Quad Pod

Last crawled date: 1 year, 10 months ago

Update: 9/5/2015

I had a chance to do a fun little test using a flashlight as a beacon, check it out:

https://youtu.be/QsDrN7l00Pc

https://youtu.be/4ifEz35iZg0

This was just a test for fun with a big heavy Cree flashlight in the Quad pod set to strobe. The idea here is that you could use a light weight form of electronics to achieve this effect also, perhaps have it on a switch or a contact switch so it get's set off during the dropping of the pod, or while it's descending via parachute. It would help with locating the pod or tagging an area. Many useful scenarios.


Update: 9/5/2015

I just did a quick test of the "water filtering" capabilities of the pod. It was fun. Let's be honest, it's not going to put brita out of business, but in a pinch, it will get some of the nastier stuff out of the water. Ofcourse you would want to be sure to boil the water if it came from a stagnant source. The water didn't come out crystal clear, but it was definitely much cleaner (refer to pictures). Also, one thing I noticed is that my test sample smelled fishy and gross, the filtered sample has no odor at all, so that says a lot right there.
Update: 9/1/2015

Here are a few videos I did to test out the concept, check them out.

Initial drop test:
https://youtu.be/VBxGSgPIV5g

Second drop test:
https://youtu.be/jPZGLZl68Dc

Quick explaination about FPV and how it would be used
https://youtu.be/89-kDtkdHTE

Third drop test, high.
https://youtu.be/Tt3lnj0q6xM

Just having fun
https://youtu.be/W1Bv06t6n-A

Potential items to include within the quadpod:

Cell phone (designed to fit a standard sized smartphone)
bandages and antibacterial cream
knife
food supplies
fire starter, matches
information, maps etc.
life preserver
flashlight
small weapon for protection, ie gun, slingshot etc.
etc.

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I started this project the first week of the challenge. One of the first things came to mind when thinking about this challenge was to use the quad as a delivery system for an emergency rescue kit. Ofcourse, many of us have thought of this concept, but I really wanted to explore it in detail. Some of the questions I asked were:

1. What were the weight limits of the MAV, UAV, hex or quadcopter?
2. What sort of supplies and equipment could I carry
3. What form factors could I explore?
4. How would I design the launching mechanism

With some of the questions in mind, I knew I wanted the pod to look different and not just an average “box” shape. I wanted it to be able to fit a descent amount of cargo, things that could actually realistically be used by stranded people in an urban or forest setting. I wanted it to float. On top of all this, I wanted it to be 3DPcentric, meaning that the best way to make it would be through 3Dprinting.
The more I explored the design, the more I realized that I could not only use the container as a transportation vessel for tools and supplies, but the actual pod itself could be used as a tool. So I ended up incorporating some cool features in the actual pod also. So ultimately it’s not just a plain “box” but it actually can serve a useful purpose to the rescues while arrangements are being made for the rescue.

Quad pod features:

1. Transport all kinds of essentially tools and supplies that can be used for survival. Approximately 2L volume.
2. Can be used a water filtration system
3. Can be used as a lantern.
4. Can be used a boey marker for water rescue situations.
5. Can be used as a portable storage container for water, berries, meat etc. worn around neck (hands free).

It’s important to note that the quad pod is not meant to replace a rescue effort, it’s simply meant to add additional support to rescue efforts. A perfect scenario would be, a downed plane crash high up in the remote mountains, some crash victims are still alive yet access by helicopter is too treacherous and trails and roads will need to be built within the next few days before rescue efforts can be made. A fleet of MAV’s could be launched to drop multiple quad pods to atleast offer some supplies, communication(phones) and support to the plane crash victims before they’re rescued.

**notes on manufacturing

The two halves of the pod are designed in such a way as to make them almost impossible to make using traditional molding due to severe undercuts in the interior of the pod halves. The embossed "ribs" on the outside of the pod are there for grip, increase volume and stop the pod from rolling.

It should be noted that in my demonstration I did not print the rubber end cap but this would be 3dprinted in ninja flex and just secured on with a strong rubber band.

This sized pod ideally should be used with a larger 450+ size MAV or quad/hex. Depending on payload, a parachute can be used to reduce damage to the falling pod. The pod can also be resized to any size in the 3Dprinting software so it can be customized for the payload and size of quadcopter. For a smaller 250 sized quad I'd recommend halfing the size of the current pod.