Design Low-Cost DC Actuator Monitor
Budget: $30 – $250 USD
I'm looking for a cost-effective and robust device to monitor the current draw of six 12V DC actuators used in a caravan roof lifting system. The device should trigger an audible alarm if a fault is detected, specifically when there is a ±20% current deviation between paired actuators. Alternatively, a memory-based system could be implemented to save each motor's current draw and trigger the alarm if the actual current deviates from the set threshold.
The motors are 12V and the monitoring device must also be powered by 12V.
An actuator failure would mean the fibreglass roof will break. The buzzer must be loud enough for the operator to hear it immediately so that they can visibly inspect the motor movement and stop actuator movement if required.
Key Requirements:
- Instructions for production (50 units required)
- Use a microcontroller for the design
- No display needed for real-time monitoring
- Implement a buzzer as the audible alarm
- Monitor current draw for six DC actuators
- Detect and alert on a ±20% current deviation between paired actuators or incorporate a memory-based system for current draw thresholds
- Power efficient, must not drain caravan battery power unnecessarily when not in use.
Ideal Skills and Experience:
- Experience in designing microcontroller-based monitoring systems
- Knowledge of DC actuator operation and current monitoring
- Ability to design and implement simple fault detection systems
- Proficiency in integrating buzzers for audible alarms
- Strong problem-solving skills to ensure device reliability and robustness
I'm eager to collaborate with a designer who can deliver a practical and efficient solution for this monitoring system.
The motors are 12V and the monitoring device must also be powered by 12V.
An actuator failure would mean the fibreglass roof will break. The buzzer must be loud enough for the operator to hear it immediately so that they can visibly inspect the motor movement and stop actuator movement if required.
Key Requirements:
- Instructions for production (50 units required)
- Use a microcontroller for the design
- No display needed for real-time monitoring
- Implement a buzzer as the audible alarm
- Monitor current draw for six DC actuators
- Detect and alert on a ±20% current deviation between paired actuators or incorporate a memory-based system for current draw thresholds
- Power efficient, must not drain caravan battery power unnecessarily when not in use.
Ideal Skills and Experience:
- Experience in designing microcontroller-based monitoring systems
- Knowledge of DC actuator operation and current monitoring
- Ability to design and implement simple fault detection systems
- Proficiency in integrating buzzers for audible alarms
- Strong problem-solving skills to ensure device reliability and robustness
I'm eager to collaborate with a designer who can deliver a practical and efficient solution for this monitoring system.