Project · draft
Free Menstrual Pad Dispenser with Low-Stock Alert for Schools
- intermediate
- 10-12 hours
Reliable, dignified access to menstrual products in school toilets supports girls' health, comfort and attendance.
Safety notes
- Privacy: no camera, no user identification and no per-person logs; only stock counts leave the device.
- Use only a certified external adapter; do not open, build or modify mains supplies. Mount the adapter and electronics away from taps and splash zones.
- Keep fingers clear of the servo pusher while testing.
Draft and unofficial, not affiliated with Fab Academy or the United Nations. Check prices, GST and parts before you buy.
Summary
A wall-mounted, button-operated dispenser: one press releases one pad, free of charge. When stock runs low, staff get a notification; the unit counts dispenses only, with no camera and no record of who used it.
What it teaches
Design a laser-cut gravity magazine with a servo-driven pusher, detect an empty magazine with an IR sensor, and send a low-stock message to staff over Wi-Fi so refills happen before it runs out. Co-design placement and use with students.
Topics it touches, in Fab Academy-style terms:
- Computer-controlled cutting
- Mechanical design
- Input devices
- Output devices
- Networking and communications
Parts list
Parts cost
Some parts are not priced yet, so there's no total.
4 required parts are marked not priced yet below. Where a price is known it is shown per part, GST-inclusive as the seller listed it on 24 Oct 2026, with the GST rate unverified. Shipping is not included.
| Part | Qty | Unit | Price, GST-incl. as listed | Line cost | GST | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seeed Studio XIAO ESP32C3 Wi-Fi & BLE Development Boardxiao-esp32c3 | 1 | pcs | ₹734 | ₹734 | GST unverified, typically 18% | Robocrazeread 24 Oct 2026 |
| TowerPro SG90 9G Micro Servo Motor 180° for Arduino & Roboticsservo-sg90Pusher; upgrade to a metal-gear servo if pads jam | 1 | pcs | ₹98 | ₹98 | GST unverified, typically 18% | Robocrazeread 24 Oct 2026 |
| IR reflective obstacle sensor module (digital out)ir-obstacle-sensorEmpty detection | 1 | pcs | not priced yet | not priced yet | GST unverified | no seller yet |
| 4-Pins DIP Momentary Square Tactile Push Button Switch 10 Pieces - 6x6x5mmbutton-tactile-6x6-x10Uses 1 behind a large laser-cut press platePack: pack of 10 | 1 | set | ₹16 | ₹16 | GST unverified, typically 18% | Robocrazeread 24 Oct 2026 |
| Cast/extruded acrylic sheet, 3 mm (laser-cut parts)acrylic-3mm-sheetFront window to see stock | 1 | sheet | not priced yet | not priced yet | GST unverified | no seller yet |
| MDF or plywood sheet, 3 mm (laser-cut parts)mdf-3mm-sheetBody and magazine | 2 | sheet | not priced yet | not priced yet | GST unverified | no seller yet |
| USB wall adapter, 5 V 2 A (certified)usb-power-adapter-5v-2a | 1 | pcs | not priced yet | not priced yet | GST unverified | no seller yet |
| Type C USB Cable (1 metre)cable-usb-c-1mPowers the XIAO | 1 | pcs | ₹65 | ₹65 | GST unverified, typically 18% | Robocrazeread 24 Oct 2026 |
| Part | Qty | Unit | Price, GST-incl. as listed | Line cost | GST | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Passive Buzzer Module 3.3V-5V DCbuzzer-passive-moduleOptional confirmation beep | 1 | pcs | ₹35 | ₹35 | GST unverified, typically 18% | Robocrazeread 24 Oct 2026 |
| Optional extras total, GST-inclusive as listed by the seller | ₹35 | |||||
The Part column links to the shared catalogue. Units are pcs, m, g, sheet or set, and a "set" is the seller's pack, as noted per part.
Tools you will need
- Laser cutter
- Soldering iron
- Laptop with Arduino IDE or MicroPython
Build notes
Step-by-step build notes have not been written yet for this draft. The summary, the topics above and the parts list are what exists so far.
How to buy
There is no online checkout. To buy or import these parts, email info@curiosta.com and say what you need. The button opens your own email app with a draft; nothing is sent until you send it.
Prices on this site are third-party seller listings, not a Curiosta quote. Ask by email for availability, price and GST.