Initial Ideas

Initial Ideas

1. Motion Sensor

   • As the main input for my system I aim to use a motion sensor to monitor a change in conditions in order to trigger the alarm system. Sensors that I could use, include a PIR, a pressure switch or a phototransistor. This allows me to be fairly broad during my design and development phase, and test out a variety of possibilities to see which is the msot efficient and fit for the purpose

2. Basic 5mm LED

   • I'm using a basic LED as this not only reduces the cost of the overall product, but it is easily incorporated into a circuit and the brightness can be adjusted using different resistor values. Furthermore, this would also benefit the casing design as a 5mm LED would not require much space during mounting of the casing .

3. Buzzer

   • If possible, the aim is to use a buzzer in my circuit (at least 70dB; according to my research this is the value for a loud dishwasher so it will be required for an alarm system). I am trying to incorporate a buzzer as this does not require any complex circuitry (it only plays 1 sound so no need for variable resistor) allowing for ease of manufacture.

4. Acrylic

   • Acrylic is both cheap and easily used in a variety of construction techniques. In my case it would be fairly easy just to create a CAD file and transfer this to the laser cutter. Furthermore, acrylic comes in various colors, which is good for aesthetic purposes as well as keeping in line with my specification (obvious design/red color).

5. Dual Switch System (if possible)

   • For the sake of usability and purpose, I would ideally like to include two switches into my design; one power switch and one deactivation switch. The reason for this is entirely practical; there would be no point in having just one switch for everything as a robber could easily just deactivate by pressing the button. By adding a second switch (key maybe?) it makes it difficult to deactivate by an intruder, making it more desirable as a product.