In the summer of 2020, I embarked on a project that aimed to revolutionize search and rescue operations and provide vital medical aid using cost-effective drones. The inspiration behind this project was the need to deliver first response medical attention to individuals in hard-to-reach areas, where traditional navigation is challenging.
Figure 1: Picture of an early version of the fixed wing prototype, manufactured using 3D Printing.
Video 1: Video of the latest fixed wing prototype with vision system.
Advanced Vision Systems for Effective Search and Rescue
The core of these drones lies in their advanced vision systems, designed to locate individuals in rural and remote areas efficiently. By integrating sophisticated imaging technology, the drones can scan vast landscapes, identifying people who need urgent medical help.
Leveraging 3D Printing for Custom Manufacturing
To manufacture these drones, I utilized FDM 3D printing technology. This approach allowed me to use various specialized filaments for different drone components, including ABS, ASA, TPU, and Carbon Fiber Polycarbonate. The flexibility of 3D printing meant I could focus more on refining the electronics and programming, ensuring optimal performance of the drones.
Each 3D-printed part was meticulously weighed and recorded to ensure consistency and precise weight calculations, a crucial aspect for achieving stable flight dynamics.
Video 2: 3D Printing one of the wing parts.
Cost-Efficient Hardware Integration
To keep the project affordable and efficient, almost all hardware components were sourced off-the-shelf. This strategy not only reduced costs but also saved significant time, allowing me to dedicate more resources to testing and development.
Rigorous Testing for Flight Readiness
Ensuring the drones were flight-ready involved a series of comprehensive tests:
Thrust Test: Thrust test helps to verify the performance of the brushless motor and propeller. By testing the motor's thrust generation at specific power inputs, we can ensure it could meet the necessary flight requirements.
Center of Gravity (CG) Test: Balancing the drone at its center of gravity is vital for stable flight. This test ensures that the drone maintained proper equilibrium during operation.
Controls Test: Controls Test help to ensure all control surfaces respond accurately to pilot inputs.
Video 3: Video of the Thrust Test Jig V1.
Video 4: Demonstrating a thrust test, only at ~20% throttle/input.
Safe and Consistent Launches with a Custom Catapult System
To enhance the safety and consistency of drone launches, we developed a custom catapult system. This system could be adjusted for flight angle and stiffness/force, accommodating various drone sizes and launch environments. The catapult system not only improved safety but also ensured reliable and repeatable launch conditions.
Video 5: Showing the CAD design of the Catapult System.
Figure 2: Picture of the Catapult System after assembly.
Video 6: Testing the Catapult System for stability and durability.
Video 6: Testing the Catapult System for stability and durability from another angle.
Conclusion
This project represents a significant step forward in using technology for humanitarian purposes. By developing cost-effective, 3D-printed drones equipped with advanced vision systems and robust testing protocols, we can provide crucial medical aid to those in inaccessible areas. The journey from concept to realization has been challenging but immensely rewarding, promising a future where technology bridges gaps and saves lives.
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