Mechanical Design Concepts

Parachute Deployment:

We considered three ideas for the deployment system.  Because using a parachute was the obvious choice, we decided to compare types of parachute deployment systems.  

Spring Loaded

This method uses springs to deploy the parachute at the desired time.

Mortar

An explosive charge, triggered by an electric signal, blows the parachute out of the probe

Drone/Mortar

Drone released and pulls parachute out of the probe.  At the same time, a mortar is fired to deploy the parachute.  This system adds redundancy.