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  • 3 Speed Go Kart
  • Vector Controlled Rocket

Gimbal Mechanism

My project partner and I started off the project coming up with how we would make the rocket self adjust. 


I came up with this iteration which uses the concept of a gimbal mechanism to allow rotation, thus allowing us to control the rockets trajectory.

Gyroscope and Accelerometer

While I worked on a parachuting method and 3D printing the cone for our rocket, my partner worked on coding the gyro to bring our gimbal to life.

Parachute and Deploy System

We used string, tape and a table cover sheet to create a parachute, connected to the main tube and 3D printed cone. 


The way this system will deploy in our launch, is that our pre-bought engine has a small explosion at the end of it's flight. This will create an upwards pressure that forces the cone to pop off releasing the parachute. 

When engine is producing thrust

When engine finished producing thrust

When engine finished producing thrust

When engine finished producing thrust

When engine finished producing thrust

When engine finished producing thrust

Finishing Touches Before Launch

As seen in the video, our servo motor was too large for the diameter of the tube. This is because we made everything for a 4 inch tube. Unfortunately after searching everywhere the best we could find was a 3 inch tube. This was a big problem we oversaw as it causes weight imbalances. 

Results

Unfortunately due to Canadian transport laws it's illegal to launch rockets of any kind, though we did reflect on our design choices.


1) The engine burn time only runs for about two seconds. This means that it's very fast and even the slightest vector adjustment coupled with the power sends it out of control.


2) Balance in the weight distribution. In the above diagrams of the rocket's inside components, the computer parts were situated on the side the rocket making the center of balance to the side. 

What I learned

I had so much fun and gained so much experience from our first iteration rocket. I didn't know how to CAD before this experience so it helped me learn a lot. 


Additionally this project showed me the importance of prototyping and documentation. Making the 2nd iteration would be extremely difficult if we did not prototype or document our journey of this rocket.


A special thanks to Romit Bali who was my partner in this project. 

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