ROSA'S MEDICATION BOTTLE ASSISTANT

Key Concepts

Mechanical Principles

• Torque and Grip: The Smart Servo can generate up to 13 Kg-cm of torque, which must be effectively transferred to the bottle cap
• Stability: The device must securely hold both the bottle and cap during operation
• Interface Design: Creating connections between the servo, bottle, and activation mechanism
• Adaptability: Designing for various bottle and cap sizes

Programming Concepts

• Input Processing: Reading button states or switch positions
• Servo Control: Setting precise positions and movement patterns
• State Management: Tracking the current state of the system (idle, gripping, turning)
• User Feedback: Using LED colors to indicate system status

Human-Centered Design Principles

• Usability: Designing for Rosa's specific physical limitations
• Safety: Ensuring medication integrity and preventing spillage
• Independence: Creating a solution that Rosa can operate independently
• Aesthetics: Developing a solution that looks appropriate in a home setting

Activity: "Design Parameter Definition"

1. Medication Bottle Analysis:
   • Measure and document specifications of different medication bottles
   • Test and measure torque required to open different cap styles
   • Create a requirements specification document
2. Client Requirements Workshop:
   • Create a detailed list of Rosa's needs and constraints
   • Translate needs into technical requirements
   • Establish evaluation criteria for successful solutions
3. Concept Sketching:
   • Generate initial design concepts through quick sketching
   • Share and discuss sketches in small groups
   • Evaluate concepts against requirements

Extension Activity: "Design Development and Prototyping"

1. CAD Modeling:
   • Use OnShape to create 3D models of mechanical components
   • Design attachments for the Smart Servo that can grip and turn bottle caps
   • Design a stable base that can hold various bottle sizes
   • Prepare files for 3D printing
2. Programming Development:
   • Modify existing code examples to create a custom program
   • Implement features like:
     • Button control for activating gripping and turning sequences
     • LED indicators for system status (ready, gripping, turning, complete)
     • Safety features to prevent overtightening or excessive force

import time
import board
from digitalio import DigitalInOut, Direction, Pull
import pwmio
import servo
import neopixel

# Setup LED
pixel = neopixel.NeoPixel(board.NEOPIXEL, 1)
pixel.brightness = 0.3

# Setup button
button = DigitalInOut(board.D2)
button.direction = Direction.INPUT
button.pull = Pull.UP

# Setup servo
pwm = pwmio.PWMOut(board.A2, duty_cycle=2 ** 15, frequency=50)
servo = servo.Servo(pwm)

# Initial state
state = "ready"
servo.angle = 90  # Neutral position

while True:
    # Ready state - waiting for button press
    if state == "ready":
        pixel[0] = (0, 0, 255)  # Blue for ready
        if button.value == 0:  # Button pressed
            state = "gripping"
            time.sleep(0.5)  # Debounce
    
    # Gripping state - closing grip on bottle cap
    elif state == "gripping":
        pixel[0] = (255, 165, 0)  # Orange for gripping
        servo.angle = 45  # Close grip position
        time.sleep(2)  # Time to grip
        state = "turning"
    
    # Turning state - turning the bottle cap
    elif state == "turning":
        pixel[0] = (255, 0, 0)  # Red for turning
        # Rotate to open cap
        for angle in range(45, 180, 5):
            servo.angle = angle
            time.sleep(0.1)
        time.sleep(1)
        state = "complete"
    
    # Complete state - operation finished
    elif state == "complete":
        pixel[0] = (0, 255, 0)  # Green for complete
        time.sleep(3)
        servo.angle = 90  # Return to neutral
        state = "ready"

3. Integration and Assembly:
   • 3D print designed components
   • Assemble mechanical components with the Smart Servo
   • Implement final programming
   • Create mounting solution for the entire device

Assessment Criteria

Students will evaluate their solutions based on:

1. Functionality: Does the device successfully open medication bottles?
2. Usability: Can Rosa operate it easily with her arthritis limitations?
3. Adaptability: Does it work with different bottle types and sizes?
4. Safety: Does it maintain medication integrity and prevent spillage?
5. Technical Implementation: Quality of programming, mechanical design, and fabrication
6. Documentation: Quality of project documentation and presentation

Activity: "User Testing and Refinement"

1. Testing Protocol:
   • Develop a testing protocol that simulates Rosa's usage
   • Test the device with various bottle types
   • Document performance metrics (success rate, time to open, ease of use)
2. Peer Evaluation:
   • Teams exchange devices and evaluate according to assessment criteria
   • Provide constructive feedback on strengths and potential improvements
3. Reflection and Refinement:
   • Identify areas for improvement based on testing and feedback
   • Develop refinement plans for the next iteration
   • Create a final presentation documenting the entire process

Assessment Rubric

Connections