The internal devices that are part of the suitcase, will be interconnected as showed in the block diagram. The suitcase block represents the chassis of the suitcase, and the program block represents the coding part that will be done in C++. The rest of the blocks will be detailed in the project requirements section.

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Micro Processor

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There are different program languages that can be used to program the microprocessor. Weiming and Jose are using C++, to control all the electronic devices that will be connected to it. For this project, we decide to use Arduino Uno as microprocessor and C++ language. More details can be found at the Amazon webpage (Arduino Uno). [10]

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Power Supply

 

In this diagram we can appreciate that we are using two power supplies. The first power supply is used to power the gear motors, and the second power supply is exclusively for the microprocessor, which does not require much power. We decided to have two power supplies because the gear motors will drain the battery faster, and it may create some picks of power that can damage or malfunction the microprocessor. More details can be found at Amazon webpage (Anker [Upgraded to 6700mAh] Astro E1 Candy-Bar Sized Ultra Compact Portable Charger, External Battery Power Bank, with High-Speed Charging PowerIQ Technology). [1]

                              

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Drive Control

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The function of the drive control is to control the gear motors base on instructions from the microprocessor. The microprocessor will emit signals at low voltage level, and the drive control will provide to the gear motor the power it needs to work. allowing them to move back and forward. More details can be found at the Cytron webpage (10Amp 5V-30V DC Motor Driver). [2]

 

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Gearmotor

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The gearmotor will move the wheels. It will be connected to the drive control, which will send the signals from the microprocessor. The gearmotor will have enough power to move the total weight of the suitcase. More details can be found at the Pololu Robotics & Electronics webpage (4.4:1 Metal Gearmotor 25Dx63L mm HP 6V with 48 CPR Encoder). [3]

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LCD Display

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The display will be our output.. Users will read the total weight of the suitcase on it. The signal that the weight sensors board will send to the microprocessor will be processed, and it will send a digital signal to the display, which it will be showing the total weight. More details can be found at the Pololu Robotics & Electronics webpage (16×2 Character LCD Parallel Interface). [9]

 

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Tension Load

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This sensor works when the weight is hanged at one of the ends of the sensor applying a force to it. The force will be measured, and the information will be set to a board connected to it, which it will be transformed to a signal, and it will send to the microprocessor at which it will be connected. More details can be found at the Amazon webpage (Degraw 40 kg Tension Load Cell and HX711 Combo Pack Kit). [8]

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Tracking Camera

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The camera is an input and it will be used to track objects base of colors, and it will send a signal to the microprocessor which is connected to it, letting it know if the object is moving left or right.  More details can be found at the Pixy webpage (Pixy ). [9]

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IR Sensor

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The IR sensor is our input, It will be used to detect proximity to other objects avoiding collisions. More details can be found at the Amazon webpage (GP2Y0A21YK0F Sharp IR Analog Distance Sensor 10-80cm + Cable, Arduino Compatible). [9]

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NON - TECHNICAL PARTS:

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Wheels

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No all the components need it to build this smart suitcase are electronics. Weiming and Jose also need the wheels, which it must be strong enough to support the total weight of the suitcase which is 50 Kg. The wheels we will use for this project will be the same wheels are used in the scooter wheels, also called inline skate wheels. More details can be found at the Pololu Robotics & Electronics webpage (Scooter/Skate Wheel 70×25mm - Black). [11]

 

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Adapter

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Each wheel will be attached to an adapter and it will be attached to the gearmotor. This adapter is necessary to connect the wheels with the gearmotors. More details can be found at the Pololu Robotics & Electronics webpage (Pololu Aluminium Scooter Wheel Adapter for 4mm Shaft). [12]

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Gearmotor Brackets

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Other non-electronic part Weiming and Jose needs for this project are the gearmotor brackets to attach the gearmotor to the smart suitcase. More details for the specs could be find in the reference page. [13]

 

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For demonstration only the smart suitcase will be built with plywood at dimensions of a regular size carry on, used in the airports to travel. Once is all working as intended, the smart suitcase will be painted and decorated to be close to a state-of-the-art regular suitcase.