High-Level Project Summary
The question was - How do we solve a problem so simple yet so complex without encountering newer issues we hadn’t seen before. Do we come up with our own new design or do we work with an existing solution and improve it. Finally we decided on a hybrid approach to the problem. We settled on an electro magnetic device which helps us pull 2 release pins placed axisymmetric to the main body of the piston. These pins are held in place with the help of a main spring which helps us in pushing the piston at a later stage in the operation. We solved the problem wherein there is no debris which is being ejected into the space. Also it is a reusable system which can be tested before operation.
Link to Project "Demo"
Link to Final Project
Detailed Project Description
We started with a simple design of an existing pyrotechnics based solution for the jettison mechanism. We then modified the shear screws in such a way that they are no longer sacrificial but is instead safely retractable by the means of an electro magnet placed on top of the release pin. The release pin is also accompanied by a small strain gauge placed along the length of the pin and a spring enclosed at the top to prevent loose components.
The solution works in three primary stages –
The first state is when the rocket is in ascension mode and the force exerted downwards by the payload (F2) is far greater than the force exerted in the opposite direction by the spring (F1). In this stage the system is held securely by the release pins which are in their fully extended mode.
In the second stage of our operation as the rocket approaches orbital height and the rocket motor starts to ramp down the force (F2) starts reducing first suddenly and then gradually, eventually matching the force exerted by the spring held down (F1) {This force equilibrium will be carried out before hand, and a spring of appropriate (constant K) matching the mission specific requirements will be installed. Making the system modular and easily adaptable to a variety of solutions.
The third stage of our operation will take place when F1 ≈ F2. At this point the shear stress on the release pin will be approaching 0. This can be detected by our strain gauge wherein it’ll trigger the electromagnets and pull the release pins to its most retracted position, freeing the piston arrangement. Post the actuation of the electromagnet, the force due to payload will continue reducing and approach a stage where F1>F2. At this point the spring is able to expand the expel the piston outwards thereby releasing the second stage into space !
Space Agency Data
Separation Device Launches New Science Payloads | NASA Spinoff
The post by Nasa really helped us visualize our problem and also look at the problem with a different perspective. The insights from mission IBEX really helped us have a grasp of the different constraints that undergoes with any development of a new technology. We were able to use these insights to come up with a relatively simple solution which could potentially help us solve our problems.
Let It Go (Without a Bang) | NASA Space Apps Challenge - YouTube
The introductory challenge video helped us in explaining what we were exactly working with and how it exactly ties in with the other systems onboard a spacecraft.
Hackathon Journey
Our journey with this hackathon has arguably tested our limits as budding engineers. The ability to put all of our concepts which we have studied only in classrooms conditions in real life conditions and into a project which has limited constraints but unlimited possibilities really pushed us beyond our boundaries. We have taken a lot away from this project and we definitely look forward to keep applying our concepts into projects like these which only helps us build our confidence and move ahead in our careers.
References
Tags
#hardware #mechanical #magnets #electromagnetism
Global Judging
This project has been submitted for consideration during the Judging process.