Summary of Vacation Pet Feeder from Recycled Materials
This article details a DIY pet feeder project designed to automate feeding during vacations using recycled cardboard and an Arduino. The creator utilizes a modified glue stick as a linear actuator driven by a continuous rotation servo, controlled via 3D modeling software for precision. This cost-effective build demonstrates rapid prototyping with accessible materials while integrating robotics principles for a stress-free holiday solution.
Parts used in the Vacation Pet Feeder:
- Glue stick
- Cardboard
- Scissors
- Hot glue
- Continuous rotation servo
- Arduino board
- Brass tube
- Balsa wood (optional)
If you are a pet owner, going on vacation can be stressful. Usually, you need a friend or neighbor to come over every day and feed your pets. However, by enslaving robots you can keep your pet happy and enjoy a stress-free holiday. To save money and learn something new, I decided to make my pet feeder out of recycled materials like cardboard and glue sticks. Cardboard is great for rapid prototyping.
I have entered the pet feeder into the Make It Real Challenge because it relies on 3D modelling software for a rapid prototype design. I made this instructable especially for the contest after writing the original article for wonderhowto.com. As much as I love cardboard, I could prototype more precise designs with a 3D printer and build up my design skills for rocketry and robotics mechanisms. Please rate, vote and comment to help make my cardboard dreams a plastic reality!
Materials
- Glue stick
- Cardboard
- Scissors
- Hot glue
- Continuous rotation servo
- Arduino board
Step 1:
We will be using the glue stick case as a linear actuator. To attach it to our servo, we must first get rid of the glue. Remove the glue from the tube and pry it off of the inner plastic slide. This can get messy so be careful! Remove the circular cap at the base of the glue and set it aside.
Step 2: Make Actuator Arm
1. Hot glue the tube into the small plastic cup from inside the glue stick. The hollow tube will fit neatly around the inner corkscrew of the glue stick.
2. Make four notches in the handle of the glue stick and fit them over the servo horn. Use hot glue to secure the connection. It is important to make sure the glue dries while the servo and glue stick are perfectly aligned. This will prevent wobbling.
Step 3: Make an Enclosure
petfeed.skp478 KBStep 4: Attach Arm to Base
1. Make the platform slightly smaller than your enclosure to allow the platform to slide inside the box.
2. Glue the bottom of the servo to a cardboard base.
3. Push the actuator arm into the box and seal the bottom with hot glue or tape.
Step 5: Adjust Platform and Cut Exit Chute
- How does the glue stick function in this project?
The glue stick case acts as a linear actuator where rotational motion pushes a brass tube up a spiral rod. - What material replaces the original glue inside the tube?
A sturdy brass tube is inserted into the plastic cup to handle the weight of pet food. - Why is 3D modeling software recommended for this design?
Software like Google SketchUp helps evaluate the design in 3D before building to ensure the linear actuator works correctly. - Can screws be used instead of hot glue for connections?
Yes, you can use screws and balsa wood if you want a more secure connection for attaching the platform. - Where should the exit hole for pet food be cut?
Cut a circular hole on the side of the enclosure between the maximum and minimum height marks of the platform. - How do you prevent wobbling when attaching the arm?
Secure the connection with hot glue while ensuring the servo and glue stick are perfectly aligned so the glue dries straight. - What happens when the platform reaches its maximum height?
The platform entirely closes off the chute to stop food from spilling out. - Is this project suitable for learning robotics mechanisms?
Yes, the author notes it helps build design skills for rocketry and robotics mechanisms.
