Through a process of evaluating each team members design based on different weighted qualities, we settled on the design shown below for our preliminary design. Several design elements were used from each of the top three designs from our design evaluation to create a system that incorporated the best qualities from each of the systems. The design is powered by a solar panel attached to a battery. A passive infrared sensor is used to detect motion near the device. Once motion is detected a speaker will sound along with the movement of the extendable arm. An Arduino microcontroller is used to operate the electronics.

Preliminary Design Concept

Shown below is the range of motion of our design. The arm extends to length while opening the umbrella attached at the end. Once fully extended, the arm moves back and forth along a half circle pattern.

Motion of system

Design Shortcomings

After some analysis of this design, we came to the conclusion that it was not feasible due to the torque needed to operate the extendable arm. A DC motor with the specs needed to operate the arm would cost several hundred dollars more than the price point of our entire project and therefore this design needed major alterations to the mechanical components in order to reach our desired price point.