High-Level Project Summary
Our project uses magnets to hold satellites during liftoff. Once in space the magnetic switch can be released by twisting the handle to collapse the magnetic field and reduce the attractive force and release the satellite.
Link to Project "Demo"
Link to Final Project
Detailed Project Description
A magnetic switch uses magnets with North and South fields to attract a metal part of a satellite.
Once the switch has been manually turned, the North and South poles reverse. Then it is turned 'off', it collapses the magnetic field, which reduces the attraction force to the satellite.
The magnet switch box then becomes a way to connect and disconnect.
A holder for the satellite could have one or more magnetic switches that act like hands to keep the satellite in place during liftoff. Once the satellite reaches the right spot, it turns 'off' the magnetic switch and releases the satellite.
A consideration is the holding force or strength required for the magnets. However, there are magnets that are used for 'magnet fishing' that can have a combined strength of 4,000 lbs of force. Another method is making a Halbach Array to magnify the magnetic force.
To turn off the switch remotely we researched how car door motors work and we learned that they can be activated by a motor turning a worm gear and a worm wheel. This method can be used by the holder for the satellite. As the worm wheel turns, it can turn off the magnetic switch.
The Magnetic Space Holder can be made to be smaller than an AAA battery by using smaller Neodymium magnets in a Halbach Array and a miniature worm gear and wheel.
Space Agency Data
Let It Go (Without a Bang) Challenge Video
The space apps challenge video mentions toys and how they connect. We started to brainstorm different ways other household items attach; Glue, Stickers, Air vacuum, Saran Wrap (static electricity), Washing machine door (mechanical latches), springs and locks, and finally magnets. We asked the question "How to turn off magnetism?" During our research we found that high temperatures can turn off a magnet, but it cannot be turned back on. One option could be using electromagnets. However, Newton came across a video on how a magnet switch works and we thought that was a good idea.
Hackathon Journey
How would you describe your Space Apps experience?
Alexander said he liked watching the computer for two days. Newton liked break time because he liked going on his iPad without his mom interrupting him and his LEGO model (that can also be used as a Pac-Man). Maximillian said he liked the challenge project and drawing out magnetic diagrams. Mr. Matt enjoyed teaching and learning as a team member of MAN.
What did you learn?
- How to stop a satellite from banging on the walls
- Teamwork and effort
- A lot about magnets!
- That Mr. Matt's other name is Matthew
What inspired your team to choose this challenge?
We all liked this challenge because we could find out how see how we could release a satellite without having it break.
What was your approach to developing this project?
Our brainstorming included:
- LEGO
- Little robots
- Metal thing with two hatches open and the parachute opens, and once they open then something happens
- Robo Wrapped , when the nose cone opens it unwraps and goes out of the rocket
- Giant circle to keep the satellites from making it rattle- giant circle is made out of sticky LEGO
- Mindstorm - Like Newton's toy that connects with socket and overlapping hand on a sword
- Like LEGO people hands that snap into place - can also hold bars
Then we starting asking questions about how certain things seem to stick together.
- How does a ball with fur stick to things? With little hairs?
- Maybe tangled with each other
- How does it connect to us? We have tiny hairs on our body
- Maybe with static electricity?
However, we found that static electricity wouldn't be strong enough for a launch. After discussing household items that stick together we settled on magnets and our research led us to the magic of magnets, and magnet switches. Our research for more powerful magnets led to 'magnet fishing' and Neodymium Rare Earth Magnets that can have a combined force of over 4000 pounds! A Halbach array field could also be used to create a large enough magnetic force to hold during liftoff.
How did your team resolve setbacks and challenges?
- We were arguing about the team name and motto, but we voted and decided on something we all liked.
- Not knowing how to share photos and videos and Scratch program files but parents helped out by using dropbox and e-mail.
Is there anyone you'd like to thank and why?
Mr. Matt for teaching us, along with other teachers.
References
Reference Videos:
A Permanent Magnet That Turns On and Off - https://youtu.be/PMma3OJUHhs
Permanent Magnet Switch | Magnetic Games - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6idrAEO6W0
How Power Door Locks Work - https://youtu.be/8OGjMrjvQc0?t=277
Magnet Fishing | Neodymium Rare Earth Magnet - https://www.amazon.com/Fishing-Combined-Durable-Neodymium-Treasure/dp/B08C4SZNNM/
HALBACH ARRAY How to double the power of magnets, science experiment | Magnetic Games - https://youtu.be/uQWHjj6ofwo
Tools:
Rocket Chat
Zoom
YouTube
Google Slides
Crayons, Pens, Pencils and paper
LEGO
Tags
#magnets #magnetswitch #youthproject
Global Judging
This project has been submitted for consideration during the Judging process.