{"id":13392,"date":"2021-05-12T12:54:40","date_gmt":"2021-05-12T16:54:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/courses.ideate.cmu.edu\/60-223\/s2021\/work\/?p=13392"},"modified":"2021-05-22T17:40:56","modified_gmt":"2021-05-22T21:40:56","slug":"button-activated-blinds-operator-by-team-laurels-final-documentation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/courses.ideate.cmu.edu\/60-223\/s2021\/work\/button-activated-blinds-operator-by-team-laurels-final-documentation\/","title":{"rendered":"Button Activated Blinds Operator by Team Laurels: Final Documentation"},"content":{"rendered":"

This particular assistive device was developed as the final project for physical computing where 3 students worked closely with our client, Elaine Houston, to create something that would improve their ability to complete daily tasks. Starting off this process process with an interview, we were able to get a sense of what types of devices would suit Elaine’s needs best. More information on this interview process can be found in our interview documentation<\/a> page. After narrowing down our list of devices we developed a prototype that we then presented to Elaine for initial feedback. With this feedback as well as continual input from Elaine throughout the process, we arrived at this final button-activated blinds operator design.<\/p>\n

What We Built<\/h1>\n

This device allows Elaine to raise and lower her blinds at the push of a button. Incorporating Elaine’s dog Oak into the final design, once Oak pushes the button, the blinds operator will rotate the curtain chain in a certain direction to raise or lower the curtains until they are fully open or closed. The direction of the spinning is dependent upon whether the curtains need to be raised or lowered. Finally, while the blinds are in the process of raising or lowering, the button is disabled.<\/p>\n

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Here’s a gif of the blinds operator working. While this video is faster than real time, if you look closely, you can see the rotation of the motor arm slow start and stop feature.<\/p><\/div>\n

Details<\/h3>\n
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The inner compartment of the blinds. Pictured is the primary tensioning mechanism consisting of the threaded rod in the center of the motor mount, the acrylic motor mount, and the secondary tensioning mechanism consisting of the spring connected to the link. This secondary tensioning mechanism is used to keep tension on the ball chain once it motor mount is adjusted to the correct height with the primary tensioning mechanism.<\/p><\/div>\n

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The laser-cut gear mechanism plus the motor mount which will interface with the ball-chain and turn it.<\/p><\/div>\n

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Outside view of the power jack adapter for the power supply and the barrel jack adapter for the button.<\/p><\/div>\n

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A side-angle-view of the entire device. The knob at the top (not pictured) controls the position of the inner motor mount by turning the threaded rod.<\/p><\/div>\n

Narrative Use Description<\/h3>\n

Elaine is relaxing at home and doing some work at her desk when she realizes that the blinds are open. Seeking to reduce the glare from the sunlight, Elaine would like to close the blinds. Since her aide is not there at the moment, she calls for Oak, her service dog who is always nearby. Elaine gives Oak the command to press the large button by her desk, and Oak complies quickly, understanding very easily where he should press. This button-press triggers the motor attached to the ball-chain on the blinds, slowly lowering the canvas to cover the harsh sunlight.<\/p>\n

The next morning is a beautiful day, and Elaine would like her blinds open again. Giving Oak the command again, Oak walks over to press the button as Elaine sits back and watches her blinds open up again.<\/p>\n

How we got here (prototype and process)<\/h2>\n

Eric<\/h3>\n

Button Switch<\/h4>\n

I started my portion of the blinds opener by prototyping the question:<\/p>\n