Drone Equipped with Spray Paint Actuating Mechanism for Artistic Pursuits
Format
SOECS Senior Project Demonstration
Faculty Mentor Name
Kyle Watson
Faculty Mentor Department
Mechanical Engineering
Abstract/Artist Statement
Artists have always found creative ways to express themselves, whether it be sculpting a figure into marble or painting with oil on a canvas. One could argue that a major component of the artistic process is innovating new ways to extend and redefine the boundaries of expression. Currently, when it comes to painting a mural, artists are still required to use a ladder or scaffold to increase the reach of his/her arm. It is very time consuming to have to regularly move a scaffold, and all other equipment, in order to reach a desired location on a tall wall. Furthermore, it is also quite unsafe, as there is always the constant danger of falling from a high distance. Drones can be used to remedy this problem and augment the artist’s creative process. To fulfill this vision, a quadcopter drone was retrofitted to spray paint on a wall and/or designated canvas. A mechanism was created to house a miniature spray paint can and activate it upon user command from the remote control. Additionally, a sonar sensor was implemented to improve altitude stability. Since artistic precision requires fine proximity to the painting surface, propeller guards were designed to protect the propellers from contact force. A landing stabilization system was constructed to promote safe landings and adjust for the spray paint can attachment. The retrofitted drone satisfies all objectives, including but not limited to: spray painting on a designated wall or canvas 5 feet in the air for at least 10 minutes, carrying all necessary equipment for operation, is user-friendly and safe to use, and maintains a sub-1 kilogram payload. However, a few of these parameters, such as the flight height and time, are subject to change during the testing phase, which is still in progress.
Location
School of Engineering & Computer Science
Start Date
4-5-2018 2:30 PM
End Date
4-5-2018 4:00 PM
Drone Equipped with Spray Paint Actuating Mechanism for Artistic Pursuits
School of Engineering & Computer Science
Artists have always found creative ways to express themselves, whether it be sculpting a figure into marble or painting with oil on a canvas. One could argue that a major component of the artistic process is innovating new ways to extend and redefine the boundaries of expression. Currently, when it comes to painting a mural, artists are still required to use a ladder or scaffold to increase the reach of his/her arm. It is very time consuming to have to regularly move a scaffold, and all other equipment, in order to reach a desired location on a tall wall. Furthermore, it is also quite unsafe, as there is always the constant danger of falling from a high distance. Drones can be used to remedy this problem and augment the artist’s creative process. To fulfill this vision, a quadcopter drone was retrofitted to spray paint on a wall and/or designated canvas. A mechanism was created to house a miniature spray paint can and activate it upon user command from the remote control. Additionally, a sonar sensor was implemented to improve altitude stability. Since artistic precision requires fine proximity to the painting surface, propeller guards were designed to protect the propellers from contact force. A landing stabilization system was constructed to promote safe landings and adjust for the spray paint can attachment. The retrofitted drone satisfies all objectives, including but not limited to: spray painting on a designated wall or canvas 5 feet in the air for at least 10 minutes, carrying all necessary equipment for operation, is user-friendly and safe to use, and maintains a sub-1 kilogram payload. However, a few of these parameters, such as the flight height and time, are subject to change during the testing phase, which is still in progress.