This project is the mechanical/3d printed part of the "Sunflower" Project, developed to demo automatically-orienting solar panels. Check it out on https://github.com/giacoct/embedded-project.

Materials

• 13 00mm x M3 screws

• 2 10mm x M2 self-tapping screws

• 2 16 x M4 screws

• 1 ziptie

Printing

You only need to print the files inside of one of the folders. You can choose to either import into your slicer all the files in the STL folder, or just the file in the STEP folder.

You can print with PLA or PETG, I have tested either of them and they print well. Note that panels-cover and base-top_half may need some supports (organic - base plate only). 

Assembly

I highly recommend checking out the GitHub repository for a complete overview of all the electrical components.
The model will require 3 main assemblies:

1. Base (files noted with the suffix "base-")

   1. Assemble the base-big_gear on the base-top_half using the notches as reference.

   2. Stack the previous assembly on top of the base-bottom_half.

   3. Insert the boards (see the electrical scheme on GitHub), the slip-ring and the continuous servo.

   4. Add the gear to the continuous servo and lock it in place with its screw.

2. Cover + servo support

   1. Mount the servo to the panels-bracket-servo with 2 M4 screws and secure it with a ziptie.

   2. Insert the servo attachment into the servo_attachment print and secure it by attaching the panels-bracket to the assembly.

3. Solar panels holder

   1. Insert the 3 solar panels into their slots (panels-cover print) and solder the panels in series.

   2. Insert the 4 photoresistors into their slots at the edges of the panels-cover (and connect them to the slipring)

   3. Attach the assembly created previously (servo_attachment + panels-bracket) to the panels-cover with 4 M3 screws.

Once everything is connected, you can access the usb port of the esp32s3 through the side of the base.