Initially, we had no extra funding so we used all of the basic components given to us in the CanSat kit. We left the actual can design until mid-February and soon realised that a standard soft drinks can did not meet our requirements in terms of structural integrity. Also, the arduino and it’s component didn’t fit effectively into the can as we planned, so we looked around for another cheap and immediate option.
Canny 1.0 We found a coffee can that fits the basic measurement requirements. The can was easily cut to the 115mm length. The open end (with plastic lid) was maintained and a hole was drilled into it for the antenna. The sealed side was sliced off and then reversed which allowed it to be used as the lid for the top which fit snugly. The arduino was screwed onto an aluminium plate which had to be modified to fit into the can. After that we did several drone test to see if our can worked and could protect the hardware inside. Canny 2.0. Following the regional final we decided to redesign the can and to come up with a more appropriate shape and internal structure to meet the additional sensor requirements. With our additional funding we decided to invest in a 3D print of our Can. The team came up with the design and “Hackett 3D” helped to create Canny 2.0. The 3D printing was done with an ‘Ultimaker 2’ 3d printer using 2.85mm thickness PLA material. Polylactic acid or (PLA) this is a biodegradable and bioactive thermoplastic derived from renewable resources in this case corn starch. |
Canny 3.0
With the additional payload and GPS shield we again have to remodel the internal structure of the can. Changes made will include:
- printing the can as a single piece rather than 3 separate parts which would then be glued together to improve structural integrity as well as adding in splints.
- The base will be moved further back and also shrunk in order to give more interior spacing for the servo and GPS shield.
- Locks will be added to the bottom of the covering and base so that holes added onto the cover will be exactly where we want them.
Most modules are attached/soldered onto the Arduino which is screwed onto the spine of the can. Certain parts such as the switch is super glued in place.
With the additional payload and GPS shield we again have to remodel the internal structure of the can. Changes made will include:
- printing the can as a single piece rather than 3 separate parts which would then be glued together to improve structural integrity as well as adding in splints.
- The base will be moved further back and also shrunk in order to give more interior spacing for the servo and GPS shield.
- Locks will be added to the bottom of the covering and base so that holes added onto the cover will be exactly where we want them.
Most modules are attached/soldered onto the Arduino which is screwed onto the spine of the can. Certain parts such as the switch is super glued in place.