Create and Improve
During the first few classes, I learned more about how the circuit board works and incorporates renewable energy. After talking with Mr. Michie, some of my classmates had similar ideas about connecting the solar panel to the battery hooking onto the motor.
We made this prototype for how the system would work using the testing breadboard. The battery would be connected to the solar panels through the breadboard. Mr. Michie recommended adding a diode so that the battery won’t power the solar panel if the battery electricity exceeds the electricity coming from the solar panel. It would also have a switch, so when the solar panel is charging, the battery can be controlled. Then, the battery would be connected to the motor, which also has a switch between it.
Next, I tried to make a few parts with fusion 360, which includes a few pieces. that can connect the stick on the motor to the container with the ball inside.
Piece #1
Piece #2
Piece #3
Later, I realized that piece #1 and #2 was kind of unnecessary. Piece #1 can just be replaced with piece #3 glued onto the stick directly. Piece #2 was too big and really kind of unnecessary.
I printed piece #3 out, and hot glued it onto my stick with the motor on it.
Then, I began my process of soldering the wires based on the testing board. The process took a long time since it was my first time soldering, but I learned much from it. Some connections continuously broke so I had to solder them multiple times. Soldering took around 2~3 days to complete. I also printed the piece and glued it onto the stick.
Finally, I began to put all of them together, first sticking the solar panels onto the cardboard, then putting the rest of the circuit in it. Finally, I glued the motor to the box so that the spinning parts stick out and connect to the stick. Finally, I connected the container with the ping-pong ball on the stick.