Project Proposal

For our project, Jacky, Damian, and I want to build a M&M launcher. After going through some ideas, we concluded that the launcher would be fun and interesting. What really caught our attention for the project was, simply, to launch something. We went through different ideas on how to build the launcher and what kind of components it would have. Finally, we decided that the launcher should have two speakers, two servo motors, a solenoid that would launch the M&M’s, Neopixels, button, potentiometer, and a slider.

This was our initial sketch of our M&M launcher.

Based on what we need for the launcher, we have the speakers, slider, potentiometer, neopixel, servo motors, and button. We would only need to use money on the solenoid and enclosure. Unless, we decide to 3D print the enclosure. We can expect to spend roughly from $10 to $30 dollars.

What do we expect from our M&M launcher?

The launcher will have two analog sensors, a potentiometer and a slider. The slider will control the angle of the launcher. Giving the user an interactive feel of the direction of the launcher. The potentiometer will control the force that the M&M will be launched and the color of the neopixels; that is if we can find a solenoid or component that can vary its force. The color of the neopixels is intended to show the intensity of the launch. Going from green, least force, to red, greatest force. Lastly, we will have a button that will control the sound the speakers will produce. Letting the user know that the M&M was launched, and it will give the solenoid (launch component) the voltage to launch the M&M. User will be able to launch M&Ms into their mouth, which will be fun.