College - Author 1
College of Engineering
Department - Author 1
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree Name - Author 1
BS in Mechanical Engineering
College - Author 2
College of Engineering
Department - Author 2
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 2
BS in Mechanical Engineering
College - Author 3
College of Engineering
Department - Author 3
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 3
BS in Mechanical Engineering
College - Author 4
College of Engineering
Department - Author 4
Mechanical Engineering Department
Degree - Author 4
BS in Mechanical Engineering
Date
6-2025
Primary Advisor
Eltahry Elghandour, College of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department
Additional Advisors
Xi Wu, College of Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Department
Abstract/Summary
In response to the demands of the 2025 C-UASC (California Unmanned Aerial Systems Competition), our team developed an autonomous drone payload delivery system capable of two distinct delivery modes: a precision-controlled descent and a high-speed aerial drop. Designed for modular integration with UAV platforms, the system prioritizes reliability, accuracy, and simplicity under desert environmental conditions. Our solution features a custom winch mechanism with a programmable stepper motor, a passive mechanical hook for tension-based release, and a servo-actuated trapdoor for high-altitude drops. The design was extensively tested for structural integrity, motor torque requirements, drop precision, and electronics reliability—culminating in a robust prototype. This project demonstrates how practical engineering design, iterative prototyping, and system-level testing can converge to meet the rigorous demands of real-world challenges.
URL: https://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/mesp/817
Project Poster
ME_2025_PRJ9EE_C_SOW.pdf (1252 kB)
Scope of Work
ME_2025_PRJ9EE_C_PDR.pdf (1558 kB)
Preliminary Design Review
ME_2025_PRJ9EE_C_CDR.pdf (1 kB)
Critical Design Review
ME_2025_PRJ9EE_C_Drawings.pdf (1 kB)
Drawing Package