Self-Watering and Shading Plant Stand

Our group decided to design a self watering plant. When deciding our project we came up with two main ideas which were the self watering+self shading plant and an automated car which follows direction of light. Our decision came down to originality and we felt that a car was too common and we wanted to try something different. When designing the project we thought of the main issues, specific to Kansas, which the functionality of our design would help. These main issues were the plant drying out due to a lack of soil moisture, or the plant wilting due to excessive sunlight. Our design kept these in mind when determining functions of our project. We decided to make the plant holder have a shade which would drop down to cover the plant when there is a certain temperature level using a temperature sensor. Also, a reservoir of water which would open to moisten the soil when the moisture level drops below a certain point. This function would be done using a moisture sensor.

1-- Arduino

https://www.sparkfun.com/products/11021

2-- Breadboard​

https://www.sparkfun.com/products/12002

3-- 2 Micro Servo Motors​

https://www.sparkfun.com/products/24052

4-- Moisture Sensor​

https://www.sparkfun.com/products/13637

5-- Temperature Sensor​

https://www.sparkfun.com/products/10988

6-- Button​

https://www.sparkfun.com/products/12993

7-- 3D Printer​

(ME lab)

8-- Filament​

(ME lab)

9-- Dirt​

10-- Plant​

11-- Water

12-- Flex Seal(if necessary) and sealant

Using the files(see attached), print out the parts needed for the stand and the moving parts needed such as the gears. We 3d printed the top parts only, with the gears.

Once all parts are printed, assemble the stand by joining the base of the stand and 3d printed parts together. We were unable to 3d print the base of the stand so we constructed that by hand out of cardboard and various sealants. We also taped the outside of the base for security. We then spray painted the base and the 3D printed parts to color match. We used the .stl file as a reference to construct the bottom. We also made the shade by hand using a piece of cardboard for the frame and a piece of paper as the main part of the shade to keep it light enough for the servo to move. While joining the stand to the base, flex seal any gaps or cracks in the stand to avoid leaks to the breadboard. Leave the sealant to dry overnight. Lastly, the servo with the shade was attached to the top along with the gears.

Set up the breadboard according to the files attached. Ensure all of the wiring setup/ pin locations are the same as the circuit image.

Upload the attached code to the breadboard. Additionally, the math to determine how long to water the plant each time is attached. This was based on how long it takes for the reservoir to empty. This math was used to have a value for the code for how long the hole is revealed to water the plant.

Attach all parts of the breadboard to the necessary location. Check one more time for any gaps that need to be sealed. Ensure no wires came loose. Before filling the reservoir make sure that the board is functioning properly.

Fill the reservoir on the side and start the program.