SYIFA FITRISYA BINTI KHAIRIL IZWAN SMK SUNGAI LAYAR
Insects such as mosquitoes flies and ants are common household nuisances that affect comfort hygiene and health Particularly mosquitoes like Aedes aegypti are known carriers of dangerous diseases such as dengue and chikungunya which pose increasing health threats in urban and rural areas alike Conventional insect repellents often rely on chemical compounds that although effective can cause health complications such as respiratory irritation skin allergies and environmental pollution when used continuously or in enclosed spaces Moreover most commercial repellents lack aesthetic value and are not environmentally sustainable In response to these challenges we have developed an innovative product called Bio Pakma Defense a decorative flower shaped automatic insect repellent sprayer inspired by the Rafflesia flower and built using recyclable materials natural ingredients and an automated spray system powered by Arduino and sensors
The core issue that this project addresses is the growing dependency on synthetic insecticides and repellents that contain harmful chemicals such as DEET and pyrethroids These substances not only pose risks to human health and biodiversity but also contribute to long term environmental degradation Despite the availability of natural alternatives public awareness and accessibility to such products remain low Furthermore existing repellents are often mundane in design limiting their appeal and integration into everyday living spaces There is also a lack of innovative integration between eco friendly solutions and emerging technologies that could enhance functionality and sustainability Therefore this project aims to bridge these gaps by combining natural ingredients upcycled materials and microcontroller based automation into a single multifunctional and user friendly product
Bio Pakma Defense is an automated insect repellent system that dispenses a natural spray at regular intervals using a programmable Arduino microcontroller and motion sensors The spray solution is made from eco friendly and safe ingredients such as citronella oil mint leaves citrus peels and apple cider vinegar all known for their strong insect repelling properties These components are blended with water and mild essential oils to produce a fragrant yet effective formula that deters insects without causing harm to humans or pets The design of the sprayer takes the form of the iconic Rafflesia flower chosen for its large bold appearance that naturally attracts attention and doubles as an artistic room decoration The flower petals are constructed using cleaned and reshaped plastic bottles bottle caps and reused wiring promoting recycling practices and reducing household waste
The automation mechanism is powered by an Arduino Uno microcontroller which is connected to a servo motor motion sensor PIR sensor and a spray pump module When motion is detected within a specified range or based on a timed interval the Arduino activates the pump to release a controlled amount of repellent This smart feature eliminates the need for manual spraying and ensures the room remains protected at all times Users can also customize the spraying intervals based on the environment making the product energy efficient and adaptive The device operates on a rechargeable battery or low voltage USB source making it suitable for both indoor and semi outdoor usage such as patios classrooms or garden spaces
The impact of the project is multifold Environmentally it reduces reliance on synthetic repellents and encourages the use of natural alternatives which in turn lessens chemical pollution and supports biodiversity Socially it promotes healthier living spaces by preventing mosquito borne diseases while educationally it cultivates awareness about sustainable practices innovation and the integration of technology in daily life In schools this project can serve as an interdisciplinary STEM learning module where students explore science technology engineering and design thinking in a real world context Aesthetically it transforms a functional product into a decorative item making pest control more acceptable and appealing in homes and public areas
From a commercial perspective Bio Pakma Defense has high scalability and marketability With a growing demand for eco friendly home products and rising awareness of green consumerism this innovation has the potential to enter niche markets such as sustainable home decor natural wellness products and educational STEM kits It can be marketed as a dual purpose item both as an insect repellent and as a piece of home decoration particularly attractive to environmentally conscious consumers and parents The materials used are low cost and easily sourced while the Arduino setup can be simplified for mass production or sold as DIY kits for hobbyists and students The design can also be customized in various floral styles or sizes to cater to diverse consumer preferences
The product aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals SDGs outlined by the United Nations It supports SDG 3 Good Health and Well being by contributing to disease prevention and promoting a chemical free lifestyle It also supports SDG 12 Responsible Consumption and Production by emphasizing upcycling and reducing reliance on single use plastics and aerosols Additionally it aligns with SDG 13 Climate Action as it mitigates environmental damage by replacing chemical sprays with biodegradable plant based alternatives Educationally it also supports SDG 4 Quality Education as it can be integrated into formal and informal learning through its multidisciplinary approach
The development of Bio Pakma Defense followed the Engineering Design Process EDP The first phase involved identifying the problem namely the harmful effects of chemical insect repellents The second phase was research and idea generation where the team explored natural insect repelling substances and sensor based spray systems The third phase was concept development and prototyping during which various recycled materials and circuit designs were tested for functionality and durability The fourth phase consisted of testing and evaluation where the effectiveness of the natural spray and reliability of the sensor triggered mechanism were assessed in different environments Feedback was collected from users to refine the design and improve the spray coverage In the fifth phase improvements were made including increasing sensor range adjusting spray volume and strengthening the base structure for stability The final phase involved presentation and communication where the team showcased the product through exhibitions online platforms and community engagement programs gathering interest from educators environmental groups and small business owners
In conclusion Bio Pakma Defense is a sustainable tech enhanced innovation that addresses real world problems through creative eco friendly and user oriented design It demonstrates how natural resources recycled materials and basic electronic technology like Arduino can be harmoniously combined to produce functional products that benefit health environment and aesthetics With its unique blend of science art and sustainability this product not only offers practical insect repelling benefits but also inspires a shift towards responsible innovation and greener lifestyles