[Experiment -1] Building your own DIY Automatic Water dispenser

Automatic Dispensing of water using IR sensor and 1 channel relay

Background

Post Covid-19, we have seen many electronic appliances going touch free. Electronic dispenser started entering markets rapidly. Hand sanitiser dispenser, soap dispenser, paper towel dispenser and food items like sauces etc are getting dispensed touch free. In this experiment, we will attempt to build an appliance that can dispense water touch free.

IR sensor , one channel relay and submersible water pump will be introduced. We will talk about each of the component and what it is used for and create a structure that can hold hem together. I have used building blocks in the experiment to make it fun and bring creative angle of readers in building structures suited for the job. Feel free to build structure with shape and size as envisioned by you. 


Experiments Parts



I have included detailed video on each component. Please do watch for better understanding before you start the experiment.

1. IR sensor (HW - 201). 


2. One channel relay - Active Low trigger


3. Multi output voltage power module. (3.3v, 5v and DC IN)


4. Building blocks for structure 
5. Jumper wires 
    a. 5 Female to Female 
    b. 2 Male to Female
    c. 1 Male to Male
6. Power Adapter (i will be using 12v battery )
7. Submersible DC water pump. (3v to 9v)
8. Double sided tape
9. Screw driver
10. Transparent water pipe, RO pipe and connectors
11. DC jack male and female connectors.
12. Bowl with water

Usage

1. IR sensor will be used to detect presence of object. In our case that would be a mug.
2. One channel relay  will be used to control DC water pump on input signal from IR sensor. IR sensor alone canot directly provide the current needed by water pump so we need a relay that can handle the voltage as well as current needed by DC water pump. One channel relay can handle upto 12V 10Amp and 220V 5 Amp connections across its output terminals. See power ratings on your relay to know more.
3. Multi voltage output power module used to provide power to all devices. All of the components used in this experiment will run on 5v so we will use only 5v pins available on power module. If you need more speed of your DC water pump. You can switch the power to DC water pump alone to 12v by connecting to DC IN pins on power module. Please note the water pump is rated for lower voltages and using at 12v could damage the water pump after few cycles.
4. Building blocks to create a structure that is easily modifiable and provide flexibility to come up with various structures.

Structure

Build structure to hold multiple positions for IR sensor placement and outlet pipe coming across from back for pouring water.

Connections



Power Module IR Sensor One Channel Relay Wire colour Male DC Jack Connector
5v Vcc - Red -
Gnd Gnd - Brown -
5v - Vcc Red -
Gnd - Gnd Yellow -
- OUT IN Blue -
5V - NO Red -
Gnd - - Brown - Ve
- - COM Brown + Ve

Take a double sided tape and attach devices to building block as follows.


Now connect DC water pump terminals to female DC jack connector in any order. Now take tranparent water pipe and connect it to push fit elbow connector and take RO pipe and connect to another elbow connector.  You may have to cut pipe lengths based on your structure size. Place the DC water pump inside the water bowl.

Now place IR sensor using a double sided tape at any place on the structure where you want to try.

Next connect dc jacks and power up the module. Your device now will look like in the below video. 


Try various positions of IR sensor to find optimal place, do try out various objects like mugs made of glass/ceramic, plastic etc to understand behaviour change.

Troubleshooting

1. IR sensor is not able to detect object
    a. Its possible that the sensor range is off. Please watch IR sensor video to understand how to adjust the range of the sensor.
    b. It could be that the object used is transparent or have reflecting edges that do not allow rays to reach receiver. Use a different opaque regular shaped object as obstacle.

Disclaimer: Please mind this experiment is intended for educational purposely only and is not intended for human use. 

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