pet feeder
feb 2025 > apr 2025
Designed and prototyped a timed dispensing mechanism using a spur gear system and ESP32 controled to deliver consistent portions of dry food automatically.
> Early iterations had torque overload on the spur gear shaft under high weight. Reinforced shaft diameter by 1.5× and optimized gear pitch profile, improving mechanical efficiency by 22% and eliminating motor stall.
> Applied statistical tolerance analysis to shaft fits and part interfaces.
> Programmed an ESP32 in C++ to control step timing via an A4988 driver, achieving reliable actuation cycles every 0.5s per rotation step.
> Integrated a rotary encoder for interval adjustment and displayed feed timing on a TM1637 4-digit interface.
> Designed the housing in Fusion 360, applying DFM/DFA principles for printability and easy maintenance access.