Engineering Technology Senior Projects 2009
Balloon Blaster
ClubinaBag
CoolFanEase and Magic Window Wand
Double Coverage
Fido-Fetcher
Fishing Butler
Hydra-Scale
J-Fish
The Neptune
Shut-the-Box
Speak-EZ
Time Trap
Visionary Solutions
Wine CONoisseur
Balloon Blaster
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Project Description
This water balloon launcher is designed both for fun and educational purposes. Children can launch water balloons while at the same time experiment with the concepts of physics and mechanics.
ClubinaBag
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Project Description
ClubinaBag reminds golfers that a golf club is missing from their golf bag. The device is composed of a tube in which the golf club is inserted. At the bottom of the tube is a spring-loaded switch that is closed except when a golf club is in place. This switch is interfaced with an electronic microcontroller that is activated when the player removes the golf club from the bag. The switch closes and triggers an LED that flashes, indicating that the golf club is missing and that the timer has been activated. When the preset time of 8–12 minutes is reached and the golf club is not returned to the bag, an alarm sounds that the club is missing. Returning the golf club to the tube deactivates the microcontroller, disarming the system and the alarm.
CoolFanEase
Magic Window Wand
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Project Descriptions
This team developed two products. CoolFanEase is a mounting device for free-standing box fans on a narrow window sill. The bracket is adjustable to accommodate a variety of 20-inch box fans and can be used with newer double- or single-hung window types, even with opening heights of less than 20 inches.
The Magic Window Wand is an adjustable support device for full tilt windows. Used as an aid when cleaning or servicing double- or single-hung windows, the device supports the window pane while it is titled away from its vertical locked position.
Double Coverage
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Project Description
Double Coverage ear warmers are fastened with Velcro® to the ear holes of football helmets, blocking the wind from entering the holes and providing direct protection from the cold. Players usually cover the ear holes of their helmets with tape during the last weeks of the season. Double Coverage provides greater warmth and can be removed and washed.
Fido-Fetcher
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Project Description
The Fido-Fetcher is designed to entertain and train a dog. The product automatically launches a tennis ball to a specified distance for the pet to fetch. After retrieving the ball, the dog then drops it back into a receptacle and within seconds the ball launches again.
Fishing Butler
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Project Description
The Fishing Butler is a fishing rod holder that secures an angler’s extra gear while holding two fishing rods in both surf and river situations. The product holds two fishing rods in either the vertical or horizontal position while two arms extend outward to secure a wading jacket and vest/pack. The arms retract to fit inside a vehicle. Designed to be pushed into the sand or river bed, the Fishing Butler supports itself and its contents, allowing anglers a clean and dry way to secure their valuable equipment while attending to other tasks.
Hydra-Scale
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Project Description
The Hydra-Scale weighs the loads lifted by hydraulic fork lift trucks and displays the weight electronically for the fork lift operator to see. This device allows companies to both weigh and move product at the same time, saving time and money. It also lets the fork lift operator know that the loads being lifted are within the truck’s safety limits. The Hydra-Scale can be calibrated and adapted to any hydraulic fork lift truck.
J-Fish
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Project Description
This umbrella, with flexible solar cells attached to its top face, supplies DC power to an AC inverter, producing 115 volts, 60 hertz, for outdoor use. It efficiently and reliably supplies AC power for a wide variety of appliances, such as laptops, cell phones, portable electronic games, lights, and other electronic equipment up to 200 watts. The product has many safety features, making it safe for outdoor and beach usage. The solar array indicator directly displays the power from the solar cells. With proper care and appropriate usage, the J-Fish will give years of dependable service.
The NepTune
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Project Description
The NepTune is a battery-operated sound locator device for disc golf. Attached to the underside of a flying disc, it is operated at will by the player via an on/off switch before the toss. The electrical device emits an audible beeping sound to direct the player to the location of the disc within 50 feet. The timed sounding device is encased in a housing that is attached to the underside of the disc. The housing will not extend past the bottom lip of the disc to avoid changing its aerodynamics. This housing can be installed at the factory or by the consumer. The internal components consist of a buzzer, power source, switch, Light Emitting Diode (LED), and electronic timer.
Shut-the-Box
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Project Description
Made with Light Emitting Diode (LED) lighting, digital displays, rundown timers, and audio alarms, Shut-the-Box is a modern, electromechanical version of an ancient dice game. The objective of the game is to get the lowest score possible through consecutive rolls of the dice by removing the numbered tiles from the playing field that equal the sum of the dice after each roll. When the player can no longer remove any numbered tiles, his/her turn is over.
Speak-EZ
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Project Description
The Speak-EZ is a computer program designed to improve communication with autistic children. The software is used in conjunction with mobile hand-held touch screen devices, such as the Apple iPhone. The Speak-EZ software enables the user to communicate visually and verbally with the children through the device’s screen. The software is customizable, allowing the user to upload any visual representations desired.
The Time Trap
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Project Description
This affordable and portable laser-timing system for hobbyists, sports enthusiasts, and testing technicians can be used for timing Pinewood Derby cars and Raingutter Regatta boats for Cub Scouts, timing wind sprints or long distance running, bench top testing, and tuning radio control cars. The Time Trap is battery operated, easy to use, and features a counter function for recording laps, measuring total revolutions, and revolutions per minute (RPMs).
Visionary Solutions
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Project Descriptions
This team developed two products. My Friend Mat is a magnetized table top work mat that assists the user by minimizing the risk of losing small items when disassembling serviceable products. It is foldable and includes a bin for small parts. The Man’s Magnet is a small, yet strong, releasable magnet that allows the user to quickly secure and release items from a steel surface without power. It can act as a “third hand” in the workshop, garage, and home.
Wine CONoisseur
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Project Description
This product dispenses wine into a glass without letting air into the wine bottle. The wine is pushed through a set of needles forced through the cork; one needle dispenses the wine while the other injects nitrogen in the headspace of the bottle. This increases the life of the wine and makes automatic dispensing possible.