Drone Equipped with Spray Paint Actuating Mechanism for Artistic Pursuits

Lead Author Major

Mechanical Engineering

Lead Author Status

Senior

Second Author Major

Mechanical Engineering

Second Author Status

Senior

Third Author Major

Mechanical Engineering

Third Author Status

Senior

Fourth Author Major

Mechanical Engineering

Fourth Author Status

Senior

Fifth Author Major

Mechanical Engineering

Fifth Author Status

Senior

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

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May 4th, 2:30 PM May 4th, 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.