Engineering an SDCI: Soft Digital Computer Interface

Overview

Dr. Harne’s laboratory in the past year has developed an innovative way to realise smart materials, involving the use of 3D printable bistable metamaterials. Dr. Harne’s research has been focusing on the single computing units and their interaction with electronics, as well as converting a mechanical arrangement of the layers of the units into a digital result. Our team was presented with the challenge of creating the mechanical device that moves the SDCI through its 8 different binary states.

Objectives

– Provide an interface capable of converting fluidly a direct mechanical force into a digital output.

– The computing unit needs to use at least 3 bits and go at least from 0 to 7.

– The interface needs to be able to read force using increments.

Approach

– Gained appropriate knowledge of the problem by reviewing Dr. Harne’s research.

– Developed multiple different possible solutions and chose the top two from a decision matrix to produce CAD models for.

– Developed a mechanism that interfaces with 3-bit binary mechanism.

– Produced CAD models and 3D printed prototypes for testing.

– Chose the best solution of the two to analyse further and improve from previous iterations.

– Developed a new computing unit and circuit showing each of the 8 stages with LEDs.

– Tested the mechanical and electrical solution and developed multiple iterations until a smooth and functional product was produced.

Outcomes

– The sponsor received a proof of concept for a new technology of soft digital computing and material science.

– Designed a product that will allow for scalability in the future and be made into a soft material for damage sensing on bridges or roads.

– Developed a foundation for future researchers to work from and produce even more efficient solutions.

– Designed a solution that can also be scaled from 3-bit to better computing potential of 32-bit or even 64-bit to better receive and analyse data.