My Assignments

Assignment #4: Modules

Problem Statement

The purpose of my design is to make a competitively priced, vibration resistant action camera mount primarily for Drone applications. This mount should also useful for extreme sports and Vehicle racing. The mounting system must be simple to use and effective at damping impacts and vibrations that cause a "jello-like" image when filming. The camera holder will hold a small action camera that is roughly 38 x 38 x 36 mm an weighs about 74g.

Assumptions

Some assumptions I am making is that the product must be lightweight and easy to position a camera to point a specific direction. I am also assuming the customer will want the setup time to be short and easy, while the camera remains firmly pointed in the correct direction.

Decision Matrix

Due to the simplicity of the functional requirements of this product, and my developing understanding of the design process, I seem to have partially covered the Modules Phase in Assignment 3. Here is the Decision Matrix and discussion that chose which Shock Mounting Concept I must use.

The metrics I used to choose the best design are Cost, Manufacturability, Durability, Simplicity, and Weight. Cost was weighted most heavily, as this product is intended to be very competitive with similar products. Manufacturability was also weighted heavily becuase involved processes, such as injection molding, have very high initial costs before the first unit is sold. Durability was given a 20% weight because it is very important, especially when used with a drone that crash at speeds upward of fifty miles per hour. Simplicity and Weight received lower ratings because all three designs are relatively simple and likely comparable in weight.

The self suspended option is very simple and strong as a singular part, but would have the highest cost of manufacture, as most designs of similar size and shape would likely be made with 3D printing injection molding.

The bushing supported mount would be very simple to manufacture if a supplier for bushings is found, which could cost more and cause supply chain issues. However, the real achilles heel of these bushings is that they could easily pull through the baseplate and separate the camera from what it's mounted to, making the durability a large concern.

The Foam Composite mount strikes a great balance of all of these metrics. The combination of its simplicity of design and manufacturing easily puts it ahead of the other concepts. The main drawback is that more parts may need to be implemented for increased durability. It would be easy to make different sizes and make revisions for different applications.

The scores of the decision matrix put the Foam Composite sandwich mount far ahead of the other designs. With this information, I will develop three concepts that use the foam as a method to resist vibration and sudden impacts and a hinge or ball mount as a means to aim the camera.

Multiple Solutions

Due to the simplicity of the functional requirements of this product, and my developing understanding of the design process, I seem to have partially covered the Modules Phase in Assignment 3. Below are Parametric CAD drawings of each of the Module ideas.

Download all of the Module CAD Files Here!

Module #1

By far the simplest, this module is a simple hinge mount to the camera with two strong plates bonded to the intermediate foam. This would be the simplest and least expensive choice, however retaining less potential longevity as the next two Modules. On the upper plate and bottom of the camera holder, fins with holes are fixed together by a fastener that allows the camera to pivot into position.

Module #1 FRDPARRC

Module #2

Modeule #2 is very similar to Module #1. However, holes are provided in each corner to secure the top and bottom plates together with a fastener, zip tie, or safety wire. On the upper plate and bottom of the camera holder, fins with holes are fixed together by a fastener that allows the camera to pivot into position.

Module #2 FRDPARRC

Module #3

Module #3 is much different than it's counterparts in that it has a round shape, as well as holes and gaps in the foam for weight reduction. There are also holes provided for a fastener, zip tie, or safety wire to hold the plates more securely together. The round shape may be advantageous for how the mount reacts to forces in different directions. As a bonus, the circular shape can be interpreted to look "cleaner" and a more attractive design.

Module #3 FRDPARRC

Module Analysis and Calculations:

Unit #4 Modules

Project Plan: Gantt Chart

Lessons Learned

-Improving CAD skill since much of it was lost over time.

-I have to be more time conscious when juggling life and assignments.

-Improving understanding of design process.

Activities Date and Time

-CAD and General Setup-11/16/20-7pm-3:30am

-Tables, Calculations, Finishing Touches-11/17/20-10am-1pm

Advisee Comments

Luke Sewing

-You really went above and beyond on this assignment. Your models look great and your formatting superb.

-My only suggestion would be to include equations in each of your FRDPARRC Analysis columns.

Dylan Appleyard

-Assignment #4 appears to fill all requirements, perhaps make your calculations photos instead of links.

-Some of your images appear cut off. If this is the case, you may want to find a solution.