The Shower Control prototype was created over the course of one semester utilizing skills from design procedures and was managed using a Gantt chart system. My main focus for this project was on the electronics side including component selection and PCB layout. However, I helped in most aspects of the project to make sure each subsystem was integrated smoothly. This included user interface, temperature sensing, motor control, display settings, power control, and WiFi connectivity.
The system is controlled by an ESP8266. This WiFi-enabled microcontroller reads in input and directs the functions of the system. The system inputs include the buttons, water temperature sensor, web server inputs, and potentiometer rotation feedback. The system outputs include controlling the motor, the LCD, web server outputs, and a buzzer. Electronic part integration was accomplished using a custom fabricated PCB and was supported with the help of datasheets and a test-as-you-go build-up of the systems. Our mechanical integration was accomplished using a reference model of the shower valve interface and test fit parts to ensure a good interface.
