Contactless Candy Machine - Halloween 2022
We completely redesigned our contactless candy machine to make it scarier, speedier, and hopefully even more engaging for Halloween 2022! Once again, my brother, Ben, and I designed this together. He handled gadgetry (sensors, motor, wiring, and programming) and I took on the 3D modeling and prototyping. Feel free to contact me with any questions. Arduino and STL files are available on GitHub.
|
|
2022 Upgrade Overview:
2022 Upgrade Overview:
Mechanics
• Changed the candy delivery method from rack and pinion (2020) to a gear-driven timing belt that meshes with two rollers and a conveyor belt located beneath the candy magazine for increased reliability. • Built-in designated spaces for electrical components. |
Electronics
• Swapped the 5v (2020) stepper motor for a more powerful 12v model, which provides higher torque and far faster dispensing speeds (kids have a lot of ground to cover and the old motor struggled to keep up). • Connected a higher capacity battery that can dual-output to a 5v microelectronics system and 12v motor simultaneously. |
User interface & Façade
• Increased code to near-instant responsiveness for contactless sensor. • Programmed LEDs to guide users through the candy delivery steps. • Added a 3D skull for more authentic Halloween terror and built a Plexiglass surround so that curious trick-or-treater could see the delivery system at work. |