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By: Carolyn Fan, Catherine Kehan Xu, Michelle Zhu, Andrea Park
Course: IAT 267 Introduction to Technological Systems

Model Overview

This is a smart candy vending mechanical model. It emulates a real - world vending machine and can automatically handle the entire process from customers selecting candies to dispensing them.

Usage

• Candy Selection: the model is equipped with an interactive interface that presents three types of candies. For each type, there are options of small, medium, and large sizes. Users can complete the candy selection by clicking the corresponding buttons on the interface for the candy type and its size.
• Purchase Confirmation: After choosing the candies, users click the "OK" button on the interface, and the model will start processing the purchase request.
• Waiting for Dispensing: The model operates internally to transport the selected candies to the dispensing outlet via a conveyor belt. The candies of the corresponding size will be pushed out by a servo motor, and finally, users can pick up the purchased candies at the dispensing outlet.

Sensors Used

• Proximity sensors:
  • Quantity and location: there are three proximity sensors in the model. Each is associated with the dispensing channel of one type of candy and is installed near the dispensing outlet.
  • Function: when a candy approaches the dispensing outlet, the proximity sensor can detect it and transmit the detected signal to the control system of the model. The control system determines whether the candy has reached the right position based on this signal and then controls the operation of the conveyor belt and the servo motor.
• Light sensor
  • Location: The light sensor is installed inside the model, close to the dispensing outlet.
  • Function: It can detect the ambient light intensity. If the light is too strong, exceeding a certain value, it will send a signal to the control system, causing the conveyor belt to stop running and preventing the model from malfunctioning due to light interference.

Motors Used

• Servo Motors:
  • Quantity and Purpose: The model is equipped with three servo motors. Each servo motor is responsible for the dispensing action of one type of candy. For example, when a certain type of candy is selected, the corresponding servo motor will rotate at an appropriate angle according to the selected size (small, medium, or large) of the candy to push out the corresponding quantity of candies.
  • Operation: The control system sends rotation commands to the servo motors. The servo motors rotate according to the commanded angles. After the dispensing is completed, they return to their initial positions as instructed by the system, ready for the next dispensing task.
  • Conveyor Belt Motor:
    Function: The conveyor belt motor drives the conveyor belt to move, transporting the candies from the storage area to the dispensing outlet.
  • Control: When the user clicks the "OK" button to confirm the purchase, the control system sends a start signal to the conveyor belt motor. The motor runs to drive the conveyor belt to transport the candies. When the proximity sensor detects that the candies have reached the dispensing outlet and the dispensing is completed, the control system then instructs the conveyor belt motor to stop and wait for the next command.