Just getting started…
2nd June – 8th June
2nd June:
Our team had our first official meeting! We finalised the initial design of our product, including the working mechanism and internal structure. Our initial idea involves the use of pneumatic pistons within the pillow. The pistons will work in tandem with the pressure sensors, utilising an Arduino system. We used the longest recorded neck length within our team (12 centimeters) as the basis for the pillow design. The first phase of our build shall involve the construction of six 2-centimeter wide moveable strips totalling to 12 centimeters.
First product sketches
3rd June:
We consulted the TAs and professors during the first informal progress meeting. We started sourcing for the materials and compiled our Bill of Materials (BOM). We were also advised on what alternative materials can be used to construct our build. From there, we decided to look into other linear actuator models such as those that are mechanically-powered. Additionally, we looked at various materials such as aluminium or wood that could be used as a support structure within our build.
4th June:
We purchased our first components! Before working on the full build, we first decided to focus on figuring out how we can make the pressure sensors and the actuators communicate. In other words, we had to create a code that allows a pressure reading to create a change in the height of the actuator. To do that, we purchased two types of film sensors and a single linear actuator. (Update: The linear actuator never arrived. Some tears may have been shed ;-;)