HackHarvard Crimson Cube
About This Project
This project was completed for HackHarvard 22’. The aim of the product is to provide a communication aid to children with verbal disabilities through tactile-based features. Each feature correlates to a different form of communication. Additionally, the cube transmits data over Wi-Fi to a web-application where it is logged and displayed for teachers and parents to view.
Design Requirements
Easy to manufacture and assemble
Must be able to safely store and pack all electronics
Current draw must be less than 200 mA to accommodate use of an Arduino Uno
Must allow for 5 different forms of mechanical input
Notable Engineering Decisions
Calculated the current draw of all collective components to ensure that the Arduino Uno could accommodate all the electronic features (<200mA)
Designed the cube for assembly, used threaded slots on 5 edges of the cube so that it could be easily assembled/disassembled, tapped holes for rotary encoders, potentiometers, and analog switches.
Results
Developed and submitted a functional electro-mechanical system within 36 hours that is linked to a web-application
Utilized Firebase as a central database to pass information from the cube to the web-application as a JSON package where it was then parsed and graphed to outline potential trends
Was successful in thoughtfully developing CAD, SLS-3D printing parts, wiring electronics, developing code, and integrating the electro-mechanical system within a short-time span.
