2025 One Hertz Competition: Maintain the Rhythm (Albeit at a Moderate 60 Beats Per Minute)
In the world of microfluidics, precision and control are key elements in manipulating droplets and fluid flows to achieve complex, dynamic behaviours. This is evident in various microfluidics projects, some of which share similarities with a water-dripping electromechanical clock.
For instance, droplet coalescence and emulsion stability studies use microfluidic devices to control droplet formation, spacing, and coalescence frequency. Droplet-based microfluidics systems generate, encapsulate, mix, and sort miniature discrete droplets with high precision, while flow-focusing techniques for monodisperse droplet generation tightly control droplet size for precise fluid behaviours. Microfluidic chips designed for massively parallel "test tube" experiments inside droplets demonstrate precise fluid handling and temporal control, all conceptually aligning with the water-dripping clock.
John Whitaker, a creative inventor, has designed such a clock that uses dripping water as an indicator. The clock operates by using a solenoid to briefly pop a plunger out of a water-filled syringe, allowing a drop to fall. The clock is controlled by a Raspberry Pi Pico and a motor driver board.
The clock's operation is limited, as either the syringe will empty or the beaker will overflow. However, this limitation adds to the clock's charm, as the first few drops hitting the beaker create a lava lamp-like effect. John Whitaker even added food coloring to the dripping water for visual flair.
The project page for this clock provides source code for building a similar clock using spare parts. Moreover, John Whitaker and commenters have proposed potential improvements for the clock, including a 1/60 Hz beaker changer and a 1/600 Hz spill cleaner to extend the clock's operational lifespan.
One of the most appealing aspects of this clock is the satisfying audio indication when a drop falls, adding to the overall experience of observing the lava lamp-like effect. This water-dripping electromechanical clock is not just a timekeeper; it's a source of joy and a testament to the creativity and ingenuity of its designer.
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- John Whitaker's water-dripping electromechanical clock, a source of joy and a testament to creativity, is powered by a Raspberry Pi Pico, showcasing that even gadgets like this can leverage technology to function efficiently.
- Intriguingly, the operation of this clock is reminiscent of the precision and control found in droplet-based microfluidics systems, where techniques like flow-focusing are used to generate monodisperse droplets for precise fluid behaviors, placing it among various microfluidics projects and technology.
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