Mechanical Design Concepts

Release Mechanisms:

During the design of our probe we have considered several release mechanisms:

Nichrome

In this design, we use nichrome to release the probe.  Nichrome is a non-magnetic alloy of nickel and chromium with a very high melting point of around 1400˚C.   To release the probe we will wind the nichrome around the attachment cord that holds the probe to the balloon.  At the specified time, we will pass current through the wire creating heat.  Once the nichrome has burned through the attachment cord, the probe will release.

 Ring and Hook

In this design, a ring hangs from the balloon.  Two hooks from the probe hold on to the ring.   When the signal is given, the hooks separate and the probe releases.

Piston/Servo Mechanism

In this design, a rod with a lip on its end is attached to the top of the probe.   The rod is held in place by shelves that catch the lip and are controlled by pistons.   When the signal is given, the pistons retract the shelves and the probe falls.

Spool/Servo Mechanism

This design is based off a spool of thread.  The cords that attach the probe to the balloon are spooled around a rod.  When the signal is given, the spool unwinds and the probe releases.