CHAPTER 1

The Problem and Its Background

This chapter focuses on the introduction of the design project, the conceptual
framework which deals with the step-by-step process in developing the proposed system the
paradigm of the study, the formulation of the problem, assumptions, significance to the users
and other beneficiaries and the scope and delimitation in terms of Technicality, Usability,
Reliability and Efficiency.

Introduction

A way of keeping things for future use has been a key element in the development of

mankind; people have always been looking for a better way to store everything they could, ever

since they’ve learned that things that are not so useful now might be useful in the future. And

as our societies progresses so does our storage systems, these days we could totally store

everything that might be of use for us in the future, and so we do.

Many varieties of storage systems exist these days to cope up with society’s demand to

store everything. We now have specific storage system for everything, from different forms of

food and medical supply storages, to clothes, kitchen wares, tools, money, files, data, and

basically everything you can think of that we need for us to be able to live and/or progress.

As we discover or invent new things we generate new ways to store them, and as

development occurs so does new problems. With each new item we learn to store, its storage

consumes precious space. In short more things we could store, more storages, more space

consumed. So we made adjustments on how we store things, and assembled storages one

stacked on top of another this way they leave a minimal footprint or occupy less ground space,

while keeping stored things organized.

 To this day we make use of vertical storage systems. From drawers stacked on top of

one another, to lockers, book shelves, file cabinets and many more, and up to now vertical

storage remains as the most effective space efficient way of storage.

Electronic parts and components which are basic discreet devices or physical objects

inside an electronic system that are used to influence electrons or fields associated with the

flow of electrons, first came into existence after we discovered and learned how to harness the

potentials of electrical energy or electricity. After the development of ways to produce

electricity everything electronic came to be. Demands on electronic devices, parts and

components sky rocketed within the following years.

Electronic components are mostly industrial products, available in a singular form. It has

multiple leads or electrical terminals which electricians could connect together to create an

electronic circuit. Electric components could be assembled into different circuits which could

have a specific function or set of functions like an amplifier, oscillator, regulator, radio

transmitter/receiver, etc.

Electronic components have three main classifications namely: Active components,

Passive components and Electromechanical components. Active components are the

components that could produce or amplify energy, whilst Passive components are those who

cannot produce or amplify energy, and lastly Electromechanical components are those

components that has a moving/adjustable part.

With the development of electronic components such as: semiconductors, ICs and

microprocessors, came the age of automation, where machines could perform tasks without or
with just minimal human assistance/ interference. Automation has been achieved by varying

means that includes hydraulic, pneumatic, electrical, mechanical, electronic devices and

computers, usually in combination. Complicated systems, such as modern factories, airplanes

and ships typically use all these techniques combined with one another. The benefits of

automation includes: lessens labor, saves electricity, lower production costs leading to lower

material costs, and improvements to accuracy, precision and quality.

Electronic parts should always be stored in an organized and space efficient manner,

and what is better than a vertical storage panel where parts are stored in shelves that are

stacked on top of each other. The only problem with this is the retrieval and/or placement of

electronic parts, for in this way shelves might reach hard-to-access heights, and people might

lost track of which specific shelf holds what electronic part. So we the researchers proposed a

project that has all the benefits of a vertical storage panel but with the capability of bringing a

specified storage shelf to the user instead of the user searching for every single shelf himself.

The Automated electronic-components cabinet is a vertical storage cabinet installed

with multiple individual shelves that could store electronic components in an organized

manner. The device’s shelves are motor driven which could revolve with a touch on the device’s

interactive screen; the cabinet brings the user’s specified storage shelf to the user on demand.

And in case of a large and/or heavy component or device that a user would want to store, this

cabinet has regular stationary shelves installed at its base that could store those. This cabinet is

also installed with regular cabinet casters for mobility in case the user would want to move the

whole cabinet in another place.

Conceptual Framework

This part describes the step-by-step procedures in developing the proposed design. This

serves as the guide throughout the development of the proposed project to make it clear in

mind of the proponents and lessen the complexities of designing the proposal.

Input Process Output

 Collection of  Implementing
data and ideas the proposed
on developing project
the proposed  Designing the Automated electronic-
project proposed components cabinet
 Upgrading or project
improving past  Testing the
project design project

Feedback

Figure 1.1 Paradigm of the study

This study followed the input-process-output (IPO) method better known as the

paradigm of the study.

The Input load was where the researchers collected data and ideas on developing the

proposed project and upgrade and/or improve the past project.

 The Process in implementing the proposed project, and the designing and testing of the

design project.

The output load consists of the product of the study which is the automated electronic-

components cabinet.

Statement of the problem

This study persisted to answer the following:

1. What are the processes involved in the current system?

2. What are the problems/weaknesses of this current system that the researchers

encountered?

3. What is needed to improve the current system?

4. How will the proposed project be designed, developed and implemented?

5. What will be the result of employing the proposed project with regards to:

 Technicality

 Usability

6. What benefits could be accrued by the users as regards to:

 Reliability

 Efficiency
Objective of the study

The objective of the study is to provide AMA computer college Santiago city campus a

better way of storage with regards to its electronic components. To be precise this research

aims to:

 Construct an electronic-components vertical cabinet.

 Improve the current system of storage with regards to electronic components.

 Lessen the effort of the storage manager in storing and/or retrieving electronic

components.

 Build an alternative method or way of storage.

 Determine the acceptability of the study in terms of convenience and efficiency.

Assumption of the study

In this study we the researchers assumed that the design project entitled: “Automated

electronic-components cabinet” could provide an effective solution on common storage

problems in terms of the storage of electronic components. Hence an efficient and reliable

project is proposed. The machine uses an Arduino microcontroller, a motor for the movement

of the storage shelves, and a touchscreen device for its user interface. It would provide its

user/s an easier way of storage and retrieval, with each storage shelf just one touch away.

Significance of the study

The design project entitled “Automated Electronic-components Cabinet” offers a new

way of keeping things that would enhance the current way of storing electronic components.
By performing profound exploration and research, the proponents came up with the idea that

this project will incorporate significant part/s to the following:

Student. This project will help the students by storing electronic devices that they usually use

during laboratories.

School. This project can be used as a school property, and can also be featured in exhibits

particularly for the students under engineering department.

Researchers. The researchers would be able to hone their knowledge and skills, apply theories

they had learned and practice, designing and programming a design project.

Future researchers. This Project might give future researchers an idea to make/develop a

project. They can use this study as a basis and/or guide for their studies.

Scope and Limitations of the Study

The purpose of designing this design project is to lessen the effort on storing electronic

components. Users will find it easy to operate. The project is designed to be effective in storing

electronic components. It would help target users in saving time in various ways. Students and

School members could gather ideas from the project.

Technicalities

1. The design project must have maintenance at least once a month.

2. The system does not keep track of stored components.

3. The machine can be easily moved from one place to another.

Usability

1. The design project is easy to operate.

2. Touch screen user interface.

3. The machine is intended for AMA computer college Santiago city campus.

4. The device’s system is programed just to display specific predefined components;

introduction of new components is not supported by the system.

Reliability

1. The design project stores various electronic components.

2. The machine operates whenever the user needs to store or retrieve electronic

components.

3. The carousel shelves/rotating shelves are not designed to hold heavy or large

components.

4. The machine needs to be plugged into an electrical supply to operate.

Efficiency

1. The machine works with minimal human effort.

2. The design project can work 24/7.