Context: 2.009 is a final capstone class for all MIT mechanical engineering students. As part of the class we go through a rigorous design process in order to design and build a prototype of product. The design process starts extremely broad, and in a team of 15 we narrow down to one topic. The class teaches design thinking, iterative process, product design, and product fabrication. Our final product was a roof de-icier for homes during the winter season. Ice dams, formed during winter months, build up water on the roof of homes and causes water damage over time, which can be extremely costly to home owners. Typical solutions include physically removing the snow, or installing heating cables to de-ice the roof. The problem with the first solution is that it is extremely labourous and hard to do. The second solution is extremely costly. Our solution utilizes non-invasing chemicals, similar to anti-freeze, that prevents the ice dams from forming on the roof. It is similar to an irrigation system that waters your lawn, instead we are watering your roof in order to prevent it from freezing up.

My Contribution: I was responsible for the digital control system aspect of the product. This included the electrical wiring, the sensor fusion, the mobile application as well as anything related to the digital experience of the product. In addition to those responsible, I was involved in the product design process early on as well as the fabrication process as well.