Automatic Window Opener

Project Definition

Submitted to Allan Cantor (Project Owner) and Professor Cynthia Ough Underwood,

In preparation for project planning and in partial fulfillment of the requirements of ENG4001

Submitted by Project Team [Group 4],

Chase Jipson, Keith McLeod, Matthew Tait, and Shawn Hodgens.

Document Version: 1.0

1. INTRODUCTION
This project definition document provides a brief overview of the Automatic Window Opener Project to promote
a shared understanding of initial planning before a more detailed plan, schedule, and budget is prepared.

The purpose of the project is to develop a prototype for a new product. A device that will electrically open and
close standard casement windows, along with a means to control the device remotely.

The Project Team has been assigned to this project as of September 21st, 2017, and are responsible for the
successful completion of the project by April 2018. Success of the project is to be verified by the Project Owner.

2. BUSINESS BENEFITS
Attracting new customers and offering a new product to existing customers are the primary Business Benefits
connected to this project. Customers will benefit from the Automatic Window Opener in the following ways:

Saving Energy

Enhanced Accessibility, Convenience, and Security

Better Ventilation

Protection from Rain Damage

3. PROJECT GOAL
The main goal of this project is to design and develop a reliable Automatic Window Opener prototype, by April
2018. The designs and prototype must adhere to the following requirements:

Compatible with standard casement windows.

Capable of being manufactured at a cost that permits profitable margins. Current discussions specify
that, at worst, the cost must not exceed that of the compatible window.

Simple to use and install.

o Must not require removal or modification of any window parts, except for the operator crank.

o Must not require electrical/mechanical knowledge or tools.

o Must be attachable via adhesive tape (no screws, bolts, etc.).

o Must be capable of being installed from inside the house.

Contained within a single enclosure when installed (no wires outside of enclosure).

Device and enclosure must be as small as possible, but no greater than 1 x 1 x 18 inches total.

Remotely controllable via Bluetooth or mobile app.

Powered independently by solar cells and batteries.

Does not interfere with normal window functionality (must permit manual operation).

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4. PROJECT TIMING
The Project Teams initial timing goals are as follows:

Start Date Deliverable End Date

Project Plan - Objectives, Work Breakdown, Schedule,

Sept. 21, 2017 Nov. 1, 2017
Risk Analysis, and Budget.
Nov. 1, 2017 Final Design and Risk Assessment Dec. 1, 2017

TBD

TBD Final Prototype & Remote/App Apr. 2018

5. STAKEHOLDERS
The individuals/groups with the strongest interest in or influence over the project include:

Project Owner Allan Cantor (Wallside Windows)

Project Team Chase Jispon, Keith McLeod, Matthew Tait, and Shawn Hodgens

Supervising Professor Cynthia Ough Underwood

Customers Consumers/Venders

Secondary stakeholders include individuals/groups who have interest or involvement in:

Window & Door Industry

Energy Conservation

Smart Home Technology

Home Security

6. RESOURCES
The current resources that are available to the Project Team are:

Resource Description

Demo Window To be used for prototype design and testing.

College The teaching staff of Algonquin may provide insight or advice to overcome
Professors technical obstacles.
Collage Labs & Algonquins facilities are highly suitable for designing, building, testing, and
Equipment debugging various components of the prototype.
Basic Tools & Tools necessary for prototyping and building circuits are possessed by all member
Instruments of the Project Team.
Personal laptops offer a means of communication and research. Furthermore,
Laptops
access to software will be vital throughout the project.

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 Other students of various disciplines may be available to assist in some design and
Student Peers
construction elements of the project.

Materials that are not initially available, and are be required during construction may include:

Material Description

Electrical Components Wire, solar cells, motor, sensors, transistors, capacitors, batteries, etc.

Mechanical Components Gears, bearings, shafts, joints, enclosures, etc.

7. RISKS
Risks that may inhibit successful completion of the project, result in personal injury, or cause damage to
equipment must be evaluated and addressed. Below is a list of potentially severe risks.

Risk Potential Effect(s)

Project Team fails to overcome a technical obstacle.

Failure to
Project Owner or Team Member(s) withdraw from the project. successfully
Estimated minimum cost of prototype exceeds funding. complete the project
by the deadline.
Estimated cost of final product indicates an unacceptable profit margin.

Member of Project Team makes a critical error in handling electrical equipment. Personal
Injury/Damaged
Prototype design or construction presents unnoticed hazardous. Equipment

Strategies to avoid, control, and mitigate these risks are to be included in the Project Plan (Nov. 1, 2017).

VERIFICATION
Project Team

Signature: ________________________________ Signature: ________________________________

Name: Chase Jipson Date: _______________ Name: Keith McLeod Date: _______________

Signature: ________________________________ Signature: ________________________________

Name: Matthew Tait Date: _______________ Name: Shawn Hodgens Date: _______________

Project Owner

Approver Signature: ___________________________________________________

Approved by: Date: _

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