3.1 PROBLEM DEFINITION - W-Div-Engg-Exploration-Odd-2026-27/Repo-12 GitHub Wiki

NEED STATEMENT: DIY MECHANICAL FLOWER

To design, fabricate, and automate a compact, aesthetically pleasing kinetic wire-frame flower sculpture housed within a ceramic pot base. The system must successfully translate motor motion into a synchronized upward linear lift for its petals, integrate custom LED lighting and touch/wireless control via an ESP32-C3 microcontroller, and operate reliably within strict physical space, thermal, and power constraints.

Functional Goal (Objective): Create an interactive aesthetic light sculpture that mimics natural blooming through synchronized mechanical vertical lift.

Control & Interaction (Objective): Implement smart, user-triggered operation using an ESP32-C3 board, touch switches, and wireless power/connectivity.

Physical & Spatial Limitations (Constraint): Fit all mechanical linkages, wiring, and electronics (such as the PCA9685, MOSFET modules, and 10,000 µF capacitors) securely inside the restricted volume of the pot base without binding or electrical failure.

  1. Solution: A stepper motor paired with a leadscrew and traveling nut converts movement into smooth vertical linear motion, pushing the 1mm brass wire petal linkage arms outward. Addressing Constraints: A 3mm copper tube with a 2mm hole acts as a precise conduit, ensuring smooth internal linkage movement without mechanical binding.
  2. Solution: An ESP32-C3 board manages wireless commands and logic, while a PCA9685 module handles multi-channel control. A touch switch provides a seamless manual user input trigger. Addressing Objectives: Delivers an interactive, automated aesthetic light sculpture with programmable lighting and blooming sequences.
  3. i) Solution: A 15A PWM MOSFET module handles high-current motor switching, a 10,000 µF capacitor filters voltage spikes and noise, and a 56 Ohm, 1W resistor limits current for the 1260 LED lights. Addressing Constraints: Ceramic-insulated copper wires prevent short circuits inside the tight stem, and a wireless charging module powers the system without external plug-in cords.
    ii) Solution: All control boards, driver modules, and wiring are compactly organized inside the base pot enclosure. The upper layer is finished with protective coating, thermocol insulation, and decorative white marbles.