Dispensing units use a stepper motor to reel resistor rolls into the cutting mechanism. With sufficient calibration, we might be able to calibrate the motor so that the mechanism pushes out exactly one resistor at a time. However, if something were to happen that disrupts the mechanism and ruins the calibration, there must be a more reliable way to count the resistors as they roll into the cutting mechanism.
Task
Develop a reliable method to count resistors as they enter the cutting mechanism. Consider the following factors:
Accuracy of the solution: how reliable is it for counting individual resistors?)
Possibility of interference: e.g., how might different light conditions affect the efficacy of an IR sensor? how would you prevent this?
Form factor: how would the size and placement of the sensor affect the overall design?
Description
Dispensing units use a stepper motor to reel resistor rolls into the cutting mechanism. With sufficient calibration, we might be able to calibrate the motor so that the mechanism pushes out exactly one resistor at a time. However, if something were to happen that disrupts the mechanism and ruins the calibration, there must be a more reliable way to count the resistors as they roll into the cutting mechanism.
Task
Develop a reliable method to count resistors as they enter the cutting mechanism. Consider the following factors:
Possible Implementations
Resources