Optimizing Manufacturing Processes

Design and evaluate a cost-effective manufacturing process for a modular moss pole system that supports climbing plants and retains moisture more efficiently than traditional designs. Each unit will be a 1.5-foot plastic cylinder with a longitudinal slit, allowing aerial roots to access an internal moisture-holding substrate. The project will explore options such as extruded pipe with secondary machining or low-cost molding techniques. Students will determine suitable materials, wall thickness, slit-cutting methods, and stackable joint designs. Considerations for aesthetics, color options, and ease of production will also be included. This project emphasizes practical design-for-manufacture, material selection, and low-volume production strategy.

Enhancing Terminal Adhesion in Consumer Electronic Devices for Houseplants

MVolta Inc. (Quench Plant) has identified a recurring issue with the terminals of their new consumer electronic device for houseplants, which tend to detach after prolonged exposure to moist soil. This project aims to investigate the underlying causes of this detachment and develop improved adhesion methods to ensure long-term durability. By simulating real-world conditions using a heated, corrosive ultrasonic bath, students will analyze the failure mechanisms that contribute to terminal detachment. The project will provide an opportunity for students to apply their classroom knowledge in materials science and chemistry to test innovative bonding techniques. The ultimate goal is to extend the lifespan of the device, ensuring it remains functional and reliable for consumers.

NFC-Powered Environmental Sensor Design

MVolta Inc. is seeking innovative solutions to enhance their environmental monitoring capabilities. The goal of this project is to design and build a compact, near-field communication (NFC)-powered sensor that can accurately measure humidity and temperature. In addition, the project will include the development of a mobile phone application to read, log, and analyze the sensor's data, providing users with an intuitive interface for monitoring environmental conditions. This project will allow learners to apply their knowledge of electronics, sensor technology, software development, firmware development, mobile app development, and NFC communication protocols. The sensor should be energy-efficient, leveraging NFC technology to power the device without the need for an external power source. The mobile application will act as a companion to the sensor, enabling real-time data access, historical data logging, and user-friendly visualization. The project will involve researching existing NFC technologies, designing a prototype, and testing its functionality in a controlled environment. By the end of the project, learners will gain hands-on experience in integrating NFC technology with environmental sensors and mobile applications, preparing them for future challenges in the field of IoT and smart devices. Project Scope and Tasks: Research and Development: Understand NFC technology and its applications in powering and communicating with devices. Identify suitable sensor components for humidity and temperature measurements. Sensor Design and Prototyping: Design a humidity and temperature sensor that operates using NFC technology. Develop a prototype, ensuring it meets accuracy and energy-efficiency requirements. Mobile Application Development: Design and build a mobile phone application compatible with the NFC sensor. Implement features for real-time data reading, logging, and visualization. Testing and Optimization: Conduct comprehensive tests to validate the sensor's accuracy, reliability, and power efficiency. Test the mobile application for usability and seamless integration with the NFC sensor. Documentation and Reporting: Document the design process, including hardware and software development. Record testing results and provide insights for future improvements. By integrating the NFC-powered sensor with a mobile phone application, this project bridges hardware and software, providing a complete solution for environmental monitoring while equipping learners with valuable skills in both domains.

Quench V2 - The Ultimate High Tech Plant Hydration Alert

The main goal for the project is to design version 2 of Quench, a houseplant watering alarm, that will make improvements based on customer feedback. This will involve creating a new PCB design for the hardware component and writing new code in the microcontroller for the software component.