Block Counter
In semester 2 of 2020 we were tasked with creating a product using Arduino, for which we had to learn some basic coding. The product had to use at least two sensors and or inputs, an Arduino microcontroller, and had to be programmed to functioned as intended.
The Block Counter is designed to assist with numerical literacy for children learning to count while learning at home during lockdowns resulting from the pandemic. The Block Counter works with Base Ten Blocks, with the blocks fed into the respective chutes, with the cumulative total displayed the screen. The Block Counter could also speak aloud the number at the press of a button.
The Block Counter included an LCD display, two push buttons, a speaker, three sets of Infrared (IR) break beam sensors, and an on/off switch.
The Block Counter was modelled in Autodesk Fusion 360 and rendered in KeyShot.
Render of the finished CAD model of the Block Counter. Render created using Autodesk Fusion 360.
Final render of the Block Counter. Render created using KeyShot.
A final render of the Block Counter exploring different materials. Render created using KeyShot.
Finished CAD model of the Block Counter. Created using Autodesk Fusion 360.
A digital render of the exploded view of the completed CAD model showing all the components.
The fully functional presentation model with working coding and components making use of laser cut MDF, 3D printed PLA and off-the-shelf components.
A screenshot of a portion of the completed and functional and final Arduino code.
The presentation board highlighting the various features of the Block Counter. Created using Adobe Illustrator.