Foot Tap Amplifier

Tap v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Tapped} p. pr. & vb. n. {Tapping}]
1. To strike lightly especially with a slight sound
2. To give a light blow with.
3. To bring about by repeated light blows.

Description:

These instructions are for a system that monitors nervous foot-tapping. Inspired by “Restless Leg Syndrome”, this system addresses the uncontrollable urge to relieve bodily stress by shaking the legs and/or tapping the feet.

The projects is in two components: The wearable component consists of a leg-brace which detects acceleration caused by tapping and shaking. Additional electronics are housed in a tethered carrying case, which can be rested on the back of a chair. When a tap is detected, a wireless signal is transmitted to a nearby stationary unit, which strikes a cinder block once with a chisel. Over time, the nervous tapping of the individual is externalized and visualized by the gradual reduction of the concrete.

Assumptions:
1. You have a basic understanding of construction and fabrication techniques,
as well as access to the appropriate tools and facilities.
2. You have a working knowledge of physical computing (reading circuit diagrams)
3. You are overwhelmed with the anxiety of living in a failing state, and frustrated
that most of your household objects address only physical rather than emotional health. 

Step 1 Materials

Here is an overview of the materials that will be needed.
Each individual page has more details and links on where you can purchase some of these materials.

Physical Materials:
> 1, 4x8 Sheet of Plywood. I used a piece of shop-grade maple ply.
> 1, 12"x12" piece of 1/8" acrylic (frosted white)
> 1, 5x8" piece of 1/4" acrylic (frosted white)
> A small piece of 1/4" birch (~8x10")
> One cinder block from Home Depot
> "Dasco Pro: 3-Piece Marking Kit" from home depot (for the chisel)
> 4, 2x2 beams for the structural frame
> ~2 yards of red nylon strap fabric (2")
> ~3 yards of red nylon strap fabric (1")
> Latex tubing (Inner Diameter: 1/8", Outer: 1/4")
> Wood Screws ( 5/16, 3", 4" )
> 1 1/4" diameter steel rod (about 14" length)
> 1 Cam Roller (McMaster Carr)

Electronics, Misc:
> 1 accelerometer (I bought it with a breakout board, from Sparkfun)
> 1 telephone cable, several male telephone cable headers, One crimping tool
> 1 female telephone cable jack
> A little perf-board
> 1 10K Potentiometer with large sized knob
> 1 single pole - double-throw switch
> 2 LEDs (red and green)
> 2 Arduino Microcontrollers (Uno)
> 2 9V batteries with battery clips.
> 2 xBee wireless modules
> 2 xBee shiels from LadyAda
> 1 FTDI cable for programming the xBees
> 1 DC gearhead motor from Jameco (Part# 253500)
> 1 large sized roller switch (to be used as a limit switch)
> 1 12V power supply
> Misc Electronics components (see circuit diagrams for details). 

Comments

[R.A.T.M]

hows your block look like

[randofo]

I understand this is an art project and a very nicely made one at that, but as someone who does this, I don't think it would make me stop. If anything, i feel like this would exacerbate things. Maybe you can make a machine that forces my leg down and yells "STOP IT!" Alternately, I hear electroshock therapy cures everything ;-)