The Structures & Payloads subteam develops the internal mechatronic components of the aerial system. Applying the core principles of mechanical engineering and design, Structures & Payloads iteratively develops the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle’s mechanical systems, including the camera gimbal, motor mounts, internal structures, landing gear, and aerial testing platform. Members of the Structures & Payloads subteam rely on their expertise in Computer Aided Design (CAD), Model Based Design (MBD), human-centered thinking, and manufacturing, to design, build, and test elegant and robust systems.

Camera Gimbal

2-axis roll and pitch camera gimbal that houses, stabilizes, and rotates our aircraft's SONY R10C imaging camera. Completely 3D printed with PLA and ASA, the camera gimbal is light-weight, modular, and adjustable. It is powered by 2 motors - one for each rotation axis - and controlled by a gimbal board. Tuning and mechanical/electrical testing is performed to verify functionality.

Lauren

Airdrop Mechanism and Payload Baydoors

As part of mission demonstration, our competition aircraft must successfully drop water bottles to designated target areas. To do so, we must innovate an airdrop mechanism and payload baydoors that allow on-command bottle dropping. Artemis employs a parachute-release mechanism attached to each individual water bottle. Once a water bottle is dropped successfully through the baydoors, a parachute is released that guides the bottle safely to the ground.

Sean
Han

Landing Gear

Essential structure that supports the weight of the entire plane about the center of gravity, and is designed to withstand normal vertical takeoff and landing loads. Struts are mounted separately on wings for balancing purposes. Originally consisted of carbon fiber and wood skis for flexibility. The 2022 redesign includes spring suspension system and wheels to handle an emergency horizontal landing.

Han

Push Propeller Mount

Custom geometry pusher propeller mount secures the motor responsible for horizontal propulsion to the back of the fuselage. Made from aluminum and includes a cowling for aerodynamic purposes and a thrust linkage inside the fuselage. Project also includes custom tooling to locate the push propeller mount in the fuselage.

Anthony

Atlas

Ashley
Charles
Polina
Sophia