Brush Bullet Applicator Initial Modeling Modification For Drones

The Grant Application is submitted simultaneously with this post.


Brief

Title of the project:

  • Brush Bullet Applicator Initial Modeling Modification For Drones

Brief project description:

  • Thomas got a set of herbicide pellet delivery device which called Brush Pod. That was originally designed for manned-helicopter mounting. We plan to use the same 3D printing method to modify it to fit the multi-purpose drone mount.

Why do you think this work is necessary?

  • This may be the first payload of our multi-purpose drone to be tested;
  • Other structural engineering personnel are currently too busy for modeling this.

Is there any related work this builds upon?

  • Further refinement and continuous updates of the modified Brush Pod.

Will the results of this project be entirely open source?

  • Yes.

If this grant is successfully completed, how does it help the pod involved?

  • Providing feasibility testing for further precise 3D printing parts;
  • Reduce the use of machined fasteners in such design;
  • Further align-up the workflow within Onshape software.

If this grant is successfully completed, how does it help Arrow?

  • Faster progress to the test flight of multi-purpose drones and the trial operation of vegetation control services;
  • Gain experience in the actual grant application process.

Contributor Background

Who is doing the work?

  • Dow Fisher Kirisame (@KBM )

What is the background of the person(s) doing the work?

  • Former commercial UAV operator & Project manager

Work Details

Do you need any input from another bounty/grant before the final submission?

  • No

What is the breakdown of the proposed work, in terms of milestones and/or deadlines?

  • 15 Days in total of:
    • 3 days Initial modeling (already done);
    • 11 days print, test, model refine;
    • 1 day descripting and Grant Application submitting.
  • Ideal deadline: 240102

List the details of the problem and what you want to accomplish with this grant.

  • Can’t perform that size of 3d print at home, need on-site printing and remote testing support.

What outcomes do you anticipate from the grant? Please list all deliverables along with their specific due dates.

  • 3d printable mount arm design;
  • 3d printable new brush pod container and lid design;
  • A simple user manual (maybe).
    (Dates are listed above)

In which areas can this work be used? What is the scope of its applicability?

  • Multi-purpose drone with brush bullet dispenser flight test or even the actual vegetation control business.

What metrics will be used to evaluate the outcomes of the project?

  • Structural strength;
  • Accessibility;
  • Maintainability;
  • In-flight reliability.

Risk Assessment

What are the potential risks or challenges for this project?

  • Several times of design and material changes;
  • Can’t perform real-world verification of the actual product at home.

How will these risks be managed or mitigated?

  • Inner peace.

How will you handle unforeseen obstacles or delays?

  • Re-design any features or slicing in case of printing failure.

Is there a long-term plan for updating or improving the work over time?

  • Yes if there’s any design failure.

What steps can be taken to ensure the longevity and sustainability of the work?

  • The model space is already well-commented;
  • 3d printer and slicing parameter should be archived for future reference.

Costs

How many work hours will be spent on this grant?

  • 72

How much USDC/ARROW is the applicant requesting?

  • 270 USDC;
  • 30 ARROW

How does the amount requested represent good value for Arrow?

  • A long-term support and low-cost structural design project can be maintained.

What is the proposed payment schedule for the grant? E.g. single payment, multiple payments?

  • Single;
  • After the debrief

How will the GBC verify that the work delivered matches the proposed cadence?

  • Install and fly it or smash it aggressively;
  • Keep away from heavy rain.

What alternatives or options have been considered in order to save costs for the proposed project?

  • This one has guessed there’s no other option for this device;
  • Use a card box and cut a hole on it is not an option.

Have you examples of similar work you have completed in the past?

  • Normal experiences: 3d printed UAV accessories such as PDB casing.

End Grant Application Form

The first version of models are already done in yesterday and ready for slice, print, assemble and test. I will keep going on for some auxiliary work such as printing materials selection and instructions for use.
Contact me if there’s any problem during the print and install procedure. Please love me.


Link to Discord forum post of Brush Bullet Applicator:


Link to Onshape assembly:


Screenshots of the model:



1 Like

Printing

For the printing material, I think we should try tough filament for the lid part. And use less tougher filament for the cylinder and the hatch.

Also, due to this gatekeeper feature, the cylinder should be printed with the support function enabled.

3d print slicer input direction:


BTW, because I want to minimize the use of metal part and magnets, so I fully abandoned their original design.

Installation and Usage

For the cylinder and arm installation, we can just use same screws from the original device.

For the lid installation, just fit it on the cylinder and the locking mechanism.

For the hatch installation, prepare the latch to the outside of the lid opening, align both slider to the teeth edge of the lid, push to insert the hatch. Then push harder on the small center handle to get through the first locking mechanism. This should fully done the installation.



To open the hatch for operation, press and push the center hatch handle to get through the lock. Then the hatch should slide toward forward and open.



To close the hatch, we can use those auxiliary handle on each side to pull it back. Then pull any handle harder to get through the locking mechanism, but this is designed to be easier than opening.



If we need to remove the whole hatch for repair or replacement, we need to press it upward from the inside of the cylinder, then it can be slide out and removed. Or we can just pull it out super aggressively.


Cut away view of the locking mechanism on the hatch, this should help the understanding.

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BTW, should I share this grant with somebody doing for on-site 3d printing test? I think I should but have no idea how to manage that.

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I will throw it on one of my printers and print it in PETG-CF. No need to share the grant :handshake:.Should be finished this evening or tomorrow

3 Likes

Link to Video in Discord: Discord

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KBM, this is a great looking model. I have a few thoughts for possible changes to the next draft.

  1. In our field testing with the brush bullet model, we have had some trouble with the revolving feeder. On occasion, it will stop with one of the channels over the hole. When flying, this causes several jellybeans to fall out. I think a screw auger might be a better solution here.
  2. I really like the mounting bar idea. I wonder if there could be a way to make the attachment tool-less using some kind of keyed hole to lock in?
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:thinking: I’m not quiet understand what means jellybeans may fall out? This design should protect any leakage, even protecting jellybeans from being grinded…


So far I think the origin device is actually a bad design for lower cylinder and revolving feeder. I can further improve my design for the upper parts, but modifying lower parts maybe won’t better than making a whole new design… For example, simply add a tool-less locking mechanism will significantly increase the width of the arm and total weight.

But I think we can make it more easier to maintenance by using half numbers of screws on current side-mounts, and the structure integrity should still safe.

To 1. I was thinking maybe it makes more sense to use a stepper motor? That way you can accurately control how much it turns and it would not go over several holes during one activation.

To 2. There is already the quick release connector on top of the mounting bar. So if you want to remove the container from the drone, you can do it very quickly without tools.

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I would like to use a recycling servo with double bulkhead door to replace the original design, that can ensure there’s only one pellet come out for each triggering…

1 Like