360° Servo Camera Protector & 3D-Printed Case for Sphero RVR

This project introduces an advanced and compact solution designed to enhance the functionality and durability of the Sphero RVR robot. At its core is a 360-degree rotating servo mechanism equipped with a mounted camera, enabling seamless panoramic viewing for navigation, surveillance, or exploration tasks. To address potential risks during operation, such as collisions or malfunctions, the design incorporates a robust camera protection system that safeguards the camera from direct impacts, ensuring its longevity even in challenging environments.

Additionally, the project features a custom 3D-printed enclosure that houses all components in a streamlined and efficient design. This compact case not only protects the internal electronics but also maintains a sleek and professional aesthetic. Together, these innovations provide a reliable, all-in-one solution for enhancing the Sphero RVR's capabilities while ensuring durability and ease of use.

Sphero RVR

Battery

Arduino

Motors

3D-printed parts

Sensors

Circuitry components

Nuts and bolts

Basic tools

The core of this design revolves around a three-part rotating mechanism that ensures seamless movement and robust protection. The system consists of two outer locking components that securely enclose and stabilize the structure, while the central part—driven by a servo motor—enables smooth 360-degree rotation. This configuration not only provides precise control over the camera's movement but also offers enhanced protection against external impacts, ensuring the camera and internal components remain safe during operation. The interlocking design of the outer parts ensures structural integrity, while the servo-driven central mechanism delivers reliable and efficient rotation for optimal functionality.

The system operates effectively but occasionally experiences jamming due to the bolt interfering with the base plate or minor loads on the motor shaft. To address this, a precision cutout was introduced at the center of the motor shaft, providing additional clearance. This modification eliminates contact between the shaft and the bolt, ensuring uninterrupted, smooth rotation and preventing any binding or obstruction with the base plate, thereby enhancing overall performance and reliability.

This section highlights the meticulous design process to ensure all nuts and bolts are fully concealed within the 3D-printed components. By carefully calculating the bolt hole depths, each fastener is securely embedded, maintaining a clean and polished exterior while ensuring structural integrity. This approach not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of the design but also provides sufficient depth for bolts to sit flush, ensuring a seamless and professional finish that aligns with both functional and design requirements.

Below is a list of key components:

1. LiDAR Sensor
2. Rear-Facing Camera
3. 3D-Printed Structural Parts
4. Servo Motor
5. Main Control Circuit

The final assembled product features a sleek, compact design with seamless integration of the 360-degree rotating camera mechanism and 3D-printed protective enclosure, combining functionality, durability, and aesthetic appeal.

This video demonstrates how to build an Arduino circuit with a servo motor in Tinkercad, including the complete Arduino code for the project.

Code:-

#include <Servo.h>

int pos = 0;

Servo servo_9;

void setup()

{

servo_9.attach(9, 500, 2500);

}

void loop()

{

for (pos = 0; pos <= 180; pos += 1) {

servo_9.write(pos);

delay(15);

}

for (pos = 180; pos >= 0; pos -= 1) {

servo_9.write(pos);

delay(15);

}

}

his report documents the complete design journey, from the initial prototype to the final optimized version, highlighting key challenges, improvements, and innovative solutions.