Caffeine Regulator Attachment

Project Overview

Developed during the M&TSI 2023 program, this innovative team project created a smart attachment for caffeinated drinks that monitors and regulates caffeine intake. The device combines 3D-printed hardware with Arduino-based electronics and a custom web application to provide real-time volume tracking and automated shutoff functionality. This project demonstrates the practical application of IoT technology in health monitoring and showcases skills in mechanical design, embedded programming, and app development.

Key Features & Achievements

Technical Stack

The project utilized SOLIDWORKS for 3D modeling and design, followed by 3D printing for physical fabrication. The electronic system was built around an Arduino Uno microcontroller, interfacing with a flow sensor for liquid volume measurement and a servo motor for automated valve control. The software component included Arduino programming for hardware control and a web-based application developed on Replit for user interaction and data tracking. Additionally, I filmed and edited the final project demonstration video using Adobe Premiere Pro to showcase our prototype's functionality and present our work to venture capitalists. The system integrates hardware and software to provide a complete IoT solution for health monitoring.

Challenges & Solutions

The main challenge was integrating mechanical, electrical, and software components into a cohesive system within the time constraints of the summer program. We addressed this by dividing responsibilities among team members while maintaining regular communication and integration testing. Another challenge was ensuring accurate flow measurement and reliable servo control for different liquid viscosities. We solved this through iterative testing and calibration, adjusting both hardware positioning and software algorithms to achieve consistent performance across various drink types.

Results & Impact

The project successfully demonstrated a functional prototype that could accurately track liquid consumption and automatically regulate intake based on preset limits. The team's presentation to venture capitalists showcased not only technical achievement but also business potential and market understanding. This project highlighted the practical applications of IoT in health monitoring and demonstrated skills in rapid prototyping, cross-functional collaboration, and product development. The experience provided valuable insights into the full product development cycle, from concept to presentation.

Project Video