To survive the hot and arid environment of Southwest Africa, the Namib desert beetle has evolved with a shell that is able to draw water from mist and air.
Initial Sketches
Andrew
Oliver
The Idea we chose
Precedent 1
Structure of a beetle shell
Key Structure
Precedent 2
Obviously we couldn't make this...
But it's a general idea
Precedent 3
Another example of water collection
More Sketches
Prototype
(Low effort lol)
Blue paint represents hydrophobic coating
"Leaves" will probably be cooled down
Axle shakes every ~5 minutes to shake off condensed water droplets
Electronics storage space
Water collection tank
Funnel
"Leaves" with alternating hydrophobic and hydrophilic coating
Central Axle
First breakthrough - Leaves
Dark blue paint = hydrophilic coating
Light blue paint = hydrophobic coating
Spray the surface with hydrophobic coating, then go over the foam tiles lightly with hydrophilic paint using a roller paint brush
Bend the foam and attatch it to metal plate that is attached to a central axle
Cool down the metal plate; water droplets will condense on the surface of the foam
Tilt or shake the axle to get the condensed water droplets off
Electronics Part 1
Water Sensor
To prevent damaging the electronics, a water sensor will trigger a warning light when the water level reaches a certain height.
Electronics Part 2
Second breakthrough - Solenoid Piston Control
Electronics Part 2
Piston Wiring diagram
What's a flyback diode?
Well too bad we're not using it
Electronics
Look at this absolute abomination :(
Piston Unit
Water sensor
2 extra batteries + relay
Red light when there is no water
Green light when there is water
Next Steps
Design & print the water collection system
Find a hydrophobic coating and a hydrophilic coating
Design & make the base of the leaves out of metal
Find a way to cool the metal down with (maybe?) semiconductors
