[02/07/2018] MONDAY
I modeled and assembled components by using pro E, as practise in the morning.
During the afternoon, I helped Syah in doing some improvement to the aesthetics of the machine.
After we have finished, I attended a meeting with other engineers, to brainstorm some ideas for further improvements. This include the size and reliability of the machine.
[03/07/2018] TUESDAY
I continued to model components using pro E in the morning.
During the afternoon, I helped in preparing the machine for video shoot.
When the preparations are done, some scenes were recorded.
[04/07/2018] WEDNESDAY
The video shooting process continued from morning to late afternoon.
Then, I helped preparing some decorations for Hari Raya gathering which is held on the following day.
I studied and brainstormed ideas for my self project which will start in the near future.
One of the engineers here told me that she will conduct a session on product design for me.
[05/07/2018] THURSDAY
I did some research online to find ideas for my own projects. Some useful websites that focuses on product design include:
- www.tuvie.com
- www.thegadgetflow.com
- www.yankodesign.com
- www.dornob.com
Some aspects which are needed to be considered for my project are function and reliability. Additionally, time is also another constraint which I need to take into account. I will need to be able to finish the project before my internship here ends. Although I am only required to complete the project until CAD stage, the aspect of the products' manufacturability should also be included.
During lunch hour, everyone attended the Hari Raya meal gathering. There were a variety of traditional raya dishes prepared. After everyone has eaten, there was a short meeting to vote for the company's anniversary trip in mid August. I was also given the privilege to vote.
When I first stepped into this company for my interview, I was welcomed with a harmonious environment. I felt as though this company cares about its' employees while striving for excellence. After one month of performing my internship here, I am glad that my view for the company hasn't changed. I hope to serve the company well, while I mature as a person, and engineer.
[06/07/2018] FRIDAY
I was approached by an engineer early in the morning. He proposed to me a project to develop an application and program to control the machine by using android smartphones. He asked if I am able to do it. Since I have learned java language by myself, and have developed an android app for my Arduino project before, I accepted his proposal.
From my perspective, there are three different approaches that can be used.
- Using usb ports
- Using a bluetooth module
- Using a wifi module
The first option is the easiest to create, since it cancels out the tedious work of controlling external devices such as a bluetooth or wifi module. However, having the need to plug in the user's phone to the machine defeats the purpose of having an android application to control it. Users could just use the built in controller of the machine. This method is only viable if the company decides to abolish the use of a built in controller in the machine. By doing this, it could save the production cost.
The second option is a better alternative since it enables the user to control it from a distance, while also being able to control the machine through the built in controller. However, since this option uses a bluetooth connection, the user would need to be within range of the bluetooth signal in order to be able to control it. This is acceptable if the application is only used within the user's house. An example of good use of this method is, when a person who is inside a house, and is busy doing other things, will be able to control the machine (changing cycles: wash, sterilize, dry..) from another room. As an added advantage of this method, I am familiar with programming bluetooth modules. The only con of this method is the range limitation of the signal.
The third option is technically "the best", in terms of function. This method enables the user to control the machine from wherever he is in the world, as long as there is an internet connection. This will allow users to leave the machine, and control it from afar. However, from what the engineer explained to me, using a wifi module comes with extra challenges for the creator. To enable communication from the smartphone application to the machine, it needs to go through a server. Hence, there is a need for me to learn simple html or php language.
My plan of tackling this project is to research, experiment, and learn how to control a wifi module, along with learning the basics of any needed programming language. If I decide that it is too tedious and it cannot be finished on time, I will opt to use a bluetooth module instead.
I developed an application to test a bluetooth module which I had. I found out that the bluetooth device is no longer functioning properly. Hence, the company will need to supply a new bluetooth module for me.
I spent the rest of the day studying about wifi modules and testing it out through simple programs.