ESP32 Wi-Fi Pop-Open Enclosure
Budget: $30 – $250 USD
I’d like one working prototype of a 100 × 100 × 50 mm ABS box with a clear hinged lid that flips itself fully open when I press a single “OPEN” button from my iPhone over Wi-Fi. The brains should be an ESP32 dev board; power comes from either a USB-C connector or a 5 V DC jack.
For the release, I would rather avoid the usual micro-servo or off-the-shelf latch. Please propose a neat alternative mechanical solution—springs, solenoid, magnetic catch, cam, anything that produces a satisfying pop-open action yet fits inside the stated volume. A hidden manual override push-button must also be reachable without spoiling the exterior.
The ESP32 should host a tiny web page (HTML/CSS/JS is fine) on its own hotspot or my home network—whichever you think is simplest to set up. The page shows nothing but the “OPEN” button; touching it on Safari should immediately trigger the mechanism, then reset itself for the next cycle.
Deliverables
• One fully assembled enclosure, ready to power up and demonstrate
• Firmware (Arduino or ESP-IDF), source files, and flashing instructions
• Mechanical CAD (STEP/STL), fabrication notes, and complete BOM
• Simple wiring diagram and any custom PCB files, if used
• Short video clip proving Wi-Fi control and the spring-action lid
Acceptance will be based on reliable Wi-Fi connectivity, a crisp automatic pop-open action, and a clean, minimalist web interface that loads instantly on an iPhone. Ship the prototype securely packaged; I’ll cover shipping separately.
For the release, I would rather avoid the usual micro-servo or off-the-shelf latch. Please propose a neat alternative mechanical solution—springs, solenoid, magnetic catch, cam, anything that produces a satisfying pop-open action yet fits inside the stated volume. A hidden manual override push-button must also be reachable without spoiling the exterior.
The ESP32 should host a tiny web page (HTML/CSS/JS is fine) on its own hotspot or my home network—whichever you think is simplest to set up. The page shows nothing but the “OPEN” button; touching it on Safari should immediately trigger the mechanism, then reset itself for the next cycle.
Deliverables
• One fully assembled enclosure, ready to power up and demonstrate
• Firmware (Arduino or ESP-IDF), source files, and flashing instructions
• Mechanical CAD (STEP/STL), fabrication notes, and complete BOM
• Simple wiring diagram and any custom PCB files, if used
• Short video clip proving Wi-Fi control and the spring-action lid
Acceptance will be based on reliable Wi-Fi connectivity, a crisp automatic pop-open action, and a clean, minimalist web interface that loads instantly on an iPhone. Ship the prototype securely packaged; I’ll cover shipping separately.
Related categories:
CSS
Mechanical Engineering
HTML
3D Modelling
Arduino
3D Printing
Web Development
3D CAD