InPut Devices
I didn’t change the scope of my final project. While it’s proving a serious challenge, I’m still hopeful in its success.
On our 7th lecture Neil described the different types of project we could create and that previous students proposed. This followed a long list ranging from Robotics to Furniture.
The assignments for the first week were:
I.Propose a final project that integrates the range of units covered;
Answering a list of questions [Found below].
Highlighted necessary tools:
>> Where possible, you should make rather than buy the parts of your project
Components:
=> Microcontroller
=> Electropermanent connectors
=> Capacitors
=> MOSFET
=> Copper PCB
=> PCB components [Microcontrollers & Capacitors] are available at the FabLab @DeWaag
Magnets:
=> Neodymium [3mm diameter, 6mm length, rod shaped, tot. # 60 ]from Supermagnete.nl
=> AlNiCo [3mm diameter, 12mm length, rod shaped, tot. # 30] from Conrad
While I do not know the cost of the components I am using from the FabLab [Need to check], the total cost of the magnets amounted to 40 Euros including shipping.
The supporting structure for the cubes will need to be fabricated; including the electropermanent connectors; the PCB needs to made too.
To create the electropermanent magnets I still need to perfect a method, the most difficult part is making the iron/steel cores, at the moment I made several by grinding away at a nail, this is not precise and I am looking it having custom made / changing design. To make the structure of the cube, I will first cut it out of MDF with the laser cutter; I later would like to change to a lighter substance, perhaps by molding and casting (If I have time). The PCB will be milled at first to test the components, however for it to fit in a cube it will, most likely, need to be printed using the Vynil cutter and copper tape, to make it felxible.
Tasks:
=> Study (done) & make(to finish) electropermanent magnets
=> Design(to do) and create(to do) a PCB to control EP-magnets and cubes
=> Design(done and fabricate (to do) structure of cubes
=> Program (researched) and implement (to do) a mean of communication through the cubes via EMP.
1# Are EP magnets strong enough to move the cubes such that they will reconfigure? If not, how can I change the design.
2# Will I be able to transfer data and power over the cubes using the contact surfaces and EMP ?
Finish everything before the 15th of June.
Phase I Evaluation : I will no my project works when I will be able to control through the computer the activation, thus magentization, of each surface on a single cube.
Phase II Evaluation: Through the computer I am able to control the magnetization of multiple cubes, through which I am to move them and (hopefully) create the desired shape.