Eco Echo
2019
Individual turned group project
design challenge
Create a product which harnesses a range of technologies and uses unusual material qualities exploited for design.
Through extensive experimentation of materials and technologies, students should express a modified potential in an elegant manner.
The problem
Melting permafrost is releasing a large amount of carbon dioxide and methane into the atmosphere, accelerating the rate of global warming.
a solution
Restoring the eco-system by dispensing local seeds over perma-frost tundra’s which will act as an insulation blanket.
4D printing
Creating a material that is receptive to changes in levels of carbon dioxide (CO2)
A seed suspended in a 4D printed casing which is sensitive to exterior elements.
Once the 4D printed material detects an increase in CO2 it will start to dissolve and expose the seed to the agar-agar gel stored within the shell and begin to grow.
material research
Carbon Dioxide
Galinstan:
A liquid mixture of metals which electrochemically converts CO2 to solid carbon.
Capture:
Long-term storage of CO2. This method absorbs CO2 using membrane gas separation and injects it deep into geological formations.
Arduino CO2 Sensor:
Output voltage falls as CO2 concentration increases. Digital on/off signal will be released.
PH-Sensitive CO2 sensor:
Detects the PH levels in the soil.
Biodegradable materials
- Bamboo
- Cork
- Plants
- Bioplastic
experiments
Growing seeds in Agar-Agar Gel
Results show the seeds grew best in the open jar
Open jar
Sealed jar
Extra Co2
Developing a fertilising material for the outer shell
Dried and chopped fruit and vegetables
mixed with cornstarch, sugar and vinegar
Different boiling temperatures
injection moulding
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The outer shell will be made by following a similar manufacturing style to injection moulding.
Using the fertilising medium as the material to go into a mould.
Further Experimentation
Different seeds and further research into ideal conditions for each of the most beneficial plants for a different location
context
PURPOSE
Restoring the local eco-system by dispensing moss seeds over perma-frost tundras which will act as an insulation blanket.
LOCATION
Initially looking at Boreal forests in Alaska where the melting permafrost is collapsing trees and creating lakes. There have been multiple studies done on the area, including companies like NASA.
WHO
As it is possible to change which seeds are inside the pod, it can be used for many different environments, replanting forests, farming.
WHY
It combines the idea of sustainability and design.
Carrier form
The output will envisage an organic form which releases the pods across the permafrost tundras
100 mm
200 mm
200 mm
technology
There will be a rotating servo at the exit to control the dropping of pods at a computed rate.
I created a working model of this using Arduino and a Co2 sensor which activated a servo when it higher levels of Co2 were detected (I tested this by blowing on it).
A drone will be used to deploy the seed pods as it means pods can be planted in areas that aren't necessarily accessible by man.
Scans of the terrain can be done prior to dispersal using drone technology.
The rate at which pods can be dispersed is much higher than what a human could do, making this method much more effective.
group project -team of two
development
Exploration into hard-to-reach terrain
- Forestry
- Coral Reef
- Sand dunes
- Wetlands/Mangroves
How can this concept and technology be used to enhance and restore different eco-systems
replenishing new Zealand's sand dunes
Encourage the public to get involved in resoration
concept
Create an interactive carrier to assist in the plantation of dune plants
technology
It uses six LDR sensors (light dependent resistor) which are used to detect a laser pointer, providing direction control for the user.
Two high torque servos are attached to the wheels which are programmed using Arduino.
When one sensor picks up the laser it will adjust the servos individual turning speed, moving the Eco Echo towards the laser light.
These sensors are surrounded by a reflective cone, this magnifies the area onto which the laser can be detected as it throws the light
Relationship between LDR's and Servos
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LDR sensor(s) detects light
Arduino converts the detected light and conveys it to the servos.
The position that the light hits the sensor will change the speed and direction each of the servo (wheel) rotates.
sustainable material
Beach plastic collected
Cleaned
Plastic is shredded
Laid out on a tray
Melted in the oven
final working model
Moulded into form whilst warm
The Eco Echo is a miniature dune buggy which delivers dune plants to people and encourages planting.
Our design uses new technology systems and sustainable practices in the hope that it will educate and encourage people to get out and help restore the collapsing sand dunes. We also believe in keeping New Zealand’s beaches clean. The Eco Echo is fun to use, with pet-like qualities. Designed with our sustainable and educational vision in mind.
