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PROJECT SUMMARY

PROJECT DETAILS

A project that aims to solve a common issue that people run into daily. Hourglass is an alarm clock that strives to make getting out of bed easier.

Software Used
Solidworks
Keyshot

 

Hourglass

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An innovative alarm system that
makes mornings easier.


 

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Hourglass is an alarm system that integrates modern technology to properly wake you up, allowing you to feel refreshed and ready for the day.

Why?

75% of people who have 
smartphones use their phones
as alarm clocks.

 

The average person
hits the snooze at least
twice before they wake
up.

 

50% of people say
they have learned to hit their
snooze button in their sleep.

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User Scenario
 

User checks phone before falling asleep.
 

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User sets alarm.
 

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User plugs phone in to charge.
 

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User goes to sleep.

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Pain Points

The snooze button is easy to access on your phone.

The phone will need to be charged to ensure that your alarm is going to go off in the morning.

The snooze button can be hit repetitively.

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Market
Research

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Key Takeaways

Simulating Sunrise Alarm Clock has been shown to be an effective, noninvasive tool for improving the quality of sleep, mood, and well-being. Research suggests that appropriately timed exposure to light can reset the sleep-wake cycle, helping people get up at a chosen time.

A Projector Clock gives you a visual of what time it is as soon as you open your eyes.

A Challenge Alarm helps you wake up by making you solve a problem in order to turn off the alarm.

Deliverables

The snooze function will be challenging.

Hourglass will inform you of the time when the alarm goes off.

Hourglass will make sure your phone is fully charged when you wake up.

Form Exploration

I wanted to create something that looks modern and looks good on a bedside table. 

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I liked this form the most because it is inspired by an hourglass which relates to time. It also has a modern and interesting silhouette that is pleasing to look at.

Features

Multiple Snooze Points

With having multiple snooze points, the user will be challenged to find the randomly chosen snooze point in order to turn off the alarm.

Simulating Sunrise

To effectively wake the user, Hourglass will start to simulate a sunrise. The alarm noise will follow once the simulation is completed

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Portable Charging 

This device is the key to activate the snooze on your Hourglass. In addition, it will make sure your phone is fully charged and ready for the day ahead.

* When put back into Hourglass, the charger will start recharging for the next use.

Clock Projector

Once the alarm has gone off, the time will project on the ceiling to remind you what time it is.

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Hourglass Settings

Bluetooth Connection Indicator

Alarm On/Off Swich

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Hourglass App

This app is part of the two-step alarm shut off. You will need to hit the power button in the app, and put the key back in the base in order to fully shut off the alarm. Additionally, you can set your timer and fix other settings on this app.
 

Alarm Settings

Clock Projection Adjustment

User Scenario

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Step 1

Turn on Hourglass through the app and make sure it is connected to bluetooth.

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Step 2

Set a time you want to wake up.

Step 3

Plug in the snooze key to notify hourglass that you're going to bed.

* Phone charging will start once plugged in.

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The sunrise simulation will start 5 minutes before the alarm is set. When it is time, a sound will play and the time will be projected on the ceiling.

Step 5

To activate the snooze, the user will detach the portable key from their phone and insert it into the correct insertion point in Hourglass.

IF: The user does not turn off the alarm after 10 minutes, the alarm will sound again.

To snooze again, Hourglass will randomly choose another insertion point. The user will have to find it and insert the key to stop it.

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Step 6

To turn off the alarm, the user will open the app and hit the power button.

* The key will also have to be inserted into hourglass for the alarm to fully turn off.

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Mockup

This prototype was made to get an idea of how the clock would assemble and to figure out how the electronics would fit. Made in Solidworks an 3D printed in PLA material.

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Focusing Lens

Electronics were put inside to display the lighting and projection clock feature.

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PCB

Ribbon Cable

Laser Emitter

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