High-Level Project Summary
Our solution solves the proposed problem since it´s a mechanical system, presented as a double action device, that has the ability to cut the lines of a parachute. It can be activated manually or with sensors. It works with a microcircuit and electromagnets that activate a cutting system, thus allowing the release of ropes without the use of pyrotechnics. The device can withstand temperatures down to -50°C and up to 80°C without heaters. It measures less than 5 cm. It is highly effective. Is relevant because it will allow to completely eliminate the abruptness caused by pyrotechnics. It can be tested and recovered. It can be programmed and adapted to any mission to space.
Link to Project "Demo"
Link to Final Project
Detailed Project Description
Device operation:
1. Programming of the microcontroller: C++ language code is made to establish the atmospheric pressure necessary to send an electric current to the mini electromagnets. Also, it can be programmed as a dependent of altitude or time. The microcontrollers will be able to open or close the device. Once the code is complete, it is transferred from the computer to the microcontroller.
2. The assembly: The microcontroller, its power supply and the magnets and the barometric sensor are connected respectively. Once everything has been correctly connected, the cover of the device is closed.
3. Setting zero state: Depending on the user's design, the device will start open or closed. If the device is open, it will cut the parachute rope to the required height. If the device is closed, it will release the parachute rope. To accomplish the reverse option, it is only necessary to reverse the polarity for the magnets.
4. In action: Final step will be to place in position inside the structure, ship or satellite so that this device can fulfill its previously designed functions.
● Benefits of the device:
● No pyrotechnics are used
● It has a mass, volume and dimensions suitable not only for large missions, but also for missions using small ships.
● It can be tested.
● It can be recovered
● No abruptness is used for part release.
● It can be customized to your requirements, be it time, altitude, pressure, etc.
● Easy to assemble, place and program
● It is made of materials resistant to extreme temperatures as well as corrosion.
● A double safety system can be implemented, with the possibility to activate it manually with a switch.
As already mentioned, this project is relevant because it will allow to completely change the part of the abruptness that currently causes pyrotechnics, so we will seek to go to different companies and institutions in the space sector that are developing ships or equipment that involve some detachment with pyrotechnics or some explosion, to expose them our product and they can test it. We will try to evaluate if the product satisfies their needs and obtain feedback to improve and adapt the product as the case may be. In addition, given the great technological advances that exist today, we believe it is convenient to reach a global market and, therefore, we would have sales through a website or mobile application, where the operation of the device is explained with the option to engage in a conversation with one of us. Our project is intended to be for profit, as we seek to publicize our device and expand so that in the future there will no longer be any use of equipment or devices that explode or cause any damage when detached. It will start with an investment from the owners, which will be invested in inventory for the creation of the product, and then take it to the sale.
Once we have the net profits of the product, we will seek to retain some of them for investment in debt, which will generate a safe return for future investments in the project. That is why we seek to have as customers all those companies and institutions in the space industry, which are engaged in the manufacture or development of any object, ship or related with the purpose of leaving the Earth, or even that are with some large or small development and seek not to cause any damage with the detachment of the parts. NASA, Space X, Boeing, among others, will be considered as important users. The following cost model is proposed for the development of our product: For the magnesium alloy base and cylinders will be consulted with future supplier; for the mini electro magneto solenoid will be considered a price of about $385.00 MXN; for the barometric pressure sensor BMP180 will be considered a price of about $60.00 MXN; for the 9V voltaic battery will be considered Duracell brand with price of $139. 00 MXN; for the arduino nano microcontroller we will consider a price of around $300.00 MXN; and for the star screws we will look for a better Team: Beyond the Reality supplier, taking into account that the set of 16 flat head countersunk star screws are priced at around $300.00 MXN. This will be an initial cost model, because in the future we are thinking of having good suppliers that will allow us to have a better quality and situation in the market, offering the best opportunity to our customers and users. - Production value less than $2,000.00 MXN or 100 DLLS. - Variable cost according to buyer's requirements.
Business Model Canva: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1UNR4nNDgeCzwL-LgqZsKJ8Ln1Ouv3EOu?usp=sharing
Space Agency Data
Space data provided by space agencies such as NASA allowed us to see the disadvantages of a pyrotechnics system. Thanks to the official information, we were able to realize that the devices that currently exist are not only aggressive and can cause damage to systems, but can even lead to failures, as in the case of Ares I-X (https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/constellation/ares/parachute_results.html).
Also, official information is used to understand how the separation of parts is performed and how the parachutes mainly work. As in the case of the article https://spinoff.nasa.gov/Spinoff2020/ip_8.html
Finally, the official information gave us the opportunity to understand the current design of the spacecraft sent to space to be able then to make and adapt our system to the current designs. Thanks to articles like https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20110016488/downloads/20110016488.pdf
Hackathon Journey
Our hackathon journey: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1WeUyc4vf_mYRrQ4xzo5Dt5W80ITAtL_K?usp=sharing
Our project's name solution is called Automated cutter device (ACD). it composed by metalic parts and a logic circuit. The base is made by magnesium alloy, capeable of resisting from -50 to 80 celsius degrees. The mechanical cutter system is composed by two metal cylinders with a sharp end. For the electronics we propose to use an arduino nano, a atmospheric pressure sensor, both of them powered by a battery.And one electro magnet in each side. The logic of the device is the following: Once the rocketship, satellite or body has reached a desired altitud, the sensor sends a signal to the microcontroller which activates a current on the electromagnets. Pulling in or out the cylinder allowing it to cut or secure the rope of the parachute.
Well, mainly what inspired us was the idea of thinking on an innovative solution that allow us to decouple aerospace structures without the need of using pyrotechnics. This is a great idea and project to work.
(Rodolfo) My experience was very good because I met people and I really liked sharing ideas to make a good design.
(Sofía) In my case, my experience was very gratifying, I was able to reforce some abylities and also to create new ones. I learn to work under pressure and search information. Also, I have the ability to work in teams and learn a lot from my teammates and to be a good team.
(Daniela) Now we are going to talk about our experience. Personally I think it was challenging because I had to get out of my comfort zone, but I think this kind of projects help us to improve our soft skills, as well as use all our knowledge to work on innovative real-world projects and solutions
(Melissa) The experience was very nice, I really enjoyed being able to work as a team and share different ideas, and all these because we wanted to solve the problem of pyrotechnics.
The most difficult thing about these 48 hours was to work online because communication is not so constant unlike being in the same place working on our project. Thanks to the video call and instant communication tools we were able to do a very good job.
I would like to thank first of all to my teammates for accepting to take the challenge. Also, to all of the people that support our decition to participate un such a big event. And last but not least, to NASA for the opportunity and the inspiration to achieve our dreams.
We are the team beyond the reality and we look forward to Design the future, one idea at a time.
Thank you!
References
https://ntrs.nasa.gov/api/citations/20110016488/downloads/20110016488.pdf
https://spinoff.nasa.gov/Spinoff2020/ip_8.html
https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/constellation/ares/parachute_results.html
https://trs.jpl.nasa.gov/bitstream/handle/2014/45484/14-0701_A1b.pdf?sequence=1
https://www.hq.nasa.gov/alsj/CSM12_Earth_Landing_Subsystem_pp93-98.pdf
AUTOCAD
CANVA
DEEPDL TRADUCTOR
Tags
#hardware, #space, #spaceship
Global Judging
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