STEM Coding Max


Model 6: Automatic door

Out of the way!


Grade
6-8
Time required
2 double hours
Difficulty level
Model: medium, Programming: medium
Model type
Table model for industrial automatic doors
Download didactic material

MODEL DESCRIPTION / TASK

The pupils (SuS) plan and realize the model of a door that opens and closes automatically. 

Depending on the need for differentiation, the automatic system can be triggered by various sensors: 

  • Manual button (basic circuit), 
  • magnetic access card (differentiation 1) or
  • motion detection (differentiation 2). 

The closing time can be set variably via the programming. 

EVERYDAY RELEVANCE

The function of an automatically triggered mechanical movement initiated by a sensor is becoming increasingly present in the everyday lives of children (car door, tailgate on vehicles, elevator door, automatic tap, etc.). Triggering an automated function (e.g. through switches, changes in brightness, movement or gesture control) has always been highly motivating, as has the combination of mechanical movements with modern controls. Pre-professional orientation also plays an important role with regard to using, understanding, developing and optimizing a corresponding system. 

Key questions

  • Where are automatic doors installed in everyday life? (Communication)
  • What triggering options are there for operating the door? (Communication)
  • How can a rotary movement be converted into a linear movement? (Creativity)
  • Which time loops are useful for operation? (critical thinking, collaboration)

Subject reference
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Computer sience
Basics of programming various sensors, time loops
Technology
Gear theory, manufacturing and optimizing an object
Physics
Mechanical and kinematic aspects of movements

Lesson progression

 

Introduction phase
Planning phase
Contruction phase
Programming phase
Experimentation and test phase
Final phase

 

Information and notes

 

Methodical and didactic tips
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Differentiation options

The model (basic task button on the inside) is particularly suitable for differentiation. Depending on the time available, the system can be supplemented in further stages with little effort by a magnetically triggered switch on the front of the door (reed contact) and/or by a motion sensor (RGB gesture sensor) on the inside of the door. Programming by means of additional loops produces a great effect through further triggering options for opening the door. 

 

Motivational Aspects

There is a great desire to have a system that can be controlled in as many different ways as possible by using a wide variety of sensors. The familiarity with various everyday solutions also means that there is likely to be interest in adding further useful components to the system (e.g. visual status display of the system, warning function before the door closes, etc.).

Additional material

  • Optional: drawing media (paper, whiteboard or projection screen)

Building instructions

Circuit diagram

Functions of the model and their technical solutions

 

Function of the system

 

Technical solution

 

Triggering the door opening (seen from the inside)
​

 

Pressing a button

 

End position for open door

 

 

Pulse counter

 

Limit switch for closed door

 

Triggering the limit switch (button)
​

 

Opening the door

 

Opening the door using the motor and worm gearbox

 

 

Closing the door

 

Closing the door using a motor and worm gearbox
​

 

Differentiation 1: Triggering the door opening (seen from the outside)

 

 

Triggering a reed contact using a magnet

 

Differentiation 2: automatic triggering of the door opening (seen from the inside)

 

 

Triggering the RGB gesture sensor

Material list
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Sensors

 

 

Function

 

1 button

 

 

Triggering the door opening process

 

1 button

 

Switching off the motor when the door is closed

 

 

1 button

 

Setting the end position of the open door (pulse counter)

 

 

Differentiation 1: 1 reed contact

 

 

Triggering the door opening process

 

Differentiation 2: 1 RGB gesture sensor

 

 

Triggering the door opening process

 

 

 

Actuators

 

 

Function

 

1 motor incl. gearbox

 

 

Opening/closing the door

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