One of the very first steps after researching is to develop a Computer-Aided Design (CAD). The CAD inculded every subsystem: drilling, collection, storage, and stability. The fully assembled system is shown. The CAD shows the different drill bits, the carousel storing system, and the magnetic base.
After developing the CAD, the Beta prototype was devleoped. The Beta was primarily made out of cardboard, and it was created to show the physcial attributes of the design, as well as the scale. The Beta demonstrates how each of the subsytems will be in contact with each other.
With the Beta prototype, we were then able to create the Alpha. Using our pre-determined budget for the Alpha prototype, we bought, built, assembled, and wired a fully working Alpha prototype. It was created using wood, steel, RC motors, wiring, and as well as four 3D printed parts. The Alpha was able to convey the actual functions of the project. This included: drilling both forward and backwards, and lowering and raising the drill. The Alpha was powered by one 12V battery and four AA batteries.
As we moved onto the spring semester, we started building the final product. We used Tetrix® parts to build the tower frame, similar to the Alpha prototype that was made of wood. The magnetic base was made out of aluminum, with eight iron bolts portruding. A specific wire gauge would be wrapped around each bolt, creating eight solenoids. Once a current is run through, this would create a magnetic force great enough to keep the sampling system on the asteroid while it drills. The drilling is achieved the same way as the Alpha prototype, but using two ball screws and nuts. There would be two 12V motors attached to the ball screw. The drill itself would sit on the metal plate in the middle. Lastly, the caching system on the right would rotate inward once the drill has collected samples in the coring bit and moved upward.
Due to the recent events regarding COVID-19, the Psyche Sampling Team was unable to finish building and testing this capstone. With the help of our advisors and client, the Psyche Smapling Team finished the capstone virtually, with a video and a final report which can be seen within the Documents tab. Any questions regarding the project should be emailed to any of the team members.