SmartDrone Discovery II
Contract work done in studio for Mocu Design.
Client: SmartDrone
SmartDrone Discovery II was born as a challenge to facelift the Discovery I drone design. This project was accomplished through a multidisciplinary collaboration between designers at Mocu Design and engineers from SmartDrone.
WHAT IS THE SMARTDRONE DISCOVERY II?
SmartDrone Discovery II is a drone specialized in mapping and data collection. It excels in simultaneously capturing LiDAR and orthomosaic data during flights, enabling easy mapping of extensive and difficult to reach areas.
CONCEPT IDEATION AND INSPIRATION
As part of the prompt, SmartDrone wanted the body of the drone to have features from a spaceship from Star Trek. Some of these features influenced the concept to have a "forward leaning " silhouette, continuity throughout the surfaces, useful architecture such as handles that are part of the body form and premium-feel textures that could evoke a sense of speed.
Surface texture/pattern inspiration
Jackie's form exploration sketches.
Design challenges and criteria:
One of the biggest challenges was to design the body for the drone while not altering the drone's delicate instruments and high end components.​
Another challenge was to update the body form in SolidWorks constantly as the components had to be moved around or updated by the engineering team.
Some of my initial exploration sketches & mechanical solutions.
•The drone must have ergonomic handle(s) as part of the body. The handles must be sturdy since the drone itself is big and heavy.
•The arms must be able to fold in without damaging the propellers or the the body of the drone.
•The antenna must not be affected by the vibration of the body of the drone, it needs clearance all around.
•The LiDAR sensor must be exposed in a specific angle in order to not compromise its productivity.
•Legs must be easy to dettach, easy to clean and be able to withstand the heavy weight of the drone.
•Battery port must be easy to access in order to insert and extract the batteries and their wiring, must consider battery swelling, overheating and ventilation.
RAPID PROTOTYPING
Through constant iteration, quick sketches and meticulous measurements, the assemblies were tested for proper fit and tolerances.
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The most promising solution for the battery port was to have hinged tabs in order to prevent extra parts that could become detached and lost during flights and transport.​
3-D printed cap that covers the rear of the drone. It secures the batteries into the battery bay. It is easy to remove single handedly. This solution was considered for ways to cover the battery port.
3-D printing technologies were accessible, enabling the push for innovation.
Testing initial battery port idea.
3-D printed cap that covers the rear of the drone. It secures the batteries into the battery bay. It is easy to remove single handedly. This solution was considered for ways to cover the battery port.
3-D printing technologies were accessible, enabling the push for innovation.
Dual symmetrical handles were a good initial idea. The aim was to give users a way to use two hands due to the weight of the drone.​
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Through complex assemblies, we were able to also work out a solution for the retractive arms and propellers.​
After some quick brainstorming and doodling over the concept at the time, we decided to try out a grille like front face for ventilation as some of the internal components are prone to overheating.
First complete prototype
BEFORE
AFTER
RENDER CREDITS: MOCU DESIGN
SLS 3-D printed prototype
Dual symmetrical handles
Slots for arms to retract into for storage and transportation
Large circular cutout for antenna. Antenna vibrates during flight and must never touch the body of the drone.
Slots for arms to retract into for storage and transportation
FAA permit sticker placement inset face
Battery
Push tab keeps battery in place by avoiding movement caused by vibration
Hinged rear door covers battery port while also providing some ventilation.
Vented surface for internal cool down.
High end instruments require a minimum area of clearance in order to operate optimally. These instruments at the bottom of the drone collect LiDAR and orthomosaic data.
FINAL DESIGN:
IMAGE & RENDER CREDITS: SMARTDRONE & MOCU DESIGN
The final design ultimately ends up being an optimized concept that not only showcases a much more approachable look, but also an innovative piece of equipment which possesses a shell design mindful of how the instruments of the device operate.
The final concept adopted a single handle for an easier handling approach.
Vented surfaces were updated to show a cleaner face area. The pattern perforations resemble halftone gradients and gives a sense of speed.