Inspiration
When thinking about environmental problems, we reflected on small daily habits that negatively impact the planet - like leaving lights on or forgetting to turn off the tap. These seemingly minor actions add up, leading to significant resource waste.
What it does
AquaLatch is a smart water-saving mechanism designed to prevent unnecessary water waste. If a tap runs continuously for more than two minutes, the system automatically locks, stopping the flow. With further testing, we aim to expand its functionality to prevent showers from dripping when not in use.
How we built it
We divided the project into three main problems to solve:
- Electronics – Developing the system that detects continuous water flow.
- Water Lock Mechanism – Creating a reliable way to halt water flow after a set time.
- Sink Attachment – Designing an easy-to-install and adaptable attachment for various sink models.
Challenges we ran into
One major challenge was selecting the right sensors, as we couldn't test multiple options first hand. This required extensive research to determine the most effective solution.
Accomplishments that we're proud of
We successfully drafted the first models and, most importantly, developed an innovative and practical idea that addresses a real-world issue.
What we learned
Taking an idea from concept to a working prototype is a crucial skill for engineers. This process reinforced the importance of problem-solving, iteration, and teamwork.
What's next for AquaLatch
Testing. Testing. Testing.
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