This week I mainly focused on researching different braille pattern actuation patterns, and coming up with a viable solution that is both cheap and compact. We research three main solution: 1. Electromagnetic actuation, like push-pull solenoid 2. Stepper motor paired with more intricate mechanical design, and 3. A slider solution that is able to enumerate a three-dot pattern, and use two of the same slider config to constitute each braille character. The final solution is what we settled on, as it is a. extremely cheap to implement, b. low fabrication difficulty, and c. is able to provide a close to standard braille pattern size. I am currently working on a full 3D model of this system in CAD, but for reference people can check out this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rTzhWKBfiuk
Braille E-Reader for the Blind – Cheap and Open Source