HSC Applied Arts projects 2024

Applied Arts Subject Master Mr Nicholas Green gives his observations on the projects created by the boys in the 2024 HSC Design and Technology course.

 

Ramakrishna Balachandran

Sensor driven clothesline rain cover

This project addresses the need to cover clothes while they are drying when it starts to rain. Rain is sensed with an Arduino microprocessor and sensor and an environmentally sensitive design was chosen, using a gravity pull to deploy the rain cover.

Jack Chesterman

Bluetooth fencing hit detection application

The costs involved in training for fencing matches were addressed with this project that modelled circuits to simulate the scoring hardware and a phone app to display scoring details.

Jeremy Cheung

Solar powered vehicle cooling device

Cooling the interior of a car in the sun is a clear need and this work experimented with Arduino temperature and humidity sensors to activate a cooling system incorporating solar power. The final design ran two fans in a custom-designed 3D printed window mounting.

Struan Earnshaw

Sustainable plant watering system

This project capitalised on rainwater storage and an Arduino water sensor and pumping system to produce an automatic watering structure incorporating an integrated tank and planter pot. The system can be set-and-forget for gardeners or employed while away on holidays.

Kieran Huynh

Rip safety swimmer detection module

Beach safety for swimmers in rip currents was the focus of this design that alerts lifesavers to someone entering a dangerous area of the water. Python coding was used to modify open-source software that detected swimmers captured on-screen by a camera feeding into a Raspberry Pi computer in a 3D printed water-resistant housing.

Taj Macé

Smart tiny home with products

This project addressed needs in easing housing availability and making tiny homes more liveable. The design features a tiny home with a loft level and space-saving mechanical systems to store away the dining table and staircase so useable space is maximised in the living areas.

Michael Sanderson

Automated shelving descent accessibility device

High shelves in cupboards or wardrobes presented the need for this design that included experiments and 3D CAD to assess gearing and lever systems to lower a high storage shelf to an accessible and safe height. The final model incorporated a linear actuator for automated operation.

Wilbur Sproats

Surfboard beach locker

This design looked at the need of surfers who want to store their surfboard during their day at the beach. The locker system allows users to secure their board and wetsuit and other belongings, as well as recharge their phone from the solar panel. A beach-side aesthetic completes the integrated design.

Oliver Weaver

Automated puppy toilet training device

Toilet-training a puppy presented the need for this design that uses positive reinforcement by delivering a foodie treat to L-plate dogs getting used to “going” when and where the owner would prefer. An Arduino microprocessor in the unit senses the flow and directs a motor to advance the food delivery.