Week 4: Initial Design

This week, the group decided to order the Dexter Infrared NXT sensor in order to help detect the flame.  The sensor was ordered and was delivered last week.  The following is a picture of the sensor:

With the sensor, the physical design for the robot was created.  The robot was set up with the fan mechanism and all 4 sensors, keeping the main design very simple and allowing for sensors and motors to be easily attached.  The following picture shows the design:

Some of the key features of the design are:
1. Mounted Fan Mechanism - Mounted on top of the robot is a motor with a set of gears used to power the fan.  The fan blades are made from a soda can and are bent in order to propel air forward.  The fan has been tested and can put out a flame at a distance of 1ft.
2. Color Sensor - The color sensor is mounted on the front of the robot in order to detect changes in the floor color.  Doorways are marked by white lines on the floor and the candle location is marked by a white semi-circle.
3. Touch Sensor - The touch sensor is also mounted on the front of the robot in order to detect walls.
4. Ultra Sonic Sensor - The ultra sonic sensor is mounted on the left side of the robot, facing the left.  This sensor will be used to determine when the robot passes by a doorway.
5. Infrared Sensor - The infrared sensor is mounted underneath the fan.  It is used to detect infrared light emitted by the flame.
6. Wheels and Motors - On each side of the robot is one motorized wheel.  There is also a free spinning wheel on the back of the robot.