Prototype 1

All of the things that led to Prototype 1

WIN_20220225_12_25_55_Pro_edited

WIN_20220225_12_24_59_Pro_edited

IMG_3354

WIN_20220225_12_25_55_Pro_edited

1/6

Circuitry

The first thing I had to figure out was, how to create a circuit as it was central to the success of the product. I wanted to make it self sustaining, and got the idea to make it solar-powered. I got this idea from simple solar powered yard lights. Ripping this apart made clear how difficult trying to make a similar circuit would be, as solar cells are difficult to create a circuit for, it would not be ready in time for the review night.

3-D Modeling / Printing

I had to develop an apparatus to not only hold the circuit, but also protect it adequately. I came up with a 3 part design so that it would protect the innards as well as the important parts of the solar panels, and the lights, although that part did not get completely finished. The bottom part was a late addition, to make a remote that I was planning to affix to the circuit accessible and keep it protected.

IMG_3358

IMG_3359

IMG_3362

IMG_3358

1/6

IMG_3383

IMG_3382

IMG_3381

IMG_3383

1/3

Remotes

In order to make this thing more efficient and easier to be self sustainable, I wanted to incorporate a time controlled remote device to act as the switch. The problem was a reasonable time controlled switch was hard to affix in a bare circuit form.

Professional Review Night

Poster v1

Rough 1st version of my advertising poster, that was displayed at the Professional Review Night. The goal was to make it look like a parking lot, although it looks like the National Geographic logo. Much of the elements stayed however, as it did give off the idea of talking about a parking lot without even reading the texts.

Slideshow

Slideshow was created for the Professional Review Night. Some of the slides were used again in my expo slide show, and some were slightly tweaked. Many of the slides however were only there to serve purposes for the Professional Review Night.

Poster v1

Overall I would say that the night was a success. My project garnered a little bit more interest than I initially anticipated. I was given many helpful suggestions from my professional reviewers that would guide the future improvements to my project.

Prototype 2

All the improvements made after review night

Circuitry

The biggest change I made to the circuitry was I forewent the inclusion of the timer, and instead opted to use a photoresistor. With that figured out I tried to find a way to make the photocells work the way I originally intended. Unfortunately, even with the help of Mr. hunter himself it was something that we could not figure out on this small circuit.

3-D Modeling / Printing

The biggest change I made here was increasing the size 1.5x. This allowed for me to actually put reflective material next to the light to increase the brightness of the light. I also forewent the entire interface that allowed for access to a timer, as the circuit changed to no longer include that feature. With that exclusion, I also felt there was no need to have that 3rd piece that protected the interface.

Remote

As noted in the other 2 sections, I forewent the timer switch. I opted instead to run the circuit through a photoresistor as I realized that it would be much simpler and arguably just as effective for the intended purpose that the timer was for

IMG_3357

IMG_3356

IMG_3357

1/2

IMG_3367

IMG_3368

1/5

Expo Night

Slide show was shown at the expo (Note blank slide, was when people were shown the pictures throughout the timeline)

Overall the Expo night was a success in my opinion. Again I had more people than originally anticipated interested in what I had to present, and I thought I did a good and thorough job.