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Nevada Dynamics Spatial Delivery
Date
2015Type
ThesisDepartment
Mechanical Engineering
Degree Level
Honors Thesis
Degree Name
Mechanical Engineering
Abstract
Nevada Dynamics has designed an adaptable Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) charging station that is
capable of safely charging Lithium Polymer batteries through copper contacts while simultaneously
allowing for a package to be housed below the UAV. The UAV industry is rapidly growing; however, there
are strict regulations of their use due to safety concerns. If companies could ensure that their UAV’s battery
is charged so that important safety features remain on, the regulations may begin to lessen. While there are
multiple UAV charging stations on the market currently, none of the existing designs allow UAV’s carrying
packages to charge their batteries without human interaction. Nevada Dynamics’ final charging station
completes the goal of expanding the UAV industry by allowing delivery UAVs to recharge without
damaging the package housed below the UAV. By analyzing the competition, the team was able to define
the remaining key functions required for the charging station to be a success. Building upon the key
functions, several designs were considered, and each design iteration was analyzed to create the optimal
design seen in Figure 1.
Several potential designs were generated
in the preliminary design work for the charging
station that were then translated into 3D models.
Converting the conceptual designs into simplistic
3D models solidified the customer requirements,
which were then converted into engineering
specifications. The final hoop and contact design
was selected based on the results of the
engineering analysis, budget constraints, and time
constraints. The main concern with the hoop and
contact design centered on how the theory of
electrical contacts transfers to real world
application. These concerns were combated by
building a proof of concept that focused on the
application of copper contacts. The data from the
proof of concept affirmed the theory that copper
contact points would provide a strong enough
connection to charge a Lithium Polymer battery.
The final design combines the copper contacts
with 3D printed parts to create the main portions
of the charging station. The final design parts
were printed partly in Nevada Dynamic’s lab with
a 3D printer and the team’s mentor, Andrew
Smith, printed the remaining parts. Once the 3D
printed parts were complete, the team built the remaining portion of the station and built the hexacopter
frame that was used for testing. The tests performed involved checking the copper contacts and establishing
a method of checking the alignment of the UAV on the station. Overall, the testing of the final prototype
revealed that Nevada Dynamics’ charging station design met all the engineering specifications created by
the team.
Nevada Dynamic’s work over the past two semesters has proven worthwhile with the creation of
a fully functioning UAV charging station. The station is able to detect if the UAV is aligned, can charge a
Lithium Polymer battery using copper contacts, and allows room for a package below the UAV.
Additionally, by building the hexacopter frame, it was proven that a UAV can fly with the copper
contacts and additional hardware that the charging station requires.
Permanent link
http://hdl.handle.net/11714/423Additional Information
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