My project will be to create a device that measures the heartrate and flash red LEDs at the same rate as the heartbeat. I am keeping the upcycling theme and using an old engine valve cover to house all of these components.
For the prototype, in order to demonstrate the aesthetic, I decided to start building the device without any of the functional parts.
Step 1 – I removed the valve cover from a 1999 Toyota Camry that my friend has lying around. It was simple enough to disconnect all of the components and pull the cover off.
http://www.samarins.com/reviews/img/camry_01_eng_large.jpg
Step 2 – Using hot water, dish soap, and a sponge, I scrubbed the valve cover for about half an hour. It made a big difference, but I would like to clean it up some more. As suggested during the critique, I will try soaking it in a cleaner and using a pressure washer to clean the cover some more.
Step 3 – Mock up the LED and the heartrate sensor. The red LEDs were represented with a piece of cardboard colored as the red bulbs. The heartrate sensor was mocked up using cardboard as well.
Overall, I like the aesthetic the prototype demonstrates. This prototype will turn into the actual product. I am calling this look “Industrially Chic Automotive,” as it represents the industrial look with the engine part, while the cleanliness will make the device appear chic.
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This is a really cool idea for the project! i like that it is another form of up cycling and this will be repurposed. I hope that figuring out the arduino doesn’t prove to be too difficult. I think some citrus cleaner will really help with polishing up the engine. Im excited to see the following product and hopefully get to try it out.
This is a cool project Shohei! I feel like your report may be a bit brief. You could add a bit more about what you want to do moving forward with the functional side of your project. I really like the aesthetic you’ve chosen — it definitely resembles upcycling. Maybe explore the idea of organizing your photos to create an aesthetic layout for your report. I’d also really like to know how many and what all the elements are that you want to use for your project. How do you plan to execute the electronics for your project?
I love your project idea! I like that you’re going to make a product that means something to you based on the materials you are using (Camry’s engine cover) and the heart rate monitor idea based on your friend’s senior deign project. The aesthetic that you’re thinking of going for is awesome too, going for an industrial spin on the upcycled car part. My only suggestion would be to build the bottom base out of something clear so you can see the inner workings of your design from the under-side, like Sasha recommended. It would look really cool! Either way, fantastic job making a prototype as a visual. I can’t wait to see where you go with the final product. Good luck!
A gerat idea for the project and would make a great decoration, hope to see the final product!
You can probably grind out the “16V” mark and put a cool logo in there.
This is a really cool and unique idea that brings a visual to something we never see, only feel. I’m curious to see the integration of the heart rate sensor and arduino. Overall, nice work and I’m interested to see the final product!
I like the choice of aesthetic. I have always been a car guy. Would this sit on a desk? I think this is a very cool idea. Im glad you are thinking about the fact that you might need a relay. I think this is a good thought because I don’t think arduino’s can supply that much power!
Exploring unknown aesthetics is very cool, I have never heard of the ‘Industrially Chic Automotive’ aesthetic and I am excited to see how it turns out. The valve cover has a really raw feel right now. I am curious as to how having a cleaner cover would change the aesthetic of the project. Using a clear cover on the back could make for a sweet aesthetic and let other people see the inner electronics of the project.
I am very interested to see how you adapt the Arduino, I too have never had any experience working with Arduino but after your presentation I realize that I could have used an Arduino for a portion of my project. I think you have a really cool project at hand and I’m sure heartrate monitors can be very fun to experiment with. Cool project and an interesting idea.