SUNSYNC | AN AUTOMATED CURTAIN
Mechatronics Engineering
Product Design
Electronics
Coding
Group Project
SunSync is an automatic curtain-drawing robot designed to make your life easier by adjusting your curtains based on the brightness outside.
SunSync is not just an automatic solution but also user-controllable. It is a compact and sleek robot that can be easily attached to your curtain track.
The Problem
It can be a hassle to open and close curtains manually, especially if they are heavy or if they’re hard to reach. In the summer it can get hot if the curtains are open. This can lead to temperature fluctuations. Elders and people with disabilities can have a hard time opening and closing curtains.
Automated curtains can simulate occupancy by opening and closing at random times. This can serve as a security, decreasing the risk of break-ins.
The Idea
The goal was to make a curtain that automatically opens and closes. When the brightness exceeds a certain level, the curtain closes, and when the brightness decreases, the curtain opens.
We also wanted to be able to open and close the curtains using a smartphone.
Development and 3D modelling
We modeled the smart curtain in Solidworks. We printed the models using a 3D printer. We made a few prototypes that failed but kept upgrading them until we were satisfied.
Design and Functionality
We added a spring on the bottom of the motor platform to create resistance on the curtain track, allowing the wheel to run on the track. The gap on the box is for the light sensor to register brightness. We used Adafruit Metro and Circuit Python to program it. It opens and closes according to brightness level, can be controlled from phone or computer, can drag a 500g curtain at least 1 meter, holds a steady speed at 0.25 m/s, and is easy to set up.
Thank you for reading
I learned a lot from this project, I learned how to design, prototype, connect electronics, and program. I also learned many lessons for example how a simple project can be remarkably difficult to execute well, and how to design a project from the ground up to a finished product. I also learned the importance of prototyping and that good documentation can make your life so much easier, even though it's more time consuming in the moment.