Quadcopter Frame

thingiverse

My Technology teacher was awarded a grant to boost our STEM department's classes. Since one of those classes is Robotics, the teacher had an idea to build our own Quadcopter from scratch. We were able to buy the electronic parts we needed and created a frame by working with the parts we ordered. The teacher and I collaborated on modeling all the different body parts in SolidWorks 3D software. The Quadcopter is fully assembled, and we've attached cameras to it so we'll get an aerial view. Print Settings Printer Brand: Printer: Stratasys Resolution: 0.010in (0.254mm) or .013in (0.33mm), 30% Faster Infill: Solid Notes: Print max size: 8" x 8" x 6". How I Designed This Quadcopter Frame The Quadcopter frame was designed to fit the parts we purchased perfectly. We used practical design principles and kept in mind what the arms and landing gear would look like. We also had to keep in mind that each part's maximum dimension could only be 8" as this is our 3D printer's size limitation. Project: Quadcopter Frame Objectives Designing a Quadcopter frame can be used as a final project for a Technology class. The goals of this project are to teach students about designing a model with limitations using the Design Process. Along with the overarching goal, there are smaller goals such as teaching basic Aerodynamics, using SolidWorks, learning about RC Quadcopters, and learning how to work in a group to finish a major project. Audiences This project is intended for High School students, but students as young as 6th grade can work on this project with help from a Technology teacher who is used to teaching Middle School. There's no required skill level that the students must have. Since this would be a full year project, the students will be taught the SolidWorks program. Preparation The Student should have access to a computer with at least last year's version of SolidWorks (2014-2015) as there are new features in this version. To build the Quadcopter, the teacher should be able to order a set of electronic parts that will be used. Access to a 3D printer is necessary. Steps The first part of the project would be to get ideas of how the Quadcopter should look and what you'd want it to be used for. After an idea has been formed, the electrical parts needed (such as GPS, Transmitter, Receiver, Propellers, motors etc...) should be ordered. Once you have the parts, you can start 3D modeling the frame around the dimensions of the parts. Once everything is printed, the pieces can be put together. Results At the end of this project, the students will have designed and built a working Quadcopter. As part of this project, the students will have also learned: the program SolidWorks, the basics of Aerodynamics, and an understanding of RC technology. In addition, the students will have learned the design process: creating ideas, making many different models/prototypes, testing them, and if they don't work then creating and finding ways to fix the issue.