This week, we moved from prototype to test-ready device. We finished modeling and printing all the mechanical parts—like the box lid, motor mount, and pill guide—and assembled each part with tool-less fittings. At the same time, we turned our Tinkercad design into a real-world KiCad design, complete with schematics, real components, and functional tests. SERENA now rotates the pill disk accurately, maintains a stable 5V supply, and reliably opens and closes the pill compartment.
We finished the hinged box lid, the stepper motor mount, and the pill guide that directs each pill. All parts were printed in PLA ensuring good strength and a tight fit.
We created the complete system schematic in KiCad, including all the Raspberry Pi ports, the stepper motor driver connections and the release solenoid. In addition, we designed and tested a 12V to 5V regulator.
KiCad Schematic – RaspberryPi, Motor Driver and Solenoid Connections Overview
KiCad Schematic – RaspberryPi, Motor Driver and Solenoid Connections Overview
Tests confirmed that the circuit maintains a stable 5V and actuates the solenoid without failure.
Multimeter showing stable 5V at the regulator output
Solenoid moving the dispenser door
Solenoid moving the dispenser door
Video showing the disc rotating in ~25° steps:
Dispenser disc rotating in ~25° increments driven by stepper motor
Dispenser disc rotating in ~25° increments driven by stepper motor
Raspberry Camera v1.3: