July 11th-Day 5: Project Work Begins- Cardboard Prototyping and more

The Prototype Development Workshop focused on creating cardboard prototypes using available materials and mentor guidance. Participants should use a Google Drive spreadsheet for ordering supplies, requiring mentor sign-off. Laptops and phones were suggested for research. Punctuality was emphasized, with penalties for lateness. Various project ideas were discussed, including smart glasses, virtual game boards, and self-parking office chairs using AI vision sensors and Raspberry Pi. Resources like Jonathan's blog and websites were highlighted for further reference. The goal was to have tangible prototypes by the end of the day.

Action Items:

• Create a cardboard prototype of the project.
• Fill out the ordering spreadsheet and get mentor approval for materials.
• Bring laptops or use provided devices to conduct research and work on the project.
• Arrive on time to the meetings to avoid team members having to do pushups.
• Check the websites shared by Jonathan for resources and information.
• Start with simple games like Tic-Tac-Toe and gradually build up to more complex projects.

Visit from Maria Christina Trevoissi- creator of Hands-on Physics Ferrara, Italy:

Building a cardboard prototype of a gaming table:

Use Scratch( https://scratch.mit.edu/ ) to simulate game play:

Example:

https://scratch.mit.edu/projects/23006490/

Chutes and Ladders:

Begin thinking about gameplay- tactile screen acts like a virtual mouse:

Design Review with Team Hindenboat: 

• Discusion about energy losses in each energy transformation

Solar Power---->Electrolysis of water--Hydrogen-->Fuel Cell----electricity--->charge battery------>power boat

How Fuel Cells work:

A fuel cell converts chemical energy into electrical energy through an electrochemical reaction, typically using hydrogen and oxygen. The process involves an anode where hydrogen is split into protons and electrons, a cathode where oxygen combines with the protons and electrons to produce water, and an electrolyte that allows protons to pass through while electrons flow through an external circuit, generating electricity. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

1. Anode (Negative Electrode): 

• Hydrogen fuel is introduced at the anode. 
A catalyst (often platinum) separates hydrogen molecules into protons (positively charged hydrogen ions) and electrons (negatively charged particles). 
The electrons travel through an external circuit, creating an electrical current. 

Here are some examples of the power output ranges for tabletop fuel cells suitable for schools:

• Miniature PEM Fuel Cell: Around 0.27 W. This type is often included in STEM kits to teach basic principles of hydrogen power.  $25.  ( toy motor draws about 0.2W)
• H-12 Fuel Cell Stack: 12 W. Suitable for classroom demonstrations and powering basic devices.($450)

The discussion focused on the feasibility of using solar energy to power a boat through hydrogen and oxygen generated from water. Ed Moriarty explained the inefficiencies in energy transfer, noting that each step from solar to electricity to hydrogen production results in energy loss. Speaker 2 mentioned existing hydrogen-powered speedboats use pre-made hydrogen, which is more efficient. 

Ed highlighted a MIT project in the Doug Hart lab using aluminum and gallium to generate hydrogen and oxygen, emphasizing the dangers of hydrogen accumulation. The group debated between focusing on hydrolysis or solar panel construction, ultimately leaning towards energy storage and transformation, with plans to explore fuel cells and safe hydrogen storage methods.

Action Items:

• Research and understand the process of electrolysis of water to generate hydrogen and oxygen.
• Investigate methods for safely storing and utilizing the generated hydrogen and oxygen.
• Design and build a solar panel to understand the technology and its practical applications.
• Coordinate with Doug Hart's lab to learn about his hydrogen generation process.

Voting on what aspect of the project participants are most interested in:

Dicussion of Pico-Blimp: https://www.instructables.com/Pico-Blimp/

Below: Low-cost RC control:

Relative Range Comparison

Technology	Typical Range	Max Range (Ideal Conditions)	Notes
Bluetooth (Classic)	~10 m (33 ft)	Up to 100 m (328 ft)	Short range; good for peripheral devices.
Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE)	~10–30 m (33–98 ft)	Up to 150 m (492 ft)	Longer range than classic BT; lower power.
Wi-Fi (2.4 GHz)	~30–50 m (100–165 ft) indoors	Up to 100–200 m (328–656 ft) outdoors	High data rate; obstructed by walls.
ESP-NOW (ESP32)	~100 m (328 ft)	Up to 400 m (1312 ft) (line-of-sight)	Peer-to-peer; no router needed.
LoRa (915 MHz)	~2–10 km (1.2–6.2 miles)	Up to 15–20 km (9–12 miles) line-of-sight

The range of 2.4 GHz radio control systems in RC vehicles can vary significantly, but generally falls between 300-500 meters (approximately 1000-1600 feet) for surface vehicles and can extend to 800 meters or more for drones/airplanes under ideal conditions. Factors like terrain, obstacles, interference, and the specific equipment used can greatly influence the actual range. 

Cardboard Prototyping of Clothes folder:

The Lazy Team:

Lesson in using servomotors with Arduino:

Example: Clothes folder demo using Arduino to control servomotors:

//t-shirt demo code Jul 12th

#include <Servo.h>

Servo servo_pin_7;

Servo servo_pin_5;

int buttonmode = 0;

void setup()

{

  pinMode(3, INPUT_PULLUP);

  digitalWrite(3 , HIGH ); // bottom

  servo_pin_7.attach(7); // servo motor

  servo_pin_5.attach(5); // servo motor

  Serial.begin(9600);

}

void loop()

{

  Serial.print(digitalRead( 3 ));

  buttonmode=digitalRead(3);

  if (buttonmode == 0) 

  {

    servo_pin_7.write( 0 );

    delay( 1500.0 );

    servo_pin_7.write( 180 );

    delay( 1000.0 );

    servo_pin_5.write( 180 );

    delay( 1500);

    servo_pin_5.write( 0 );                        

    delay( 1000 ); //above are the rotation of servo motor 

    buttonmode = 0 ; // the operation will stop once the rotation finish

    } 

     

    delay(500);

}

Example: Servo Control Using Microbit:

Also experimented with use of stepper motors, controlled with Microbit and Kitronik robotics board:

Mentor Meeting-

Action Items:

• Get a box for your team's materials.
• Write your team name on the box using tape.
• Leave the box in the designated area.

The team project coordination meeting covered various technical and non-technical aspects of ongoing projects. Key points included the decision to build a table with compartments for game pieces and a touch screen monitor, the use of high torque servos for a folding clothes project, and the exploration of levitation mechanisms using magnetic, ultrasound, and electrostatic methods. Concerns were raised about the safety and feasibility of using hydrogen for power. The importance of team dynamics, task orientation, and effective communication were emphasized. Mentors were advised to support each other and ensure all team members feel included. The meeting concluded with a reminder to update project spreadsheets and final presentation logistics.

The team project coordination meeting covered various technical and non-technical aspects of ongoing projects. 

Key points included the decision to build a table with compartments for game pieces and a touch screen monitor, the use of high torque servos for a folding clothes project, and the exploration of levitation mechanisms using magnetic, ultrasound, and electrostatic methods.

 Concerns were raised about the safety and feasibility of using hydrogen for power. The importance of team dynamics, task orientation, and effective communication were emphasized.

 Mentors were advised to support each other and ensure all team members feel included. The meeting concluded with a reminder to update project spreadsheets and final presentation logistics.

Action Items

• Explore safer alternatives like helium for the levitating planet project.
• Decide whether to add a screen to the glasses project.
• Provide technical support sessions on topics like Arduino coding and wiring.
• Ensure all teams have an online presence for their work (e.g., Google Drive).
• Share the zoom link for the final presentations.

 

Team Project Coordination Meeting

MIT Campus Tour and Team Introductions

• Speaker 1 suggests a 45-minute tour of MIT, including the library and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier.
• Hector is interested in leading a large group around MIT.
• Speaker 1 encourages participants to introduce themselves to people they haven't met yet.
• Unknown Speaker and Speaker 1 discuss the importance of being sociable and exploring MIT together.

Project Updates and Team Dynamics

• Speaker 3 thanks everyone for their efforts and mentions Ed's role in running the show.
• Speaker 3 suggests a thumbs-up scale to gauge team happiness.
• Speaker 4 discusses the team's progress on their project, including deciding on table dimensions and whether to buy or build a table.
• Speaker 3 advises using cardboard for a scale model before building with wood.

Table Project and Technical Concerns

• Speaker 4 mentions the need for compartments in the table for game pieces and electronics.
• Speaker 3 suggests making the table top optional to simplify the project.
• Speaker 4 talks about the team's consideration of a touch screen monitor for the table.
• Speaker 3 and Speaker 4 discuss different types of touch screens and their software requirements.

Servo Motors and High Torque

• Speaker 5 discusses the team's work with cardboard and servo motors, including the decision to use high torque servos.
• Speaker 3 and Speaker 5 talk about the challenges of using heavy stepper motors and the benefits of high torque servos.
• Speaker 5 mentions the team's exploration of growth recognition and the use of high torque servos.
• Speaker 3 advises considering leverage and potential need for an armature for the project.

Levitation Mechanisms and Electrostatic Charges

• Speaker 6 discusses the team's research on levitation mechanisms, including magnetic, ultrasound, and electrostatic options.
• Speaker 3 suggests looking into a kit on Amazon for the electrostatic levitation.
• Speaker 6 mentions the team's division into research and cardboard prototyping groups.
• Speaker 3 supports the team's decision to use a pre-made validation mechanism to learn and modify it.

Hydrogen Fuel Cell and Safety Concerns

• Speaker 3 expresses concerns about the team's plan to use a high-pressure tank of hydrogen.
• Speaker 3 suggests using a fuel cell powered by a static generator to avoid carrying large amounts of hydrogen.
• Speaker 3 advises the team to consider combining a solar panel and hydrogen fuel cell for power.
• Speaker 3 emphasizes the importance of safety and proper handling of hydrogen.

Team Dynamics and Task Management

• Speaker 1 and Speaker 3 discuss the importance of task orientation and short deliverables.
• Speaker 3 suggests having team members present their work to the group to encourage accountability.
• Speaker 5 mentions the need for more mechanical and micro:bit expertise within the team.
• Speaker 3 advises trading knowledge between team members to build expertise.

Non-Technical Concerns and Mentor Support

• Speaker 3 asks mentors about any non-technical concerns or support they need.
• Speaker 1 emphasizes the importance of ensuring all team members feel connected and part of the larger group.
• Speaker 3 suggests setting up design reviews with specific deadlines to motivate the team.
• Speaker 3 offers to support mentors by swapping out to watch over groups or provide additional help.

Final Remarks and Next Steps

• Speaker 3 reminds everyone to update their project spreadsheets on Google Drive.
• Speaker 1 and Speaker 3 discuss the importance of having an online presence for project documentation.
• Speaker 3 provides a Zoom link for final presentations and asks mentors to share it with their teams.
• Speaker 3 and Speaker 1 wrap up the meeting, emphasizing the importance of team collaboration and support.