Create

Day 1:

Summary: On day 1 of building the prototype, I did not complete the planned goal which is to complete the wiring of the solar panels. Throughout the class, I gathered materials and used multimeters to test whether the solar panels are working or not. During the second half of the class, I learned to solder through watching a youtube video along with the guide the teachers. Today, I have learned that soldering is basically melting a piece of a string of lead and drying it so that it could connect two different electrical components together while still ensuring electrical flow through them.

Day 2:

On day 2, I have managed to practice a lot of soldering and learned to master solder, and completed the circuits part of my device.

I also learned that solar panels work most efficiently outside where there is sunlight. At first, I tested in the design center, and didn’t work, I learned that the artificial lights in the design center are not enough to power the solar panels since I tested outside with a multimeter, and when the switch is turned on, the USB lighted up, meaning the USB is powered under the sun. Using a multimeter, it was detected that the solar panels send approximately 10.8 volts of electric current to the USB charging port, making it perfect for charging (average voltage of charger within 8-12 voltage).

Day 3:

On day 3, it has been noted that the wirings are very fragile as it has been detached from the solder, so to improve the strength of the circuits, I resoldered the wires so that it could be stronger. I spent the first half of the class improving the solder to make it stronger.

The frame of the charger is made from wooden blocks. During the process of making the frames of the device, I had to make adjustments to the original design. In the original design, I had a layer of wood underneath the solar panels, I figured this wouldn’t work since there are wirings underneath as well that need to be tucked inside the gap of the frames. So the layer underneath the solar panel is discarded and I added small wooden blocks as support for the solar panels to create space for the wires. On this day, I have completed my prototype and tested it outside which works successfully.

Wooden Blocks (1.5cm*0.9cm)as supports for the solar panels to create space for the wirings

 

Video of the prototype working (USB lights up meaning it has been powered)

 

Images of the prototype:

 

Improve 

After the completion of the prototype, I have gathered feedback on the project from people in my class:

-Make the solar panel stronger

-Add a warning sign to switch off the switch when the phone is charged to 100%

Otherwise, the product is usable, clean, and convenient.

To improve the design, I reinforced the solar panels by applying tape beneath the ledge where the solar panels connect. Furthermore, I added a warning sign on the bottom of the device:

To make it more aesthetically pleasing/usable, I thought about sandpapering the surface of the wood to make it feel better when holding it. However, I ran out of time.

Testing of the final product: (it even works on cloudy days!)