Automatic Bottle Opener

The Automatic Bottle Opener is a revolutionary device designed to provide a seamless and user-friendly solution for opening bottles effortlessly. Traditional bottle openers often require considerable force and dexterity to operate, making them impractical for certain individuals. The project aims to assist individuals with physical challenges, such as those suffering from Rheumatoid Arthritis, or the elderly, who often struggle with conventional bottle openers. This innovative device utilizes a linear motion system and an Arduino Uno microcontroller to automate the bottle-opening process. The device is equipped with various modes and user-friendly controls, allowing users to adjust the opening speed, switch between different operating modes, and provide visual feedback through an LCD display.

General components:

1. Arduino Uno microcontroller
2. Arduino Uno Screw terminal shield
3. DC Motor JGB37-550 12V
4. BTS7960B Motor Driver
5. Power adapter 12V/3A
6. DC connector adapter 5.5/2.1mm to terminal block
7. Rocker switch 3A
8. Wooden board 197 x 325 x 18 mm
9. Plywood 5mm thickness
10. Bottle opener
11. Cables
12. Screws and nuts

For user interface:

1. 16x2 LCD display 1602 blue + I2C adapter
2. Dual-axis XY joystick module
3. Potentiometer 10kR
4. Button 6x6x5mm (5pcs)
5. 3D printed parts

For linear rail:

1. Aluminum profile V-slot 20x20 500mm
2. Tee nut M3 (10pcs)
3. Threaded trapezoidal screw 300mm d8 T8
4. Brass trapezoidal nut d8 T8
5. Lever limit switch (2pcs)
6. Openbuilds Eccentric Spacer (2pcs)
7. Aluminum flexible jaw shaft coupling
8. Bearing 8mm inner diameter (2pcs)
9. 3D printed parts

For PCB:

1. L7805CV
2. LED
3. Resistor 220R
4. Capacitor 100nF (2pcs)
5. Screw terminal KF301-3P (10pcs)

Tools used:

1. 3D Printer
2. Laser cutter
3. Drill machine
4. Soldering iron
5. Screwdriver set

All components are mounted on a wooden board measuring 197 x 325 x 18 mm, which allows for easy attachment using screws.

A V-slot aluminum profile is the base for securing the linear actuator. This profile is highly versatile, offering various options for attaching components. It is fixed to the wooden board using brackets, which are screwed to the wooden board and secured to the V-slot profile with Tee nuts and screws. One main support bracket is mounted at the back, while three additional side brackets ensure stable attachment in a single location.

The profile serves as the mounting point for the motor and the trapezoidal screw, which together form the linear actuator. The motor is secured using custom 3D-printed parts, which are attached to the profile with V-slot nuts and M3 screws, and to the motor using M3 screws. The trapezoidal screw is also mounted using 3D-printed parts. Bearings with an 8 mm inner diameter are inserted into these parts to hold the screw in place. End limit switches are attached to these printed parts.

The connection between the motor and the trapezoidal screw is achieved with a flexible shaft coupling. This coupling ensures torque transfer while compensating for minor misalignments, which extends the motor's lifespan compared to a rigid coupling.

Attached to the trapezoidal screw supports is a carriage with the bottle opener. The carriage is firmly secured to the trapezoidal nut using screws. To enable smooth linear movement, V-slot wheels are attached to the sides with printed spacer posts and M5 screws. These wheels minimize friction and fit into the grooves of the V-slot profile. Finally, a hinge is attached to the carriage, and the bottle opener is attached to the other end of the hinge.

The electronics were securely mounted on a board made from an old lacquered (non-conductive) piece of cuprexite, which serves as the foundation for all control components. This design ensures that, even in the event of liquid spilling onto the main wooden base, the electronics remain completely protected.

The cuprexite board is attached to the wooden base using brackets, which are screwed firmly into place. To mount the electronic components, holes were drilled into the board, allowing screws and nuts to hold them securely. Additional holes were added for cable management, enabling clean and organized wiring using zip ties.

The Automatic Party Bottle Opener required a power distribution system for 12 V, 5 V, and GND (ground). To meet this need, a custom PCB was created.

The PCB receives 12 V and GND from a 12 V / 3 A power adapter, which features a standard male DC connector. This connector plugs into a female DC socket, which outputs two wires (12 V and GND) to the PCB. The PCB distributes 12 V and GND using terminal blocks and regulates the 12 V down to 5 V for further distribution.

The PCB includes six terminals for 12 V, nine terminals for 5 V, and fifteen terminals for GND. Of these, three 12 V terminals, six 5 V terminals, and eleven GND terminals are currently in use. The remaining unused terminals provide flexibility for future upgrades or modifications to the Automatic Party Bottle Opener.

Additionally, the PCB is equipped with an indicator LED and a resistor to signal when power is being supplied to the board. Voltage regulation is handled by an L7805CV voltage regulator, which ensures a stable 5 V output.

The PCB was manufactured as a single-sided board and assembled using Through-Hole Technology (THT).

A control panel was 3D-printed to provide a convenient mounting surface for all control components, including buttons, an LCD display, a potentiometer, and a joystick. The panel is attached to the front of the wooden board using screws.

A plywood box was constructed to enhance the product's mechanical durability and improve its aesthetic appearance. The plywood pieces were cut using a CNC laser, ensuring precise joints with interlocking “teeth” and corresponding slots on each part. The pieces are assembled using brackets, countersunk M3 screws, M3 nuts, and M3 washers. The countersunk screws sit flush with the plywood surface, creating a clean and polished look.

For plywood panels where nuts cannot be manually attached from below, custom brackets were designed. These brackets are made from metal angles with nuts glued to their underside. The nuts are then placed into 3D-printed holders. This setup allows the final plywood panels to be secured simply by inserting screws into the pre-positioned nuts, ensuring a seamless and sturdy assembly.

The Arduino Uno microcontroller was programmed using the Arduino IDE development environment. The LiquidCrystal_I2C library was used to display data on the LCD screen, simplifying communication between the LCD display and the I2C bus. This library was chosen to make the program cleaner, easier to read, and more manageable.

The precise functionality of each mode is described below. Modes are switched by pressing the "Mode" button on the control panel.

Automatic Mode

When the "Start" button is pressed, a single sequence to open a bottle is executed. The sequence involves moving from the upper limit switch to the lower one and then back to the upper limit switch. This sequence is performed only if the opener is already in the upper position (upper limit switch triggered).

If the system is idle (no sequence running) and the opener is not in the upper position, pressing the "Start" button will first move the opener to the upper limit switch and stop there. This allows the user to place the bottle into the bottle holder.

The speed of movement can be adjusted using the potentiometer on the control panel, and the current speed is displayed as a percentage on the LCD screen.

PARTY!! Mode

Upon pressing the "Start" button for the first time, the PARTY!! mode sequence is activated. This mode is designed to open multiple bottles with just one button press. The sequence involves continuous movement of the opener between the upper and lower positions.

The PARTY!! mode sequence is stopped by pressing the "Start" button again, at which point the opener always returns to the upper position. For improved user experience, the LCD screen displays whether the PARTY!! mode sequence is active or inactive.

If the system is idle and the opener is not in the upper position, pressing the "Start" button will first move the opener to the upper limit switch and stop there.

The speed of movement can once again be adjusted using the potentiometer on the control panel.

Manual Mode

In this mode, the speed and direction of the opener's movement are controlled using the joystick on the control panel. The current speed is displayed as a percentage on the LCD screen.

The Automatic Bottle Opener is an innovative solution that combines functionality, accessibility, and user-friendliness. Designed to address the challenges faced by individuals who struggle with conventional bottle openers—such as the elderly or those with physical limitations—this project delivers a reliable, automated way to open bottles with minimal effort.

The combination of 3D-printed components, a robust V-slot linear rail, and custom-designed electronics results in a device that is not only functional but also aesthetically polished. The modular design allows for easy assembly, maintenance, and future upgrades, ensuring long-term usability.

Thank you for following along with this build! I hope this project inspires you to explore similar automation ideas. If you decide to recreate or improve this design, I would love to see your version - feel free to share your thoughts or modifications in the comments below. Cheers! 🎉