Coolers are simply used as a portable way to keep things cool, whether it be drinks or food, among other things. Unfortunately, though coolers can prolong the state of ice, it will melt over time. Perishables need to be maintained at a certain temperature to prevent mold and bacteria growth. Coolers are mainly designed to retain ice, but what if it could do more than that.
Given the state of IoT devices that are blooming in this generation, why not a cooler? A touchscreen GUI allows the user to monitor temperature, battery life, and settings. The temperature can also be monitored through an app, which also functions with the GPS system. Charging devices can easily be done with wireless or wired charging. A locking mechanism prevents the Smart Cooler from being opened by animals or unexpected visitors. An LED strip activates when it is dark or manually to provide light inside. GPS tracking shows the last known location of the Smart Cooler, allowing someone to find their campsite. Bluetooth speakers are built into the cooler to provide entertainment for any scenario. The Smart Cooler features rechargeable batteries that can be charged from a 120V AC outlet, a 12V car port, or through a solar panel.
Having a cooler with these kinds of capabilities has many advantages, and provides an all-in-one solution for any outdoor event.
Circuit design that combines different hardware components.
Interfacing electronics hardware with microcontroller software.
Project conception from block diagram to working prototype.