Download Garage Parking Indicator - ECpE Senior Design

Garage Parking Indicator
Iowa State University Senior Design Dec 06-09
Faculty Advisor: Dr. Gary Tuttle
Client: Senior Design
Lars Kulseng (CprE)
Kevin Finck (EE)
Richard Seals (CprE)
12/05/2006
Outline
Problem Description
Intended Users and Uses
Assumptions and Limitations
Technical Design
Resources and Schedule
Project Evaluation
Summary
Problem Statement
The goal is to provide a system to assist a
person in parking a vehicle in a garage in
two dimensions.
This will be accomplished by having a
device, utilizing a laser pointer, assist the
driver of the vehicle to the correct position
in the garage.
Definitions
GPI – Garage Parking Indicator
LED – Light Emitting Diode
AC – An electric current that reverses direction
in a circuit at regular intervals. (Alternating
Current)
DC – An electric current flowing in one direction
only. (Direct Current)
Power Adaptor – Converts AC voltage to DC
voltage
Laser - A device that produces a very narrow,
highly concentrated beam of light.
Operating Environment
To be used indoors or other controlled
environments.
Reasonable tolerance to seasonal
temperature and humidity changes.
Intended Users and Uses
Any individual who requires assistance in
parking their vehicle in a garage.
Provide a visual guide to the driver to help
them park their vehicle.
Assumptions
The garage has a door and an electric door
opener.
There is a suitable mounting place for the device
in the garage.
The same vehicle will be parked in the same
position every time.
The garage door opener includes a standard
incandescent light bulb which comes on when the
door opener is activated.
The unit has an unobstructed “line of sight” to the
vehicle.
Vehicle is parked forward into the garage.
Limitations
One device will provide guidance for two parking stalls
Installation should be easy, using simple hand tools
The system should turn on and off automatically
Designed for household power (120V AC)
Nothing is to be mounted on the sidewalls or floor of
the garage
Device must retail for less than $40.
End Product and Other Deliverables
Functional prototype
User manual
Present Accomplishments
Research
Design
Purchase parts
Assembly of prototype
Write user manual
Testing
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
100%
Approaches Considered
Ultra sonic sensors
Laser distance measurement
Laser tripwires
Laser pointer as a visual guide
Sound detection for on and off control
Vibration sensor for on and off control
Light detection for on and off control
Utilize garage door opener as power source
Timing circuit for switching
Approach Used
Laser pointer as visual guide
Use garage door opener to power on and
off device.
Project Definition Activities
Met with client to determine the scope and
requirements, gather limitations, as well as
determine an overall definition of the
project.
Research Activities
Existing products
Laser vs. LED
Sensor devices
Timing circuit
Laser safety
Design Activities
The design for this project includes a laser
pointer unit, a power supply unit and a
targeting pad.
Laser Pointer Unit
The GPI will be a single unit that is installed on the
ceiling or back wall of the garage
Two lasers mounted on the outside of the unit will be
pointed in a user defined direction
Class 3A lasers will be used
Power Supply Unit
Device is powered
using the automatic
lighting of a garage
door opener.
Targeting Pad
A target pad will be placed on the dashboard of the vehicle to help the
driver to determine if he or she is in the right position
The square in the middle will serve as the target for the laser beam
When the laser is within the square, the driver is within +/- 1 inch of the
initial calibration point
The extensions on either side of the target pad will provide the driver
guidance on how far the car is to the left or to the right.
Technical Design
Installation/Mounting
Option 1
Option 2
Implementation Activities
Disassemble laser pointer units (2) without damage
Remove components from circuit board
Solder external power source wires to circuit board
Laser pointer housing attached to #6 solid copper wire
using epoxy/hardener compound (3 surface coatings)
Laser pointer unit constructed of plastic project box
modified for installation of laser pointer mounting wires,
on/off power switches and power jack
Mounting screw holes drilled on sides of the box
Laser pointer units are attached to plastic box using ¼ inch
bolts and flat washers
Laser power leads (-Voltage) attached to power toggle
switches via 100 ohm resistors
Toggle switches common (-Voltage) and leads (+Voltage) are
connected to 2.5 mm barrel power jack on side of box
Mounting screw holes reinforced with epoxy and washers
Light bulb socket adaptor provides access to switched 120
Volt AC power source from garage door opener
120 volt extension cable (14 inches) constructed from
standard household extension cord
Power adaptor provides 9 volt DC power to laser pointer unit
9 volt DC power source extension cable (18 Feet)
constructed for back wall installation of laser pointer unit
Side view of garage
Laser turns on automatically
Car is in correct position when laser hits target
The device will switch off automatically
Testing Activities
An End-Product, End-User test was
completed in a typical residential garage
to determine usability of the GPI unit and
the user manual.
The testing was a success and some of
the comments made by the users were
used to improve the users manual.
Resources
Items
Cost W/O Labor
Cost With Labor
Printing Documentation
$10.00
$10.00
Lasers
$16.64
$16.64
Casing
$3.15
$3.15
Power Converters
$5.45
$5.45
Other
$8.71
$8.71
Subtotal
$43.95
$43.95
Hours
Labor at $15.00 per hour
Kulseng, Lars
123
$0
$1,845
Finck, Kevin
166
$0
$2,490
Wiltse, Daniel
75
$0
$1,125
Seals, Richard
92
$0
$1,380
$0
$6,840
$43.95
$6,883.95
Subtotal
Total
456
Project Schedule
Project Evaluation
Number
Milestone
Overall Importance
Success
1
Problem Definition
High
Fully Met
2
Research
High
Fully Met
3
Technology Considerations and Selection
Medium
Fully Met
4
End-Product Design
High
Fully Met
5
End-Product Implementation
High
Fully Met
6
End-Product User Manual
Medium
Fully Met
7
End-Product Testing
Medium
Fully Met
8
End-Product Demonstration
Medium
Fully Met
9
Project Reporting
Medium
Fully Met
Commercialization
This product would allow for very low-cost
production.
The street price of the product could also
be low compared to competitors in this
market because of the low cost to produce
the GPI.
Recommendations for Additional Work
Commercialization of the product could be
considered.
Lessons Learned
What went well
– Team interaction
– Creative process
– Development of low-tech, low-cost product
What did not go well
– Team scheduling
– Finalizing Approach
Risks and Risk Management
Loss of a team member(s)
– Redistribute work load to other members
– Central location for document storage
Late arrival of parts or equipment
– Order in advance
– Have alternatives
Equipment damage
– Have backup equipment
Summary
The garage parking indicator provides a
low-cost, easy to install solution to allow
persons who have difficulties parking a
vehicle, to park a vehicle safely in their
garage.
QUESTIONS?