Group SD0620

From ECE Department Wiki

Group Members- Jonathan Lussenden Tushar Gupta

Advisor name- Dr Roger Green

Project Description- The idea for this project is to build a device which will automatically open a locker door when a button is pressed. The locker opener will be used by the Developmental Work Activities Center (DWAC). DWAC is a facility that employs individuals with various disabilities. Jay, one of the employees at DWAC has very limited finger dexterity and is unable to open his locker door without help. By building an automatic locker opener which could be activated by pressing a large button, Jay (and possibly other future employees at DWAC) would have improved freedom and independence at work. The automatic locker opener will need to: lift the latch of the locker, and open the locker door. Closing of the door will not be required. The most basic form of this device will have a large button mounted on the locker door. Pressing this button will activate the locker opening mechanism. Further development of the device will include a remote button, which will transmit a signal to activate the locker opening mechanism. Having the ability to expand this to several lockers will be a main objective.

The transceivers we selected are a pair of radiotronix 900MHz transceivers, preassembled with a power supply and antenna connector. These transceivers provide a 3 wire connection to the PIC which immediately meets our requirements for the design. With forth and fifth connection, we are able to reserve additional capabilities, such as signal strength monitoring and boosting, for future development. The solenoid we have selected is a 12VDC automotive solenoid advertised to have 50 pounds of pulling force. While this solenoid has adequate pulling force, it introduces other problems.

Requirements: a) The locker opening mechanism must be strong and durable enough to open the locker door quickly and consistently. b) The locker door must be able to be opened manually without any added difficulty. c) The packaging and wiring, especially the button on the locker door, need to be durable, clean, and professional

       looking.

d) There will be a code for a master button to open all the lockers. e) The receiver will be able to receive coded signals to control the opening of lockers.

Remote block diagram-

Locker block diagram-