Design and fabrication of an automated overhead garage door

Abstract

There has been increase in the number of accidents and power consumption associated with the use of automated garage doors. Therefore this project report shows the procedures followed in the design of an automated electric overhead garage door with the aim to solve the mentioned problems. One of the most important methods incorporated in this project was the use of arduino software which enabled in programming of garage door hardware. It also involved use of an IR sensor that was connected to a programmed Arduino board so as to receive signals from a remote controlled by a person. Once the signals are received they are sent to the motor driver module which then sends the appropriate pulses required to control the stepper motor. Therefore, as the stepper motor rotates, it in turn puts the chain and sprocket assembly connected to it in motion so as to move the garage door to the required position. A circuit was also built on a PCB board with a dc buck converter so as to step down the voltage supplied to the stepper motor. This power module enabled in power optimization during the project since it had a potentiometer that was used to test and supply the optimum voltage required to drive the stepper motor thus minimizing power loss.