AHMED'S SMART SPORTS EQUIPMENT ORGANIZER

Key Concepts

Mechanical Design Principles

• Load Considerations: Understanding weight limits of the servo (13 Kg-cm torque)
• Mechanical Advantage: Using levers, pulleys, or gears to amplify force
• Safety Factors: Ensuring equipment doesn't fall or move unexpectedly
• Ergonomics: Positioning equipment at the right height for Ahmed's reach

Programming Concepts

• State Management: Tracking the current position of the system
• Input Debouncing: Preventing multiple triggers from a single button press
• Conditional Logic: Making decisions based on input and current state

Human-Centered Design Considerations

• User Needs Analysis: Translating Ahmed's challenges into design requirements
• Accessibility Features: Making controls easy to use with limited grip strength
• Visual Feedback: Using the Neopixel LED to indicate system status
• Customization: Allowing for adjustments based on user preference

Activity: "Design Requirements Workshop"

1. Client Needs Analysis:
   • In teams, students create a list of specific requirements based on Ahmed's profile
   • Students prioritize these requirements (must-have vs. nice-to-have)
   • Teams present their requirement lists to the class for feedback
2. Technical Specifications Development:
   • Students translate client needs into measurable technical specifications:
     • Maximum and minimum heights for equipment
     • Button size and force requirements
     • Response time expectations
     • Safety features
3. Solution Sketching:
   • Based on their exploration and requirements, students sketch initial design concepts
   • Students annotate their sketches with notes about mechanical components and programming needs
   • Teams share sketches and provide constructive feedback

Extension Activity: "Prototype Development and Testing"

1. Rapid Prototyping:
   • Teams construct cardboard and craft stick prototypes of their designs
   • Students integrate the Smart Servo into their prototypes
   • Teams program their prototypes with basic functionality
2. User Testing Simulation:
   • Students test their prototypes wearing the grip-limiting gloves
   • Teams document observations and user feedback
   • Students identify areas for improvement
3. Refinement and Digital Design:
   • Based on testing results, teams refine their designs
   • Students create digital models of key components using OnShape
   • Teams prepare components for 3D printing
4. Programming Enhancement:
   • Students add visual feedback using the Neopixel LED
   • Teams implement safety features (e.g., slow movement, position limits)
   • Students create custom functions for improved code organization

# Enhanced servo control with LED feedback
import time
import board
import neopixel
from digitalio import DigitalInOut, Direction, Pull
import pwmio
import servo

# Set up button on pin D2
button = DigitalInOut(board.D2)
button.direction = Direction.INPUT
button.pull = Pull.UP

# Set up servo on pin A2
pwm = pwmio.PWMOut(board.A2, duty_cycle=2 ** 15, frequency=50)
my_servo = servo.Servo(pwm)

# Set up NeoPixel on pin D1
pixel = neopixel.NeoPixel(board.NEOPIXEL, 1, brightness=0.3)

# Define colors
RED = (255, 0, 0)
GREEN = (0, 255, 0)
BLUE = (0, 0, 255)
YELLOW = (255, 255, 0)

# Set initial position and state
position = 0
my_servo.angle = position
system_state = "up"  # Can be "up", "down", "moving_up", or "moving_down"
pixel.fill(GREEN)  # Green when equipment is up/stored

def move_servo(target_angle, steps=10, delay=0.05):
    """Move servo gradually to target position for smoother motion"""
    global position
    
    start_angle = my_servo.angle
    angle_change = target_angle - start_angle
    step_size = angle_change / steps
    
    for i in range(steps + 1):
        new_angle = start_angle + (step_size * i)
        my_servo.angle = new_angle
        time.sleep(delay)
    
    position = target_angle

while True:
    # Check if button is pressed (button.value == 0 when pressed)
    if button.value == 0 and system_state == "up":
        # Moving equipment down
        system_state = "moving_down"
        pixel.fill(YELLOW)  # Yellow while moving
        move_servo(180, steps=20)  # Slow, smooth movement
        system_state = "down"
        pixel.fill(BLUE)  # Blue when equipment is down/accessible
        time.sleep(0.5)  # Debounce delay
        
    elif button.value == 0 and system_state == "down":
        # Moving equipment up
        system_state = "moving_up"
        pixel.fill(YELLOW)  # Yellow while moving
        move_servo(0, steps=20)  # Slow, smooth movement
        system_state = "up"
        pixel.fill(GREEN)  # Green when equipment is up/stored
        time.sleep(0.5)  # Debounce delay
        
    time.sleep(0.1)  # Small delay to prevent CPU overload

Assessment Criteria

1. Functional Performance:
   • Does the solution reliably lower and raise sports equipment?
   • Is the device safe and stable during operation?
   • Can the system handle the weight of typical sports equipment?
2. User Experience:
   • Can someone with limited grip strength easily operate the device?
   • Does the solution provide clear feedback about its current state?
   • Is the device intuitive to use without extensive instructions?
3. Design Process Documentation:
   • How well did teams document their design process?
   • Did students demonstrate iterative improvement based on testing?
   • Can students articulate the rationale behind their design decisions?
4. Technical Implementation:
   • How effectively did students integrate mechanical and electronic components?
   • Does the code demonstrate understanding of key programming concepts?
   • Is the solution reliable and robust in operation?

Assessment Rubric