Design of a small Easy-to-Assemble UAV (Quadcopter) with Embedded Wiring
Abstract
The objective of this proposal is to propose an innovative solution to eliminate wire bundles that run from the center hub of a quadcopter to each motor through the length of the quadcopter arms to deliver the power. The proposed idea makes the wiring process into a quick snap procedure. This proposal seeks the following two main goals: 1) to design and prototype a quick snap wiring patch assembly that can snap fit on 3D printed quadcopter arms to eliminate wiring running through the arms shortening the wiring process time. 2) to design and prototype an easy-to-3D print and easy-to assemble quadcopter with minimal parts and least fasteners utilizing the proposed quick snap wiring patch. In this proposal, the PIs propose a custom-designed quick snap wiring patch that is snap fit to the quadcopter arm to deliver the power from the center hub to the motors. The proposed wiring patch contains 1) three wires embedded on a 3D printed base, 2) three female connectors for power inputs taken from ESC (Electronic Speed Controller) and 3) three female connectors for the power outputs delivered to brushless motors. The wiring patch proposed is designed and prototyped as a stand-alone assembly that can be provided to the users (such as Army personnel) to be attached through snap-fitting to the UAVs. The proposers will also design and build a 3D-printed quadcopter prototype with least number of parts and minimum number of fasteners. The quadcopter to be designed will be easy-to-manufacture and easy-to-assemble in short period of time. The proposed wiring patch is installed on the arms of the prototyped quadcopter through snap-fitting. The electronics (such as Pixhawk Microcontroller, Electronic Speed Controller, GPS, etc) are installed as a module from the PIÕs past quadcopter design projects. FEM stress analysis is conducted to ensure structural integrity. The functionality of the prototyped quadcopter which is wired by the proposed wiring patch will be tested and validated. The project contributes highly to benefit the Army by providing a stand-alone assembly of wiring patch that can be attached to the Army Quadcopters to provide power to the motors from the center hub. The easy-to-manufacture and easy-to-assemble quadcopter we proposed will also provide simple and fast UAV platforms that can be made near the areas of operation where it is needed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Mar 18, 2019
- Source ID
- W911NF1910186
Entities
People
- Payam Matin
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- United States Army
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore