Mechanical Design Concepts

When approaching the mechanical and structural requirements of our probe design, our team began with the project specifications. 

After reviewing the specifications we divided the system up into seven categories:

        Method of Ascent

        Probe Shape

        Materials

        Release Mechanisms

        Parachute Deployment

        Parachute Design

        Sensor Probes

We then researched and brainstormed ideas on how to meet the specifications for each of the categories. 

The results of this process are detailed in the links to the left.

Once we had determined ideas for each of the categories, we needed a method to compare the designs.  Our team decided to use decision tables to rank each design.   We developed a set of criteria for each of the above categories and then ranked each idea in relation to the criteria.  We then created system designs by combining the categories.