Abstract
The purpose of this project is to design and build an outlet timer that could mechanically cut off the power to a plugged in device after a set amount of time. The Turbine project resulted in the successful production of an alpha prototype. This prototype could meet a perceived market need for a mechanically timed cutoff socket. It proved the Turbine met the critical functions required to be a working product. The turbine meets the three most important functional requirements; however, it did not meet two of the functional requirements. With one or two more design refinements, the Turbine would be able to meet all the functional requirements and be ready for the market.
Functional Requirements
1. Price
The consumer price should be $10
2. Timer
The design need an adjustable timed cutoff. This timed cutoff should allow for a charge of 2 hours.
3. Size
The device should be able to fit in the pocket of a pair of jeans, being about 3 cubic inches.
4. Presets
The device should have favorite presets
5. Unobtrusive
The device should be unobtrusive and only take up one socket in an outlet.
Background
It is common for cell phone batteries to be overcharged. Most existing outlets will provide energy to devices even after they are fully charged or in standby mode. This wastes electricity and energy, costing the user extra money and negatively affecting the environment. Standby power draw totals to 100 billion kilowatt hours of annual U.S. electricity consumption amounting to $10 billion in annual wasted energy costs.
Emotional Design
The design behind the Turbine was intended to evoke multiple feelings. The primary color is white and is supposed to evoke a high-tech and clean feel. The smooth edges are intended to evoke a warm and cozy feeling. The green text in the Turbine text promotes a sense of environmental stewardess.
Final Design and Assembly
The final design consisted of two main sections, a base (which housed the male socket connectors) and a top mount (which housed the female socket connectors). These two sections were fastened together by and abs adhesive. The base and top sections housed the rotating timer mechanism and conductive strips. Due to the imperfect nature of the 3D printed plastic pieces; some modifications were necessary. This was done using a dremel to remove extra material that interfered with tolerances of the moving parts.
The purpose of this project is to design and build an outlet timer that could mechanically cut off the power to a plugged in device after a set amount of time. The Turbine project resulted in the successful production of an alpha prototype. This prototype could meet a perceived market need for a mechanically timed cutoff socket. It proved the Turbine met the critical functions required to be a working product. The turbine meets the three most important functional requirements; however, it did not meet two of the functional requirements. With one or two more design refinements, the Turbine would be able to meet all the functional requirements and be ready for the market.
Functional Requirements
1. Price
The consumer price should be $10
2. Timer
The design need an adjustable timed cutoff. This timed cutoff should allow for a charge of 2 hours.
3. Size
The device should be able to fit in the pocket of a pair of jeans, being about 3 cubic inches.
4. Presets
The device should have favorite presets
5. Unobtrusive
The device should be unobtrusive and only take up one socket in an outlet.
Background
It is common for cell phone batteries to be overcharged. Most existing outlets will provide energy to devices even after they are fully charged or in standby mode. This wastes electricity and energy, costing the user extra money and negatively affecting the environment. Standby power draw totals to 100 billion kilowatt hours of annual U.S. electricity consumption amounting to $10 billion in annual wasted energy costs.
Emotional Design
The design behind the Turbine was intended to evoke multiple feelings. The primary color is white and is supposed to evoke a high-tech and clean feel. The smooth edges are intended to evoke a warm and cozy feeling. The green text in the Turbine text promotes a sense of environmental stewardess.
Final Design and Assembly
The final design consisted of two main sections, a base (which housed the male socket connectors) and a top mount (which housed the female socket connectors). These two sections were fastened together by and abs adhesive. The base and top sections housed the rotating timer mechanism and conductive strips. Due to the imperfect nature of the 3D printed plastic pieces; some modifications were necessary. This was done using a dremel to remove extra material that interfered with tolerances of the moving parts.