User:Jshin722/ENES-100/project 1/construction of quadcopter from scratch

Problem Statement
Design a quadcopter from scratch using separately made or purchased pieces. The design must optimize the number of pieces printed on the MakerBot and minimize the number and cost of the pieces purchased.

Requirements for each element or component derived from system level goals and requirements

 * A functioning, operational quadcopter made by maximizing printed parts.

Alternatives in design
There are examples on the internet about how other people have built a quadcopter using separately purchased parts (Example: http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:25882). One of those tutorials/procedures could be followed but finding the exact parts may be difficult.

The initial design

 * The design will use printed parts that fit the 40" x 0.210" OD carbon fiber tubes. (/Amazon.com/)
 * The use of printed parts will be maximized. "Un-printable" parts such as the motors, arduinos, sensors, wiring, shafts, camera, ect. will need to be purchased separately. The challenge will be getting the arduino to connect to a sensor and control the motors.
 * Minimize use of purchased parts.

Prior work, reuse and reverse engineering
The idea of building a quadcopter from printed pieces occurred during repair of the existing quadcopter. The new design will also address issues encountered with the existing quadcopter such as the weak central cross.

Performance, life cycle cost and value

 * Target performance is to be operated as well, if not better, than the existing quadcopter.
 * Life cycle should be about the same assuming similar life-span for parts that will be purchased.
 * Cost will be dramatically decreased, with a rough estimate of $50-$100.
 * Value: Even considering the time and effort spent on building the quadcopter, this design is ultimately a better value than purchasing a A.R. Drone for $389.99.

Maintainability, reliability, and safety

 * Maintainability will be significantly increased since many parts will be replaced by printing another piece using the MakerBot.
 * Predicted reliability and safety is the same as the existing A.R. Drone.

Next Steps
Once the carbon fiber rods (0.22" OD) arrive, other parts will be printed to meet the specifications of the rods and each other. Parts that cannot be printed will be purchased separately.


 * Abandoned since the professor said it would be impossible. New next steps are to fix the broken central cross using the printed MakerBot part and fly it using the bigger battery, making sure the quadcopter is tethered down. (see link "broken copter motor")