Manufacturing

Project 2: Building a Drone

Project Overview

Purpose:

The purpose of this project is to incorporate employability skills (teamwork, problem solving, verbal communication, written communication, dependability/work ethic, and planning and organizing skills) into activities that focus on designing and building a drone.

This project is divided into four main activities:

• Activity 1: Drone design and parts manufacture/procurement.
• (Option A): Design of drone and production of specified components with the use of Solid Works software and 3-D printers. The project teams will execute the design and production of specified drone parts.
• (Option B): Project teams will select a standard commercial drone design and procure commercially manufactured parts needed to complete drone assembly.
• Activity 2: Drone assembly. Project teams will assemble the different parts of the drone.
• Activity 3: Prepare for end-user/consumer. Creation of instructions for safe operation of the drone.
• Activity 4: Professional presentation. The project team will deliver a formal presentation to the project supervisor for final approval of the drone to be placed into service.

Courses for Implementation:

• Introduction to Electronics
• Solid works Fundamentals
• Industrial Safety
• Introduction to Quality
• Materials and Process 1
• Introduction to Machining
• Soldering

Key Terms/Major Topics:

Mechanical Assembly (Mechatronics)

• CAD
• Safety
• Quality

Equipment/Materials:

Standard classroom technology equipment (computer, projector, etc.)
Computer with SolidWorks software
Computers with Internet access and presentation software (Microsoft PowerPoint, Apple Keynote, Powtoon or Prezi, etc.)

Soldering equipment:

• adjustable temperature soldering iron
• solder pot
• solder
• flux
• de soldering equipment
• flux cleaner

Hand tools:

• wire cutters
• wire strippers
• screwdrivers

Zip ties
Heat shrink tubing (different colors/sizes)
Velcro straps
Radio Transmitter/Receiver for each drone assembly
3D printer if 3D CAD design option of the project is used

Miscellaneous drone parts as needed