Ideation: The Safe Drones

We have decided to create different levels of protection for different missions. The first of two is a parachute attachment aimed at drones travelling at high altitudes for situations such as aerial photography. The attachment will allow for an automatic deployment of a parachute when various conditions are met such as a power failure, flying over the maximum legal height, drone overturning and free-falls.

The second is a customizable 360° drone protective sphere that acts as shield when the drone falls from lower altitudes or collides with objects.

We will be testing out different sensors from different brands and manufacturers as well as conducting material and design analysis for the sphere to test the feasibility.

We are aiming to create a custom made drone at this stage that will be made of PVC pipes to allow everyone to recreate this drone with little difficulty because of its low price point and its durability. This PVC drone will be mainly used for testing the safety mechanisms because should they fail, the frame and its electronics will take a beating.

Of course, at the end of the project, we aim to use a proper frame probably made out carbon fibre for it's durability, but only if the mechanisms have been proven to work well.