Assembly of First Prototype

We fully assembled our first prototype and tested the thrust of our EDF fan (rated at 6S 2200Kv).

 

To test the fan, we powered it using a 4S LiPo battery. With a Servo tester at Level 2, the thrust measured was 0.116kg. After the playing around with the level of fan speed, we have come up with several conclusions and modifications:

1. We are going to scale down the size of our robot and reduce the mass of the robot to be around 800g, as compared to the original 1300g.
2. We will change the fan to be a smaller and lighter fan so that we can achieve a similar level of thrust but with a lighter mass. The lighter mass also corresponds to a lower thrust required and a softer sound from the EDF fan.
3. We will switch from 6S to 4S battery in effort to reduce the mass.
4. Based on the formula Fn = mg/u, the thrust we require is approximately 15.7N or 1.6kg force.

 

After further testing, we were advised that the thrust from the EDF fan alone is insufficient in sticking Windowbot against the window. We need to limit airflow, by placing rubber or plastic skirts at the base of the robot, in order to create a suction effect at the bottom which will aid in the process of sticking against the wall.