Simple Fan

I am brand new to Tinker CAD and Robotics, just like I am in the previous 2 projects. I had to figure out something that is easy to do and at the same time help me develop my knowledge in Tinker CAD and Robotics.

The Failed Attempt:

My first idea was to create a mini bumper bot that has 2 buttons on the sides and will turn to the opposite direction when 1 is pressed.

I worked on it for a long time but ran into too many problems that can’t be understood with my current skill level (basically 0 knowledge).

The New Project:

After the failed attempt to make a bumper bot, I though about a new project idea, something that is not as easy but also doable.

I asked ChatGPT for some inspiration and decided to make a small fan.

The Intended Device

It is basically a small fan that is powered by a small DC motor that spins when the pushbutton is pressed, and when the button is released, the fan stops.

How doe sthe circuit work:

• The Arduino Uno sends control signals to the L293D chip, which makes the motor spin.
• L293D
  • Pin 16 connects to 5V on the Arduino Uno to power the. chip logic
  • Pin 8 connects to the 3V battery to power the motor.
• The motor is connected to pins 3 and 6 of the L293D, which helps the motor spin in different directions.
• Pin 1 of L293D is connected to 5V on the Arduino Uno so that side of the chip is enabled.
• I made a shared ground for the GND at the second last row of the breadboard so that all GNDs are connected and is prevented from explosions or shorts.
• A pushbutton is placed across the center gap of the breadboard and connected between pin 7 on the Arduino Uno and the ground.
  • When the button is pressed, it sends a signal to the chip to spin the motor, and when it is released, it stops the motor.

Bill of Materials (BOM):

Component	Quantity	Purpose
Arduino Uno	1	Main microcontroller
Breadboard	1	For wiring connections
L293D Motor Driver IC	1	Controls motor direction and power
DC Motor	1	Acts as the fan motor
3 V Battery	1	Motor power supply
Pushbutton	1	Manual motor control
Jumper wires	~10	Electrical connections

Circuit Diagram

Code:

This is my code for the small fan

const int IN1 = 9;    
const int IN2 = 8;    
const int BUTTON = 7; 

void setup() {
  pinMode(IN1, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(IN2, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(BUTTON, INPUT_PULLUP); 
}

void loop() {
  int buttonState = digitalRead(BUTTON);

  if (buttonState == LOW) {
    
    digitalWrite(IN1, HIGH);
    digitalWrite(IN2, LOW);
  } else {
    
    digitalWrite(IN1, LOW);
    digitalWrite(IN2, LOW);
  }
}

The first 3 lines tells the Arduino which pins are connected:

const int IN1 = 9;  
const int IN2 = 8;    
const int BUTTON = 7

• Pin 8 and 9 controls the motor
• Pin 7 is connected to the pushbutton

In the setup part, the Arduino prepares the pins so that:

void setup() {
  pinMode(IN1, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(IN2, OUTPUT);
  pinMode(BUTTON, INPUT_PULLUP); // uses internal resistor
}

• The motor pins (9 and 8) are set as outputs so the Arduino is able to send power signals.
• The button pin (7) is set as an input with a built-in resistor (INPUT_PULLUP), which keeps it not moving when not pressed.

The loop will run over and over:

void loop() {
  int buttonState = digitalRead(BUTTON);

  if (buttonState == LOW) {
    // button pressed → spin fan
    digitalWrite(IN1, HIGH);
    digitalWrite(IN2, LOW);
  } else {
    // button released → stop fan
    digitalWrite(IN1, LOW);
    digitalWrite(IN2, LOW);
  }

• The Arduino checks if the button is pressed (digitalRead(BUTTON)).
• If the button is pressed, then the Arduino sends power to the motor and it spins.
• If the button is not pressed, it cuts power and the motor stops.

Demonstration Video:

• After pressing the button, the motor (fan) spins and when I release it, the motor stops spinning.

Reflection on the Use of AI:

I used Chat GPT as my AI to help me

Process:

• At first, I wanted to build a bumper bot, but it kept failing and shorting out. After I talked to AI about it and considering many suggestions, I switched to a fan which is simpler and easier for me.
• The Ai helped me understand the logic of the circuits and explained how each component played a role in my design.

How it worked for me:

• The way that I asked the Ai to help me really worked for me because I am not just getting answers but rather getting suggestions and a deeper understanding for each component.