Automated Blast Gates for SHED Woodshop Vacuum

Location

Student Hall for Exploration and Development (SHD/011) - 011-A380 Wood Shop

This senior design group automated the blast gate system for the SHED woodshop makerspace vacuum and debris collection system. Our solution opens the blast gate when you swipe your ID on the machine. It will be on display in the woodshop makerspace in the atrium of the SHED. The problem is that people leave the gates open after using the machine, which limits vacuum power for other machines. The solution is to automate the process so that they open with the ID swipe and close at a timed interval once machine is done being used.