Apple Fitness Candy Dispenser - Ring Rewards

This is the physical dispenser for Ring Rewards, an IOS app that syncs your activity data using Apple's HealthKit, and uses that to determine if you've earned a candy reward.

This is the culmination of about a project I've been working on in the background (very much on and off again) for over a year. It started as a 1 week design sprint during Mark Rober's Creative Engineering class on Studio, but ended up being a project that inspired me to learn how to make a PCB, how to program and release an IOS app with Swift and much much more. 

The IOS app to accompany this device is available on the App Store worldwide, and the PCB Gerber files along with Arduino code are available on the linked GitHub repo.

The full video describing the design and build process is available here:

The dispenser itself was designed with peanut covered MnMs in mind (who's non-uniform proportions really messed with my head for a while when focusing on one idea…), but the design should be relatively easily adapted to any similar sized candy. 

In addition, I would encourage anyone who's interested in a fun project to try and design their own candy dispenser mechanics to go along with my app. It's a great intro project and will be a fun piece to have around.

Build Instructions/BOM: 

*if not using a custom PCB, you can order the ESP8266 Arduino board I used for my initial prototyping here. Then you can assemble a working model using a breadboard, the Arduino, and the stepper motor driver included with the stepper motor purchase. You can power the stepper motor using the Arduino itself in a pinch, but for optimal performance I'd power the stepper driver using a 5V supply to the breadboard power rails. Simply connect the components together using the stepper driver manufacturer instructions and the Arduino pin mappings in the attached code. No need to worry about adding an LED to the system as that was primarily for debugging. Though there are more than enough open pins on the Arduino to support adding some LEDs to light up your dispenser!

1. Print all plastic components listed above in your desired color-ways (go wild!) and post-process as needed. It's a good idea to drill/ream out the printed holes, especially for the jam clearing rod. Ensure all ordered components are on-hand before assembly. 
2. Insert stepper motor (item 4) into the corresponding area on item 2. A *light tap* with a mallet may be required.
3. Insert the power button (item 7) into item 2. 
4. Assemble primary gear (item 3) onto item 2-4 assembly (press firmly to ensure proper engagement.
5. Insert secondary gear (item 5) onto item 2 post. If desired, lightly mushroom the post after assembly using heat, but this is not required for function and may hamper cleaning efforts. 
6. Attach PCB (item 8) using a command strip cut to size. Allows for easy servicing. Ensure power micro-usb connection is facing downwards. Solder connection to power button and plug-in the stepper motor.
7. Press in the heat set inserts (item 10) and allow to cool.
8. Depending on if you are right or left handed, choose a side to insert the jam clearing rod. Insert spring (item 14) into item 1 slot, then gently feed pusher rod (item 12) through the spring/slot and pin using item 13. Ensure function of mechanism before continuing.
9. If using a laser cut acrylic sheet, proceed. If cutting by hand, print the attached template (ensure your print scaling works properly…measure!!). Then glue to acrylic and cut using scissors. Sand edges as needed. 
10. Remove protective film and instal acrylic panel (item 6). Secure using the M3 screws (item 9).
11. Bond Item 1 and Item 2 assemblies together using your preferred adhesive, using the alignment pegs of item 1 as a guide. Ensure glue coverage on the top section of the dispenser!
12. Allow glue to fully cure, cleaning excess as needed. Once cured (and you're happy enough to EAT off of it…I'm not responsible for any poisoning due to this project…; add your favorite candy!
13. Insert cap (item 11) to secure your food from prying fingers. 
14. Download and update the Arduino code with your home wifi network SSID and password. During the initial setup, make sure you flash the arudino code onto your board and run it with the console open so you can read the IP address it connects to. This address should then be entered into the settings section of the iPhone app.
15. Get moving so you can earn some rewards!