This project is done by a group of students from Singapore Polytechnic. The Team members are: Tan Yong Siang, Goh Kok Hong, Tan Wei Qi, Ivan Chong and our supervisor, Mr Teo Shin Jen.

Earlier, we have a maker workshop on using dry ice to make ice cream. We find the idea cool, and exploring how can we automate the making process, and also make profit and have fun in the same time.

Check out the video on how our machine works!

The Concept of our prototype:

We come out the idea of A vending machine that creates dry ice ice cream (hence the moniker DICE creamaker) uising dry ice as the freezing agent with our regular concoction of whipping cream, sugar, and flavour extract as the base of this ice cream.

A user would place a cup where the stirring rod is located. The laser & LDR sensor will pick up as object present and ready for making of ice cream. Firstly the motors that is attached to the respective chamber of powdered dry ice and cream will be activated, dispensing the raw ingredients to the cup. The stirring motor will then be activated to fold in the raw ingredients. voila! now you have DICE cream

Skill level:

Basic soldering and C++ programming skill.

Things you need:

Ultrasonic sensor SRF05

PIC18F4550 Board

Flexible wire 16/0.2mm

Copper Strip Board 25 x 55 Hole - Size 145 x 65mm

Switch - Tact switch 2 single pole single throw PTM

Light Dependant Resistor (LDR)

Resistor - 470 Ohms - 0.25W

Rainbow Ribbon Cable 10 Way

12V DC Power Adapter (24W)

Cable Tie 4 Inches Length

Molex Connectors

Spacer - Copper 10mm height (Hole/Stud)

Bidirectional DC Motor Driver Circuit (IC L298)

12V DC Motors

Dispensing Tubes

Disposable Chop Stick

Fishing line

Step 1: Build the Junction Board

Connect the circuit for the Junction Board base on the schematic diagram onto the strip board. U1 and U2 are connected to the Ultrasonic Sensors.

The Junction Board should look like as shown after implementation.

Step 2: Build the Motor Power Board

Connect the circuit for the Motor Power Board base on the schematic diagram onto the strip board.

The Motor Power Board should look like the following after implementation:

Step 3: Build the User Interface Board

Connect the circuit for the User Interface Board base on the schematic diagram onto the strip board. The User Interface Board should look like the following after implementation:

Step 4: Build the Chamber for the Dry Ice and Cream

Two hard plastic bottles can be used to store the Dry Ice and the Cream. Cut 3 sides of the plastic bottles base. After that, cut a small hole that is large enough for the cables to fit through. These Ultra Sonic Sensors are used to secure the Ultra Sonic Sensors onto the created lids.

Step 5: Mounting of Motors

A transparent hard plastic container or a box made of wood will be suitable as the project enclosure. Drill holes at the back of the enclosure to mount the motors as shown. Next, on the inside of the enclosure, drill holes for the cable ties to secure the disposable chop stick that is half split. Use a Fishing String to tie one end of the chop stick to the motor and use a duct tape to tape the Fishing String onto the motor shaft.

These are the motor driver boards:

Step 6: Mounting of Stir Rod and Dispensing Tube

The Dispensing Tube is connected from the bottle cap all the way down and secured to the centre with cable ties. The Mc Flurry spoon can be used as the Stir Rod which is mounted onto the motor shaft with a trimmed Strip Board to provide the grip needed before it is duct taped.