Ampster Wheel

    This project implements a self-sustaining, interactive rodent wheel system that harvests energy from rodent activity while providing feedback and rewards. Did I re-invent the wheel? it feels like it. After a solid month of working non-stop in my spare time, I am FINALLY ready to introduce, the Ampster Wheel!

    My rodents runs all night, I figured I might be able to harvest some of that energy and reward my little friends as they run. The circuit will safely charge your 18650 rechargeable batteries via a stepper motor in a generator configuration. The Stepper motor produces AC electricity and the bridge rectifiers convert it to DC, the DC to DC step up module steps the voltage up to an acceptable limit accepted by the Un-interrupt-able power supply (UPS), which powers the whole system and allows you to charge your phone via the USB-C adapter.

    The rodent's progress towards earning a reward is shown on the OLED, along with common stats like total miles run, power produced, and top speed achieved. Calculated by a Time of Flight Sensor that detects a rotating flag on the wheels shaft. LED Light Strips are configured in the Case that shine through clear filament (to disperse the light for our nocturnal friends), their purpose is to train the rodents as to how much they have to run to get a treat. As the progress increases more LEDs light up, until.. (with a little LED celebration) a reward is dispensed! The system is power conscious by managing the LEDs and display power during inactivity. Just press the button you installed to wake the system up!
 

## Features

- Energy harvesting from wheel motion via stepper motor as a generator

- Real-time LED feedback showing exercise progress

- Automated treat dispensing system

- Activity monitoring via time-of-flight sensor

- OLED display - stats (distance traveled, current speed, peak speed, energy produced, progress towards reward.

- Power-efficient design - auto off after 15 seconds of inactivity. wake the system by pressing the button. restart the system and reset stats by holding the button for 8 seconds.

## Hardware Requirements

- Arduino Nano ESP32

- (24 AWG) Hookup Wire Kit

- Stepper Motor (17HS4023 Nema 17)

- 2x Bridge Rectifier Modules

- WS2812B LED Strip (40 LEDs)

- FS90R Servo Motor (connect signal to D18/GPIO02/A1)

- VL53L0X Time-of-Flight Sensor

- 18650 UPS

- SSD1306 OLED Display

- Momentary Push Button

- Smoothing Capacitors (1000 µF, 16V and 100µF, 16V)

- 2x 4.7kΩ Pull-up Resistors

- 1x 330Ω Resistor

- 1x 1kΩ Resistor

- 1x 10kΩ Resistor

- 8mmx19mm Thrust Bearings

- (4) 608-2RS Bearings

- 3D Printed Rodent Wheel

- Clear Filament

- 8mm x 100mm linear shaft

- 8mm flange coupling connector

- M3 bolts

- M2x4 screws

- M2x8 screws

- M3x4 screws

- M3x8 screws

- M3x10 screws

- M3x20 screws

- #49 O' ring

Check out the build video and the IMPORTANT documentation in the GitHub link!

Build Video:

Find all the documentation for all the parts I used and how I hooked up the wiring on the Github repo!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wasatchlayers/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMp5FNHOx8Y

Github: https://github.com/WasatchLayers/AmpsterWheel

Email: [email protected]

I really made this project to participate in the Pet/Arduino contest, something I've never done before. I love 3d design and this is my first full project in Fusion 360 (most my time has been spent in Civil 3D). This is still a work in progress, and I hope to refine the design for less friction and an easier time on the rodents! Good Luck!

This whole project was tested on the Original Prusa MK2 printer… They say the Mk4 is the proven workhorse… well my horn toots a slightly different tune, and they would have to prove to me different! ;)

Full disclosure: Does this REALLY charge the battery? Absolutely! Is it efficient? Heck no…. In fact, it would take ages for my rats to run and charge these batteries with this motor. Maybe something like a New York rat or a chinchilla would do the trick… but my fancy rats are the product of good times and this is still a work in progress! I have published this project with remix culture allowed, and I would LOVE for someone else to give me their thoughts or try modifying it to get more power with less resistance!!