Drone Payload Storage & Release System (DPSRS)
CWU Mechanical Engineering Senior Project (2019-2020)
Joseph Key
What it's all about
The retail giant Amazon has become a household name synonymous with nearly instantaneous online shopping. What previously took weeks to deliver at exorbitant shipping fees can now arrive at your doorstep within two days—and all for free. This huge buyer incentive has skyrocketed the demand for online shopping, making Amazon the most valuable brand in the world. To meet this demand, Amazon and its distributors have proposed using drones to make deliveries. However, due to issues with cost and complexity, this has not yet materialized.
As such, this project’s objective was to create a cheap and lightweight package-delivery system that can be easily mounted onto a drone—the popular DJI Phantom 4 Pro. The approach was simple: create a purely mechanical system, eliminating the need for complex electronics. This was accomplished via the drone’s built-in camera, which can move down to trip the package release trigger at the user’s input. The entire system is attached to the drone via quick-release clamps. The project was constructed entirely using 3D-printing. This allows for the system to be manufactured cheaply within a matter of hours rather than days or weeks. The system was designed to store payload using a hybrid cage, which swings open to release packages. Testing has found that the system weighs only 5.31-oz, can carry packages up to 8x6x3” and 1.25-lb, and can travel up to 4 miles fully loaded. Finally, the system can be produced on a small scale for less than $60.
Content Summary
The purpose of this website is to document the process of developing this system from the first sketch to the final prototype.
Since this will serve as a capstone / senior project for a mechanical engineering degree, the project will be broken up into three academic quarters: fall, winter, and spring.
Fall will include the analysis and theoretical design of the system.
Winter will include the manufacturing of the system's parts and pieces and the final assembly.
Spring will include the testing of the system and the release of the final prototype
The end goal is so much more than just satisfying the requirements of the university senior project. Development of this system will be continued until a final product is created. At that point, commercialization and sale of this system will be pursued.
Expect to see a product that you can buy in the near future!
Final Presentation
Looking for a good summary of how the project went? Then feel free to watch the final video presentation.
Safety Matters
Concerned about the safety of this project? Have no fear, click the link above to read a detailed hazard analysis:
Looking for More? Read the Report
Is this brief summary insufficient to answer your questions about the project? Feel free to delve into the full engineering report.
Contact Info
Interested in learning more about me, my work or how we can collaborate on an upcoming project? Feel free to reach out anytime, I would be more than happy to chat.
Interested in my credentials? Click Here to Read My Resume
Washington State, USA
509-750-6031