Project

# Title Team Members TA Documents Sponsor
13 Sun Tracking Umbrella
 Dora Stavenger
Megan Cubiss
Sarah Wilson
 Wesley Pang design_document1.pdf
proposal1.pdf
Team Members
- Dora Stavenger (doraas2)
- Sarah Wilson (sarahw7)
- Megan Cubiss (mcubiss2)

Problem

When sitting outside in urban third spaces, it is often too hot or bright to stay there for a while. Even at low temperatures, exposure in direct sun gets uncomfortable and/or unhealthy quick. Many outdoor spaces do have stationary umbrellas but, once set, they only help for a period of time which can lead to discomfort from excessive heat/brightness. This can be avoided by adjusting the umbrella throughout the day but they are often quite heavy and hard to maneuver.

Solution Overview

To solve this problem, we suggest an umbrella that tracks the position of the sun using solar panels in addition to other sensors and adjusts the tilt of the umbrella to provide UV protection for the user and ensure comfort. To prove out this concept we are proposing to make a smaller model of an umbrella, using resources from the machine shop as well as doing some design ourselves. We will also do the math to prove that our design could be scaled up and withstand the extra load from the heavier weight of a real umbrella.

Solution Subsystems

##Subsystem 1: Model Umbrella

This subsystem is the mechanical basis for the project:
The canopy would be scaled to about that of a personal rain umbrella.
The rain umbrella would attach to an elbow joint allowing for tilting motion.
The base would attach to a stable plate and a bearing allowing for circular motion.

##Subsystem 2: Solar Cells / Brightness Sensors

This subsystem would be responsible for powering the umbrella as well as provide data on light intensity.
A ring of solar cells towards the widest portion of the umbrella as well as solar cells towards the top.
Solar cells power moving mechanisms as well as provide backup power through battery storage.
Light intensity is measured using these solar cells to determine optimal positioning.

##Subsystem 3: Motor for Solar Angle Tracking

This subsystem would be responsible for tilting the canopy of the umbrella:
A stepper motor would be used due to low speed, high torque application.
Physical stop built in for added safety so the canopy does not fall.
Motor control done using H-bridge.

##Subsystem 4: Motor for Solar Position Tracking

This subsystem would be responsible for rotating the entire umbrella:
A stepper motor would be used in order to keep design consistent.
Motor control done using separate H-bridge from Subsystem 3.

##Subsystem 5: wifi/bluetooth/communication

This subsystem is responsible for the communication between the physical device on the umbrella and a user’s phone/application. Using a ESP32, a web server can be established which can be connected to a laptop/display via the existing wifi abilities. This would allow two way data communication where data could be viewed in a simple web browser with some sort of user interface to allow commands to be pushed back to the microcontroller. This would also allow users on the same network to access the page and interact with the device.

Criterion for Success

Outcomes :
A scaled version of the working product with the proof that it is scalable to a full sized version. The umbrella tilts based on differences in intensity detected by the solar cells. The umbrella is structurally sound and does not fall over during any motion. Data from the solar cell is displayed and user input is possible.

Hardware :
The device does not get in the way of user experience.
Solar cells send accurate data to software components.
Motors respond accordingly to change umbrella positioning.

Software :
Data from solar cells are accurately received and processed by software.
Software to determine how umbrella positioning is to move for optimal coverage.
Accurately disperses information for motor movement.

Automatic Piano Tuner

Joseph Babbo, Colin Wallace, Riley Woodson

Automatic Piano Tuner

Featured Project

# Automatic Piano Tuner

Team Members:

- Colin Wallace (colinpw2)

- Riley Woodson (rileycw2)

- Joseph Babbo (jbabbo2)

# Problem

Piano tuning is a time-consuming and expensive process. An average piano tuning will cost in the $100 - $200 range and a piano will have to be retuned multiple times to maintain the correct pitch. Due to the strength required to alter the piano pegs it is also something that is difficult for the less physically able to accomplish.

# Solution

We hope to bring piano tuning to the masses by creating an easy to use product which will be able to automatically tune a piano by giving the key as input alongside playing the key to get the pitch differential and automatically turning the piano pegs until they reach the correct note.

# Solution Components

## Subsystem 1 - Motor Assembly

A standard tuning pin requires 8-14 nm of torque to successfully tune. We will thus need to create a motor assembly that is able to produce enough torque to rotate standard tuning pins.

## Subsystem 2 - Frequency Detector/Tuner

The device will use a microphone to gather audio measurements. Then a microprocessor processes the audio data to detect the pitch and determine the difference from the desired frequency. This can then generate instructions for the motor; direction to turn pegs and amount to turn it by.

## Subsystem 3 - User Interface/Display Panel

A small but intuitive display and button configuration can be used for this device. It will be required for the user to set the key being played using buttons on the device and reading the output of the display. As the device will tune by itself after hearing the tone, all that is required to display is the current key and octave. A couple of buttons will suffice to be able to cycle up and down keys and octaves.

## Subsystem 4 - Replaceable Battery/Power Supply

Every commercial product should use standard replaceable batteries, or provide a way for easy charging. As we want to develop a handheld device, so that the device doesn’t have to drag power wires into the piano, we will need a rechargeable battery pack.

# Criterion For Success

The aim of the Automatic Piano Tuner is to allow the user to automatically tune piano strings based on a key input alongside playing a note. We have several goals to help us meet this aim:

- Measure pitch accurately, test against known good pitches

- Motor generates enough torque to turn the pegs on a piano

- Tuner turns correctly depending on pitch

- Easy tuning of a piano by a single untrained person

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