____________________________________________________________________
Final Report
March 2013
_____________________________________________________________________
By Ian and Matthew
Page 2 of 40
1
Abstract – The Automated Cereal Dispenser
In today’s society, the development of technology provides humans with the
opportunity to accomplish various daily tasks without the need for human
interaction. Many of these time consuming tasks are often inefficiently
performed however, with the use of automation, these simple tasks could be
completed efficiently and allow us to complete more complicated projects.
The purpose of our project is to construct a machine that would allow for users
to save time during their daily breakfast routines.
This machine was hypothesized to save over one week’s worth of time during
the entire life of the machine’s user if used daily.
Using a LEGO designing software, a model of our innovation was produced.
The program allowed us to track the materials and steps needed in order to
physically assemble the prototype. During the construction phases, separate
pieces of the machine were assembled and tested to ensure they performed
their required functions. Upon completion, the portions were connected together
to form one cohesive appliance.
In order to collect data to calculate how much time is saved by using the
machine, a group of 10 participants (5 females, 5 males) with varied ages,
occupations, and daily routines was selected to complete a week long survey on
daily breakfast habits. The survey allowed us to determine the total time used to
make a breakfast meal on average, and allowed us to calculate the amount of
time saved for the average Canadian with an 80.8 year life expectancy.
After building and testing our innovation, the machine dispensed breakfast
cereal into a small bowl, transported it a small distance, added milk, and added
a spoon without any human interaction. As a result, we discovered that over 100
days’ worth of time can be saved if the machine is used every day for the 80.8
years.
Page 3 of 40
Table of Contents
1
Abstract – The Automated Cereal Dispenser .................................................. 2
2
Introduction ........................................................................................................ 4
3
Question & Project Statement .......................................................................... 6
4
Purpose .............................................................................................................. 7
5
Hypothesis ......................................................................................................... 8
6
Background Information ................................................................................... 9
7
7.1
7.2
7.3
Procedure ......................................................................................................... 11
Step #1: Research and selection of breakfast food to automate ....................... 11
Step #2: Build the automated machine .............................................................. 12
Materials List ..................................................................................................... 12
8
Experiment & Test Summaries ....................................................................... 14
9
9.1
9.1.1
9.1.2
9.1.3
9.1.4
9.1.5
9.1.6
9.1.7
9.2
9.3
9.3.1
9.3.2
9.3.2.1
9.3.2.2
9.3.2.3
Collected Data Summary ................................................................................ 16
Step #1: Human Breakfast Survey .................................................................... 16
Participant Data ................................................................................................. 16
Participant Ages ................................................................................................ 17
Participant Breakfast Routines .......................................................................... 18
Participant Breakfast Location ........................................................................... 19
Participant Breakfast Automation ...................................................................... 20
Participant Cereal Consumption Habits ............................................................. 21
Participant Potential ACD adoption ................................................................... 22
Step #2: Automated Machine - Performance .................................................... 23
Calculations ....................................................................................................... 24
Daily Time Savings ............................................................................................ 24
Lifetime Time Savings ....................................................................................... 25
Scenario #1 ....................................................................................................... 25
Scenario #2 ....................................................................................................... 26
Scenario #3 ....................................................................................................... 27
10
10.1
10.2
10.3
10.4
10.5
10.6
10.7
Conclusions ..................................................................................................... 28
Breakfast Automation Saves Time .................................................................... 28
Predicted Time Saved: One Week Per Lifetime ................................................ 28
A Large Potential Market Exists ......................................................................... 28
There Is A High Acceptance Rate In The Potential Market ............................... 28
The Innovation Is Technically Viable ................................................................. 29
Comparison With Similar Devices ..................................................................... 29
Summary: .......................................................................................................... 29
11
11.1
Possible applications of the innovation ........................................................ 30
Benefits for people with diminished manual dexterity ........................................ 30
Page 4 of 40
11.2
11.3
11.4
11.5
Hospital benefits ................................................................................................ 30
Benefits for people with old age ........................................................................ 31
Other applications .............................................................................................. 31
Time savings ..................................................................................................... 31
12
12.1
12.2
12.2.1
12.2.2
Further Improvements ..................................................................................... 32
Step #1: The Human Breakfast Survey ............................................................. 32
Step #2: Automated Machine ............................................................................ 32
Prototype model improvements ......................................................................... 32
Production model improvements ....................................................................... 33
13
References ....................................................................................................... 34
14
Acknowledgements ......................................................................................... 36
Appendix I… ..................................................................................................................... 37
2
Introduction
Page 5 of 40
Throughout the world of science, researchers study the behaviours and structures
of various aspects experienced in the world. Scientists use hypotheses,
observations, and tests/experiments/studies to develop and prove theories that
describe the results of global activities.
In high school, students learn about scientific concepts such as electricity
(physics), optics (physics), chemical reactions (chemistry), climate change
(ecology), the universe (astronomy), sustainable ecosystems (biology), and living
things’ systems (biology). These concepts are very important and can be
connected to the events that occur in our lives on a daily basis.
The Bay Area Science and Engineering Fair allows young scientists to apply the
knowledge and scientific skills gained in the classroom to real life ideas. Young
scientists are given the opportunity to showcase their abilities and talents to others
in the scientific community and to learn from one another.
In this particular project, we decided to make a device in order to solve a problem
(innovation).
This project consists of building a prototype and conducting research and surveys
(primary source evidence) to support the machine’s impact.
Our goal is to design a device that can make breakfast without any human
interaction.
With the continuous developments of technology and engineering in our lives, we
have decided to take a more modern approach to make this simple, common task
more efficient and less time consuming.
Throughout this report, all of the processes, ideas, summaries, and research
related to our project have been collated to demonstrate the scientific process of
producing our Automatic Cereal Dispenser or ACD for short.
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3
Question & Project Statement
“In what way could the use of automation improve the performance of breakfast?”
Throughout the typical human life, much of our time is devoted to accomplish
simple daily tasks.
With the development of technology and computing science in today’s society,
many of these tasks could be accomplished through automation and minimal
human interaction.
As a result, a user could save significant time that could be dedicated to study a
particular subject area.
Thus, the goal of this project is to apply our knowledge of automation to improve
the daily breakfast routine (make it less time consuming).
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4
Purpose
The purpose of this innovation is to demonstrate how the use of engineering and
computing science techniques can be applied to the production of a mechanism
that can make life activities more efficient and less time consuming. For this
particular project, our goal is to use our scientific knowledge to make a simple
machine that can make breakfast without the need for any human interaction.
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5
Hypothesis
The researchers hypothesized that the use of technology and engineering will
make the production of breakfast a process that will require minimal human
interaction, and save many hours of time in the life of the user.
We predict that about one week’s worth of time will be saved by the user if he/she
lives for 80.8 years (Canadian life expectancy) if the machine is used daily.
In addition, it is believed that a large potential market of customers exists and that
such customers will be willing to adopt the new technology to a high degree.
We also hypothesized that such technology and engineering skills can be
transformed into a viable machine.
Hence, the expected outcome of this project is an appliance capable of
dispensing a selected cereal into a small bowl, transporting the bowl a small
distance, adding milk to the cereal, and place a spoon into the bowl.
In summary, our hypothesis are:
1. Breakfast Automation saves time
2. Predicted Time Saved: one week per life expectancy (80.8 years)
3. A large potential market with high acceptance exists
4. The innovation is technically viable
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6
Background Information
Throughout our busy lives as human beings, there are many simple tasks that
must be completed on a daily basis to prepare for the upcoming series of events
that we may encounter. Whether the task is brushing our teeth, making meals,
cleaning our houses, sleeping, or getting ready for work/school, these activities
continually use up a little of our precious time from every day that we live. Over
the long time period that humans live, these small tasks continue to add up and
much of our lives is spent completing them.
According to Stats Canada’s 2011 national census, the average life expectancy of
a Canadian is about 80.8 years. To put this into perspective, the aforementioned
tasks might amount to about one quarter of the 24 hours in a day. In other words,
almost one quarter of our life is devoted to working on simple daily tasks.
Although these small tasks are very important, if some of this time could be
directed to scientific research or study on a particular subject, the world could
improve dramatically through the production of new ideas.
In our lives today, technology continues to develop and is the basis of our daily
activities. Technology use is demonstrated through the phones, appliances,
televisions, automobiles, and most items that we constantly use throughout
society. Technological improvements have been showcased over the last century,
and have made a large impact on the whole planet. For example, mechanical
twist-up alarm clocks were used many decades ago while digital radio clocks
have been produced in recent years. Also, automated vacuums are starting to
become more prominent. If some of our technological or engineering knowledge
could be directed to finishing one of our small daily activities, our time spent
working and studying could be lengthened dramatically.
To begin our study, we sifted through the normal daily routines of a human and
found specific activities that are common between most people. We inferred that
since nearly every human wakes up and eats breakfast before school or work,
making breakfast could be a task that takes up a little time from our daily lives on
a consistent basis.
The production of breakfast on a daily basis occurs with a lot of human interaction
as bowls, cereal, and utensils are collected. In addition, time can be spent waiting
for toast, or boiled water needed for oatmeal.
According to recent studies by Egg Farmers Ontario, breakfast is one of the most
important meals of the day as it is critical to concentration levels, eyesight, and
decision making. In fact, only 250 millilitres of milk and 30 grams of breakfast
cereal use up one dairy serving and one grains serving suggested by the
Canadian food guide (providing a strong foundation for a successful day).
As we thought more about this inefficient, time consuming activity, we realized
that it also has a great effect on the rest of our daily productivity. As we
Page 10 of 40
considered various alternatives, we realized that the implementation of
technology to make a simple machine could be the most effective. This idea
would allow for minimal human interaction during the breakfast process, allowing
for more time to be saved on a daily basis. However, the use of machinery could
also ensure that the quality of this important meal is never compromised due to
time constraints as humans could perform other tasks at the same time.
Therefore, we began developing our ideas on the quest to using automation for
improving the performance of breakfast.
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7
7.1
Procedure
Step #1: Research and selection of breakfast food to automate
The Human Breakfast Survey
1. Using Microsoft Word, create a research Letter of Information and an
Experiment Consent Form for each participant.
2. Using Microsoft Word, create a survey sheet for each participant that allows
for the identification of age group, gender, job type, and breakfast habits. A
table should also be formed to allow for participants to identify their wake
up time, time required to make breakfast, and breakfast components for
seven consecutive days.
3. Select a sample size of 10 participants (5 female and 5 male) with different
age groups and job titles (student, teacher, workplace, or post secondary
education) to allow for an overall view of possible results.
4. Conduct a meeting to answer any questions from participants, discuss
research benefits and requirements, and fill out all consent forms.
5. Allow the participants to perform their daily breakfast routines for seven
consecutive days (one complete week).
6. Conduct another conference to discuss the success of the study, and to
collect the survey sheets and questionnaires from the participants.
7. Using Microsoft Excel, record the data in chart and graph form. Identify the
most common age groups, genders, and job titles. Calculate the average
wake up time, time required to make breakfast, and most common
breakfast routine questionnaire responses.
8. Using the trends and averages of the data, calculate the average time saved
daily when using the machine when compared to regular routines. Use the
most recent Canadian census data to find the average life expectancy to
determine the amount of time the machine will save during an average
Canadian life.
Page 12 of 40
7.2
Step #2: Build the automated machine
For exact step-by-step instructions please consult the ACD Technical Manual due
to extensive length of information required for the assembly procedure.
The physical construction of the innovation occurred in two stages. During the first
stage all sub-systems were developed and tested separately. During the second
stage, sub-systems were integrated and the final complete system was tested.
7.3
Materials List
LEGO Materials
 A grand total of 1527 LEGO pieces were used. Detailed list can be found in
the ACD Technical Manual.
Miscellaneous
 1 Oster Professional Products Blade Lube 188mL bottle
 1 USB Fridge (8.5cm x 18.5cm x 7.5cm)
 1 Quaker Corn Bran Squares Box (29.5cm x 21cm x 7.2cm)
 500 grams Selection Toasted O’s Cereal
 1 USB Charger ONN400D
 1 Hewlett Packer 82241A AC Adaptor (9V AC)
 1 Condor Power Supply (9V AC)
 150 cm Pneumatic Tubing (0.4 cm diameter)
 1 312 mL Milk Container
 1 Ceramic Bowl
 Teflon and Scotch Tape
 1 Metal Spoon
 1 2ml syringe with needle
Computer Programs
 1 Dell computer, 1 HP LaserJet Printer
 LEGO Digital Designer v4.2 Software
 LDView v4.1 Software
Page 13 of 40
 LEGO Mindstorms Robotics Invention System 2.0 Software
 MLCad v3.3 Software
 Foxit PhantomPDF Printer Software
 Microsoft Word (Word Processer)
 Microsoft Excel (Spreadsheet)
Logbook/Written Report/Presentation Board Materials
 10 HB Standard Pencils
 3 Erasers
 2 Blue and Red Pens
 1 Texas Instruments TI-30XA Scientific Calculator
 1 Ruler (50 cm)
 1 Measuring Tape (115 cm)
 Blank and lined paper (27.5 cm x 21.5 cm)
 1 Binder (30 cm x 23 cm)
 1 CSI Project Display Board (122.5 x 91.5 cm)
Human Survey Subjects
 5 Male and 5 Female participants
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8
Experiment & Test Summaries
Throughout the production stage of the Automatic Cereal Dispenser, the
researchers constructed the innovation in six separate sub-systems. They are:
1. Primary Structure (Lego): Cereal dispensing and weighing; cereal transport
within the system and air pressure generation.
2. Electric and Electronic Components (Lego): Programmable Controllers,
Sensors and Motors
3. Liquid Delivery: Fridge Assembly, Temperature Monitoring and Piping
4. Software: Control Programs
5. Calibration Procedures: Weight, Liquid and Temperature
6. Table Transport: Cereal Bowl transport on table (remote controlled)
Each sub-system is composed of modules. Detailed information is available in the
ACD Technical Manual.
At the beginning, the first sub-system was designed digitally using CAD software.
Each module of this sub-system was then built with LEGO. Upon completion of
each individual module, it was tested. Once all modules were completed,
integration assembly took place, followed by testing and modifications (when
required).
As the first sub-system was completed, the other sub-systems were built. Final
integration, testing and modification of the full system took place.
A total of four different designs were produced, tested, observed, and modified
throughout the duration of the project:




Design A : Digital Prototype
Design B: Simple Individual Modules Built/Altered
Design C: Simple Individual Modules Incorporated
Design D: Complex Individual Modules Built/Incorporated
Specific details can be found in the ACD Notebook.
Page 15 of 40
The following table lists key ACD independent and dependent variables:
Independent Variables:
Dependent Variables:
Time vibrating cereal box
Amount of cereal in bowl
Time pouring cereal into bowl
Amount of cereal in bowl
Time transporting bowl along conveyor
belt
Positioning of cereal bowl
Time pump is working (milk dispenser)
Amount of milk added to bowl
Whether RCX 1 (in charge of cereal
dispensing) completes sequence
Whether RCX 2 (in charge of milk
dispenser) starts
Amount of cereal in bowl (weight)
Light reading (weight sensor)
Time polarity switch controlling pump is on
Time pump is functioning
These variables should be considered if another cereal dispenser is developed in the
future.
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9
9.1
Collected Data Summary
Step #1: Human Breakfast Survey
The breakfast habits and routines of the subject group were tracked for seven
consecutive days (one week). At the conclusion of the week, a questionnaire was
also completed by each participant to collect responses regarding other related
breakfast information.
The experiment/survey was conducted between the dates: Sunday February 10th,
2013 and Saturday February 23rd, 2013.
Specific details can be found in the ACD Notebook.
9.1.1
Participant Data
Category: (total, gender, job title)
Collected Information:
Sample Size
10 (all currently living in
Ontario, Canada)
Number of male participants
5
Number of female participants
5
Number of student participants
3
Number of teacher participants
1
Number of post secondary student
participants (university/college)
1
Number of full-time working participants
(not including teachers or professors)
4
Number of retired/senior participants
1
Of the 10 participants, 50% were men and 50% were female (equal representation
by gender). In addition, 50% of the participants were involved in an education
based lifestyle (teaching, post secondary studies, and students) while 50% were
either full time workers or retired. Therefore as a diverse group of participants have
participated in the survey, the average of the data collected will demonstrate an
accurate representation of the consistent breakfast habits performed by the typical
Canadian.
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9.1.2
Participant Ages
The following graph summarizes survey information
The group of participants
represent a large variety of
age groups from the
Canadian society. There is a
balance between the
amount of youth, young
adults, older adults, and
seniors in order to ensure
that an accurate set of data
is collected to represent the
average breakfast habits
and routines of a person in
Canada.
Page 18 of 40
9.1.3
Participant Breakfast Routines
Using the data collected, it was simple to determine that each individual had a
consistent routine performed throughout the week. As a large group was surveyed,
the final results gave the researchers a more accurate representation. For the data
collected, the average daily wake up time throughout the week was 7:25 am. The
data also showed that on weekends, the wake up time was much later than during
the week. The time required to make breakfast was fairly consistent for each day of
the week, with the overall average time at 8 minutes.
Breakfast Routine Questionnaire: the final element of the human study allowed the
researchers to determine the effectiveness of the innovation as long as common
breakfast routines.
Page 19 of 40
9.1.4
Participant Breakfast Location
The following graph summarizes survey information
From the collected data, it can
be determined that 20% of the
participants eat breakfast on
the go/outside of their house.
However, 100% of the
participants make breakfast in
the kitchen and eat breakfast
every day. Thus, it could be
inferred that nearly everyone
eats breakfast, and that the
meal is most often eaten in the
kitchen (at home).
Page 20 of 40
9.1.5
Participant Breakfast Automation
From the data collected, the most common machines used while making breakfast
include:
Machine/Appliance Name
Listed by Percentage of
Participants
Toaster
80%
Kettle
60%
Microwave/Oven
40%
Refrigerator
30%
Coffee Maker
20%
The percentages would likely have increased for most machines (ex: refrigerator)
had the choices been listed (the question was posed as an open ended response).
Through data analysis, it can be determined that the toaster and kettle were the
most used appliances.
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9.1.6
Participant Cereal Consumption Habits
The following graph summarizes survey information
Page 22 of 40
9.1.7
Participant Potential ACD adoption
At the start of the experiment, only 30% of participants were interested in an
automatic cereal dispenser. However, when participants were told that the machine
could save over 20 days worth of time in their life, 90% were interested in an
automatic cereal dispenser (demonstrating consumer demand).
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9.2
Step #2: Automated Machine - Performance
The average time for the innovation to dispense a spoon, cereal, milk, and
transport the bowl a small distance was calculated by recording the time needed
by the machine to perform these functions.
A series of 10 tests was performed upon completion of the prototype D. On
average, the total time required for the Automatic Cereal Dispenser to prepare
breakfast daily is 86 seconds or 1 minute and 26 seconds.
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9.3
9.3.1
Calculations
Daily Time Savings
Time saved daily when making breakfast by using the Automatic Cereal Dispenser:
= Average daily time without innovation – Average daily time with innovation
= 480 seconds – 86 seconds
= 394 seconds (6 minutes and 34 seconds)
Thus, 6 minutes and 34 seconds is saved on average daily by using the
Automatic Cereal Dispenser to prepare breakfast instead of preparing the meal by
hand.
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9.3.2
Lifetime Time Savings
Time Saved by the Innovation: using the data obtained from the human breakfast
survey/questionnaire and tests performed on the Automatic Cereal Dispenser, the
amount of time the machine will save in the life of the average Canadian can be
calculated.
Key Calculation Statistics:
 Average Canadian life expectancy (Stats Canada: 2011 Census) = 80.8
years-10 years (10 years old is a reasonable level of maturity to operate the
machine) = 70.8 years
 Total Canadian population (Stats Canada: 2011 Census) = 33 476 685
people
 Average time saved daily by Automatic Cereal Dispenser (Human Breakfast
Survey/Automatic Cereal Dispenser testing) = 6 minutes and 34
seconds/394 seconds
 Weekly average for eating cereal at breakfast (Breakfast Routine
Questionnaire) = 1-2 times
9.3.2.1
Scenario #1
Average Time Saved in a Lifetime Calculation A (ACD used three times every two
weeks):
Average time saved weekly= times ACD is used per week x average time saved
daily
= 1.5 x 394 seconds
= 591 seconds (9 minutes and 51 seconds)
Average time saved yearly= number of weeks ACD used per year x average time
saved weekly
= 52 x 591 seconds
= 30 732 seconds/512.2 minutes/8 hours and 32 minutes
Average time saved in a lifetime= average amount of years used x average time
saved yearly
Page 26 of 40
= 70.8 years x 512.2 minutes
= 36 263.8 minutes/604.4 hours or 25.1 days
Therefore, the average time saved in the lifetime of the average Canadian
(80.8 years) when the Automatic Cereal Dispenser is used to make breakfast
three times for every two week period is 25.1 days.
9.3.2.2
Scenario #2
Average Time Saved in a Lifetime Calculation B (ACD used daily):
Average time saved weekly= times ACD is used per week x average time saved
daily
= 7 x 394 seconds
= 2 758 seconds (45 minutes and 58 seconds)
Average time saved yearly= number of weeks ACD used per year x average time
saved weekly
= 52 x 2 758 seconds
= 143 416 seconds/2 390 minutes/39 hours and 50
minutes
Average time saved in a lifetime= average amount of years used x average time
saved yearly
= 70.8 years x 2 390 minutes
= 169 212 minutes/2820.2 hours or 117.5 days
Assuming that the Automatic Cereal Dispenser was used on a daily basis
throughout the entire life of the average Canadian, 117.5 days worth of time
would be saved.
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9.3.2.3
Scenario #3
Average Time Saved Nationally (ACD used once):
To put the impact of the Automatic Cereal Dispenser into a national perspective, if the
machine was used by every single Canadian for one day only:
Average time saved nationally = Canadian population x average time saved daily per
person
= 33 476 685 x 394 seconds
= 13 189 813 890 seconds or 418.2 years
Therefore, if every person in Canada (based on population at the time of the 2011
Canadian census) used the Automatic Cereal Dispenser for one day, 418.2 years
worth of time would be saved. As a result, the significant amount of time saved could be
dedicated to scientific research and/or developing various aspects of Canadian industries
and society.
Page 28 of 40
10
Conclusions
After collecting, observing, and analysing data, the researchers were able to
review the results of the scientific process and many patterns were discovered in
the observations. Let’s now address the hypothesis:
10.1
Breakfast Automation Saves Time
This hypothesis is supported by the results. Our tests indicate that the ACD is
capable of delivering a bowl of cereal in an average time of one minute and 26
seconds. According to our survey, the same task takes a human being an average
of 8 minutes. This means that the ACD system is roughly 6 times more efficient
than a human being which implies a large savings in time.
10.2
Predicted Time Saved: One Week Per Lifetime
This hypothesis was in error. Our initial prediction specified that at least one week
per lifetime would be saved if an ACD would be used daily. Based on the data
obtained from the survey and the innovation, it can be estimated how much time
can be saved by using the Automatic Cereal Dispenser throughout the average
life of a Canadian. Assuming the Canadian uses the machine daily for 70.8 years,
117.5 days or 16.5 weeks would be saved which widely exceeded our
expectations. If this invention was incorporated on a national scale, an extensive
amount of time and money could be saved.
10.3
A Large Potential Market Exists
This hypothesis is supported by the results. The survey indicated that people eat
cereal very frequently for breakfast. Roughly 90% of participants indicated that
cereal is included as a part of at least one breakfast meal on average each week.
This means that significant time could be saved during breakfast for a large
amount of people. Thus, the production of an automatic machine to make
breakfast would have a large impact on society.
10.4
There Is A High Acceptance Rate In The Potential Market
This hypothesis is supported by the results. Many people would be willing to
accept this product if it had the ability to save significant time. The survey
demonstrated that 90% of the participants would be interested in using the
Automatic Cereal Dispenser if it would save a large amount of time (over a week’s
worth of time) in their lives.
Page 29 of 40
10.5
The Innovation Is Technically Viable
This hypothesis is supported by the results. After constructing the device and
performing numerous tests, many modifications were made to improve the
reliability of the device. Through these alterations, the failure rate decreased
dramatically and the machine became capable of preparing a bowl of cereal in an
average time of one minute and 26 seconds.
10.6
Comparison With Similar Devices
The results of the innovation cannot be compared as there are no other similar
products that the researchers are aware of. This further demonstrates the
innovation, originality, and creativity regarding how a simple daily task can be
improved dramatically through the use of automation. If the length of the human
breakfast survey was expanded to two weeks in duration, the average breakfast
habits for each participant would have been observed more consistently (ensuring
there are less outliers in the data such as changes in habit for one particular day).
Thus, the data obtained through research and testing supports the value of
automation and how significant time can be saved by incorporating the concept
into minor tasks performed on a daily basis.
10.7
Summary:
In review, the results demonstrate that the Automatic Cereal Dispenser saves
time, can prepare breakfast cereal efficiently, and could have large human and
commercial benefit.
Page 30 of 40
11
Possible applications of the innovation
The development of the Automatic Cereal Dispenser offers many applications to
the daily activities of the real world.
11.1
Benefits for people with diminished manual dexterity
To begin, the product would have great economic and physical benefit to people
with reduced manual dexterity such as people with Parkinson’s disease.
Parkinson’s disease is a disorder of the central nervous system that often causes
affected people to experience movement-related difficulties. They take a longer
time to complete simple tasks, have trouble walking, and can tire very easily from
minimal activity.
The use of the Automatic Cereal Dispenser would help make the daily activities of
the person or caregiver much easier.
Through the use of this automated innovation (remote extension), the patient
could have breakfast cereal prepared without having to collect all of the materials,
carry them, and then combine them together. The physical benefit of this idea
allows the patient to use minimal movements in order to complete a daily task that
would otherwise be time consuming and strenuous to perform for them.
Another benefit of this automation, is that it would give the patient much more
strength (a healthy breakfast is proven to be one of the most important meals of
the day/less movement performed) to overcome the rest of the physical obstacles
that the patient may need to deal with during the day.
11.2
Hospital benefits
If a patient is in a hospital, they would be able to produce their breakfast without
needing to wait for the assistance of a family member or nurse. From an
economic perspective, hospitals could assist an increased amount of patients if
the innovation is implemented. As patients would not require any assistance in
order to make breakfast, more time and effort could be dedicated by the doctors
to data analysis. With the time saved from not having to make breakfast for a
large group of patients over a long period of time, more money would be saved by
the hospital as doctors/nurses could work for a shorter shift (less wage expenses).
Thus, more doctors could be hired at the same economic cost for each hospital.
This would allow for increased treatment and study of patients, while severe
conditions could be assisted with in a faster manner.
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11.3
Benefits for people with old age
There are also many other ways in which the innovation could affect various
scenarios. This machine could be of great help to those suffering from old age. As
people age bones and muscles become weaker, resulting in increased difficulty
performing tasks. Our device allows people to spend less effort doing such simple
tasks, and lets them still have breakfast, the most important meal of the day.
In addition, forgetfulness is a well-known symptom of old age. With this type of
patients, there is always the risk of malnutrition. With minor modifications (a timer)
our innovation could ensure that old age patients are reminded and have ready a
nutritious breakfast without the need for assistance.
11.4
Other applications
Our device with slight modifications can also have other potential applications. For
example, the Automatic Cereal Dispenser could be adapted to dispense pet food
on a timer based system. If a dog owner had to work longer at the office, wanted
to go out for the day, or travelled away on vacation, the dog could still receive a
controlled supply of food after a specific amount of time. This could ensure the
dog is fed on a daily basis in case other commitments cause the owner to forget
and disrupt the pet’s daily routine.
From an economic standpoint, the owner would not need to move the dog to a
kennel when they go on vacation.
11.5
Time savings
In addition, the Automatic Cereal Dispenser could help save time in the daily life
of the user if used every day. Assuming someone used the machine and it saved
them five minutes per day, over half an hour of time would be saved in one week.
Lastly, if an accountant, businessman, teacher, student, or any other busy person
was running late on a particular day for a meeting or test, the Automatic Cereal
Dispenser could save the person a few critical minutes (while ensuring that
breakfast is eaten). Therefore, the innovation has many important applications.
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12
12.1
Further Improvements
Step #1: The Human Breakfast Survey
The experiment/innovation would not need to be repeated as the results
demonstrate a consistent outcome (that the cereal dispenser would be practical
and save time).
However, if the opportunity was offered to repeat the project, the researchers
would incorporate a larger sample size in the survey (about 200) as due to
financial and time restrictions, only 10 participants were involved in the current
survey.
This would allow the researchers to determine more accurate results and to
interpret the views of the average Canadian towards cereal dispensers.
12.2
12.2.1
Step #2: Automated Machine
Prototype model improvements
The following improvements were already considered but discarded due to
insufficient time. Given the right circumstances, these elements would be targeted
for research and inclusion in further prototypes (in no particular order):
1. A 24 Hours timer for fully automated operation
2. An automated / manual mode of operation where the cereal would be
delivered on a timer, but the liquid on a manual trigger. This is necessary to
avoid the cereal going soggy if not eaten soon after delivered.
3. Temperature regulation for the refrigerator by modification of electronic
components.
4. Liquid warm-up on-demand through the use of an electrically heated tube inline with the dispensing pipes.
5. Temperature control for the on-demand warm-up functionality
6. Automated delivery of multiple bowls and spoons through the use of
reservoirs.
7. Automated insertion of full bowls into the Table Transport sub-system.
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8. Improvement of the remote control handles for the Table Transport subsystem to make it user-friendly for people with diminished manual dexterity.
12.2.2
Production model improvements
If the Automatic Cereal Dispenser was produced for domestic use, it would have to
undergo significant changes through the process of industrial design.
Typically, the materials would need to be changed to minimize costs and increase
stability. Instead of using LEGO pieces, other materials like plastic, screws, and
professional motors could be incorporated into the design in order to increase
precision and reliability. This change would allow the cereal dispenser industry to
produce the machines at a large quantity (as interest would increase around the
globe).
The purpose of this innovation was to prove that the Automatic Cereal Dispenser
would save time and work efficiently in the real world (testing the idea to determine
whether the device has marketing potential). This was fully accomplished.
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13
References
Barker, C. (2010). Science perspectives 9. Toronto: Nelson Education.
Carr, C. (2010). Science perspectives 10. Toronto: Nelson Education.
Canada. (n.d.). Statistics Canada: Canada's national statistical agency. Statistics
Canada: Canada's national statistical agency. Retrieved February 2, 2013, from
http://www.statcan.gc.ca/start-debut-eng.html
DiGiuseppe, M. (2011). Nelson physics 11: university preparation. Toronto: Nelson
Education.
Egg Facts, Egg Information, Egg Nutrition, Egg Benefits, Egg Health - Egg Farmers
of Ontario. (n.d.). Egg Farmers of Ontario - Fast, Delicious and Nutritious - recipes,
health, cooking tips, news, events, promotions, facts, nutrition. Retrieved February
2, 2013, from http://www.getcracking.ca/dozenreasons
Ferrari, G., Ferrari, M., & Hempel, R. (2002). Building Robots With Lego
Mindstorms. USA: Syngress Publishing Inc.
Health Canada. (2011). Eating Well With Canada's Food Guide. Ottawa: HC
Publishing.
Intel ISEF - Rules & Guidelines - Society for Science & the Public. (n.d.). Society
for Science & the Public. Retrieved January 15, 2013, from
http://www.societyforscience.org/isef/rulesandguidelines
Ontario Ministry of Education and Training (2008). The Ontario curriculum, grade 910: Science. Toronto, Ontario: Queen’s Printer for Ontario.
Ontario Ministry of Education and Training (2009). The Ontario curriculum, grade 910: Technology. Toronto, Ontario: Queen’s Printer for Ontario.
Science Canada. (n.d.). Participation of Humans in Research - Low Risk | Youth
Science Canada. Youth Science Canada. Retrieved January 15, 2013, from
http://www.youthscience.ca/policy/participation-humans-research-low-risk
Yoshihto, I. (2007). Lego Technic Tora No Maki. Japan: Igosawa Studios Inc.
Husbands’ and Wives’ Time Spent on Housework: A comparison of Measures.
Journal of Marriage and Family 67 (May2005): 328-336
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Page 36 of 40
14
Acknowledgements
Ian and Matthew acknowledge E. Dunne-Samsworth for offering extensive scientific
knowledge in a large amount of scientific concepts and during the topic selection
process. The authors thank Elizabeth Dunne-Samsworth for the guidance, effort,
and inspiration that has been provided throughout the entire project’s planning,
construction, and analysis stages.
Ian and Matthew acknowledge J. Ionico for offering scientific knowledge in the topic
selection process, discussing innovation applications, providing extensive physics
knowledge and for the formatting of the final written report.
Ian and Matthew acknowledge the St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Secondary
School Technology Department and J. Kosir for providing a large quantity of LEGO
materials required for the production of the Automatic Cereal Dispenser. The
authors thank the Technology Department for providing a facility for a portion of the
construction process.
Ian and Matthew acknowledge P. [name blanked] for providing scientific guidance,
construction materials, LEGO resources, and other materials incorporated into the
final innovation.
Ian and Matthew acknowledge the group of St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic
Secondary School students, teachers, and family members who sacrificed time to
complete the Breakfast Routine questionnaire and survey. The authors also thank
family members and relatives for offering scientific knowledge and providing
scientific discussion to improve the final report and proof of concept design.
Page 37 of 40
Appendix I
Forms
Page 38 of 40
Letter of Information (Automatic Cereal Dispenser Experiment):
February 15th, 2013
Dear Participant:
Subject: Breakfast Habits (Automatic Cereal Dispenser) Experiment
As a part of our Bay Area Science project, we will be conducting research about the daily
breakfast habits that humans may have. The goal of our project is to invent a device that can
make breakfast without the need for any human interaction. As part of the research we will
conduct, we would like to calculate the amount of time this machine will save throughout the life of
the average Canadian. In order to do this, we would like to conduct a survey (10-12 participants) in
which we can find how long it takes the average person to make breakfast.
The survey will be completely anonymous and will give you the opportunity to view the impact that
technology can have on our daily lives. For one week (seven consecutive days), you will be asked
to conduct your daily breakfast routine and record specific data in the attached survey sheet. On a
daily basis, you will be asked to record the time you wake up, the time you finish making breakfast,
the amount of time in between, and the components (food/drink) that you consume. Before the
experiment, participants will be asked to identify their age group, gender, and job type at the top of
the survey sheet. At the completion of the seven days, there are seven simple questions that must
be answered at the bottom of the sheet.
The information gathered from this survey will be used to describe the consistent breakfast
routine. As this information is conducted with a group of different ages, genders, and daily
schedules, the results of this survey can allow us to draw accurate conclusions about the average
Canadian. Participants will have the right to withdraw from the survey at any time, without any
consequences of any kind. Unfortunately, no reward will be provided upon completion of the
survey. In the event of a question or withdrawal, contact details for the researchers or adult
supervisor are listed below. If requested, the participants can be informed of the final results of the
study upon its completion. We extremely value and appreciate all of your time and effort
throughout this voluntary survey, and hope that this experiment will be beneficial to both the
researchers and the participants involved.
Sincerely,
Ian and Matthew
Science Researchers (Automatic Cereal Dispenser)
St. Ignatius of Loyola Catholic Secondary School
Contact Details:
Matthew: Mxxxxxxx@gmail.com
Ian: Ixxxx@teksavvy.com
E. Dunne-Samsworth (Adult Supervisor): Dunne-SamsworthE@hcdsb.org
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Consent Form (Automatic Cereal Dispenser) Experiment:
In order to participate in our survey/experiment, the following consent form must be signed before
data can be collected.
This notice confirms that:

All data that is obtained from the participant will be kept anonymous.

The data will only be accessed by the researchers and no third party organizations.

Survey sheets will be disposed upon the study’s completion if requested by the participant.

All sheets will be stored in a sealed folder throughout the duration of the project.

Participation in this experiment is voluntary, and that participants will have the right to
withdraw at any given time with no stated reasoning.

The researchers will NOT be responsible for:
o
Any injuries (serious or minor) related to the procedure issued to complete the
experiment.
o
Reimbursing the participants for time and money spent in relation to the experiment
in part or in entirety.

Participants may contact the researchers at any time, and for any reason with any
questions or concerns.

All questions and tables will be filled out to the best of the participants’ ability (accurately,
honestly and responsibly).
I, ____________________________, confirm that I agree to all of the aforementioned terms and
regulations discussed. In addition, I have received the Letter of Information for the experiment and
am satisfied with all requirements needed to participate in this research.
Participant Printed Name: ____________________ Signature: ______________________
Date: ___________________
Parent/Guardian Printed Name: _________________ Signature: ______________________
(only required for participants under the age of 18)
Name of person obtaining consent: _________________ Signature: _____________________
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Automatic Cereal Dispenser Research (Survey Sheet):
By: Ian and Matthew
Experiment Dates: __________________________
Age: 0-10 11-20 21-30 31-40 41-50 51-60 61+
Gender: Male Female
Job: Teacher Student Workplace University
Daily Record Table:
Day
Sunday
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Wake-up Time
Time Started
Making
Breakfast
Time Finished
Making
Breakfast
Time (finish
time minus
start time)
All
Food/Drinks
Consumed
Experiment Questionnaire:
1. Where do you eat breakfast? _____________________
2. Where do you make breakfast? _____________________
3. Do you eat breakfast on a daily basis? Yes or No
4. What machines do you use while making breakfast? _______________
5. What cereal would you eat most often? ____________ How Often? __________
6. Are you currently interested in an automated cereal dispenser? Yes or No
7. Would your opinion change if this machine saved you over 20 days worth of time in your
life? Yes or No