An automatic rain detector and cloth collecting working model is a fascinating project that combines basic electronics and mechanical engineering.
This model detects rain and triggers a mechanism to retract or cover clothes to prevent them from getting wet.
Here’s how you can build this project:
Materials Needed:
Electronics:
- Rain Sensor Module (easily available online or from electronics shops)
- Servo Motor (to control the cloth collecting mechanism)
- Jumper Wires
- Breadboard
- Battery or Power Supply (to power the Arduino)
- Relay Module (if you use a DC motor to collect clothes)
- Buzzer or LED (for rain detection alerts)
Mechanical Parts:
- Pulley or DC Motor (for the cloth collecting system)
- String or Wire (to attach the cloth hanger)
- Rod or Clothesline (for hanging clothes)
- Cardboard, PVC pipes, or a small motorized rail system (for the retractable structure)
- Screws, Nuts, and Bolts
- Small waterproof cover (optional)
Video Step-by-Step Guide to Build the Working Model:
1. Rain Detection System:
- Rain Sensor:
- The rain sensor detects moisture. It has two parts: the sensor panel (which detects water droplets) and the control board (which sends signals to the microcontroller when rain is detected).
- Connect the Rain Sensor:
- Attach the rain sensor to the Arduino using jumper wires. Connect the VCC pin of the sensor to the 5V pin of the Arduino, the GND pin to the GND pin, and the output pin of the sensor to any of the digital input pins (e.g., pin 7).
- Rain Alert System:
- You can add a buzzer or LED that turns on when rain is detected. Connect the positive pin of the buzzer/LED to a digital output pin (e.g., pin 13) and the negative pin to GND.
2. Cloth Collecting Mechanism:
a. Pulley and Motor System (Basic Design):
- Clothesline Setup: Use a clothesline or rod to hang the clothes.
- Pulley or Motor System: Attach a DC motor or a servo motor to the end of the line that can pull the string to retract the clothes. A pulley system can help in moving the clothesline or rail.
- String and Motor Connection:
- Attach one end of a string or wire to the motor, and the other end to a cloth hanger.
- When the motor rotates, it will pull the string and retract the hanger or clothes on the line.
5. Test the System:
- After assembling the parts, test the rain sensor by simulating rain (e.g., sprinkle a few drops of water on the sensor).
- Check if the motor retracts the clothes when the rain is detected.
- Ensure the servo or DC motor moves the clothesline smoothly.
6. Final Presentation:
- Decorate the base with cardboard to hide wires and electronics, and make the setup more visually appealing.
- You can also add a manual override switch for demonstrations, where you can manually retract or release the clothes without waiting for the rain sensor.
Explanation and Working of the Model:
- Rain Detection:
- The rain sensor detects water on its surface and sends a signal to the Arduino.
- Cloth Collection:
- When rain is detected, the motor is triggered, which pulls the clothes (or clothesline) into a covered area, keeping them dry.
- Alerts:
- A buzzer or LED can also be activated to indicate that rain has been detected and the system is working.
- Time-Saving and Efficient:
- The model is designed to save time by automatically reacting to rain, making it a smart solution for rainy days.