CJW
BIRD HOUSE - INDUSTRIAL DESIGN PROJECT
Brief
Design a product capable of “internet of things” connectivity. A physical presentation model is required.
Storyboard
The bird house is hung on a nail, in a tree or fence in the user’s garden. Small birds can use the box for nesting.
The sensor inside the bird house connects to The Things Network, and the user and bird conservation charities can see the activity in their bird house.
Other features of the bird house include an extended roof so that the entrance is protected from weather. The entrance hole is also small to protect from larger predators.
Functionality
LoRaWan modules for Arduino are readily available, this would be paired with a sensor for monitoring birds entering and leaving the nest. Capacitive metal rings could be placed on the entrance, a mini-PIR sensor or simply an LDR inside the bird house.
The power would be sourced from a battery and considerations would have to be made as to charging this from solar or another method.
A presentation model was made alongside prototype model. The roof of the bird house follows the Scandinavian style and uses 5 sheets of 0.8mm plywood formed on a custom made mould. The presentation model is made from painted modelling material. The prototype model is made from MDF and has a smaller entrance hole, with a removable roof for cleaning.
Models
Improvements
Feedback for improvements were regarding the security of the mounting method being unable to withstand storms, diameter of the entrance hole too large on prototype and considerations required as to whether the perch would be required.
