Indoor Experiments in Zero Gravity

This is an adapter for the Crazyflie 2.0 Nano Quadcopter, for experimenting with unusual side forces.

What is Crazyflie:

“Aside from being fun to fly, it’s main purpose is to be a versatile development platform that can be used to experiment, develop and explore a lot of different areas of technology.” bitcraze.io/crazyflie.

As seen at the Hackaday Store and mentioned in the Wings Wheels and Propellers Contest for the Hackaday Prize!

Goals:

1. Open Hardware: I want see if I can cut it at my local hackerspace, and make the files available so anyone can duplicate it.
2. Use foam core board to keep the weight of the adapter to not much more than the expansion boards sold for it: Qi inductive charging expansion board, and LED-ring expansion board.
3. Make some crazy videos.

Here is the layout. Its got three PWM pins!

All sizes are to scale.

I used SketchUp to “trace” the size.

Crazyflie board:
92x92x29mm board.
45mm propeller.
137mm overall width.

Foam core:
150x150x3mm.
150x150x45mm estimated foam size, not including feet.
(I may have to use thicker foam and reduce the number of layers.)

The top and middle sections hold the Crazyflie board and protect the propellers.

The bottom section has four flaps that change the direction of the air, and provide enough leakage as not to block the air flow.

The two servos are mounted underneath are scaled to the SparkFun Servo – Generic (Sub-Micro Size)ROB-09065.
Upside down view:

The three sections split up.

Its going to need feet. Foam core will not be strong enough. I will see if I can find something light weight. Upside down view:

Assembled together.

For those who like explosions.

Cable ties, glue, rubber bands, and fishing line make up the rest.

I can't wait to see if my idea will come to life!

This is just a quick rough sketch!

Nothing is to scale.

There are major linkage problems inside the model.

The sub-micro helicopter parts don't exist and may have to be custom made.

Its brain, heart and guts are missing.

I may scrap this design for several other variations with tubes/ducts, and or reversible motors.

SketchUp model available. https://www.dropbox.com/s/mu5yem1tqdi34rs/QuadSki.skp?dl=0

The four prop vertical lift quadcopter portion of this project will maintain stabilization, altitude, and rotation by four flaps on the bottom. The horizontal thrust portion will focus on rapid acceleration and deceleration to a certain distance or point.

The horizontal thrust concept is based on a variable pitch propeller and motor combination. This one has the push rod through the center of the motor:

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__6294__Variable_pitch_prop_motor_set_7_Type_A.html

The SketchUp model shows twelve motors and twelve props. I would like a design where one motor and one servo drives four thrust props. This might be needed to reduce the weight, if the linkage doesn't outweigh the motors.

The flow chart below only shows air flow direction for four props on one axis (X axis movement left and right.) A second four prop setup, overlaid perpendicular, completes the other direction (Z axis movement for forward and back.) All eight props share a common air chamber. I am imagining that air flow pressure and exhaust will equalize, even when moving in two directions.

Top:

Bottom:

Side: