and falls. We would also test how good it is at cleaning and holding onto different liquids and substances. It would be trial and error to see what perfect amount of spray, speed of the robot, and speed of the spinners inside will allow for the most effective clean.
To summarize, our prototype will be as basic as possible to still prove that our main features are achievable and realistic.
Before putting all of the things inside the shell, we would test the function and programming aspects of the robot on the outside. Once properly coded, we place all the components in their designated areas, use a makeshift, sealed fluid container with water or other liquid inside, and test to see how the robot reacts to its surroundings. The main thing we would be looking for once the testing commences is that the robot stops at walls, paths around objects, and stops before it goes over the edge of a surface and falls. We would also test how good it is at cleaning and holding onto different liquids and substances. It would be trial and error to see what perfect amount of spray, speed of the robot, and speed of the spinners inside will allow for the most effective clean.
To summarize, our prototype will be as basic as possible to still prove that our main features are achievable and realistic.
Experts
(No experts consulted as of 4/28/2020)
Our introduction and request letter:
Our introduction and request letter:
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Additional Information
We will need to be fluent in programing in Arduino C. We will need 6 small motors, a small water-tight container, a battery pack, wires, some 7 by 7 box, rags, 8 sensors, 4 of which must be distance or light sensing, one Arduino, some basic buttons, and four small wheels. Coding this device will be the majority of the challenge.