Payload Mount

Overview

This year's payload structure, while not considered deployable, has a dual shock cord system that requires the structure has a means of exiting the airframe upon apogee, whilst remaining tethered. For this reason, a special mount was designed that would allow the payload to remain securely in place during rocket launch, but also be able to easily slide out and stay with the rest of the airframe when the rocket brakes up.

CAD Model

The payload mount consists of three 3D-printed modules, that, when stacked together, are the same height as the payload structure itself. The outer diameter matches the nose cone coupler's inner diameter, and it features an internal opening that both snugly holds the payload structure, and also has cutouts to allow for the shock cord connected to the structure to be stored.

Also shown is the payload mount fastened to the nose cone. A threaded rod is connected to a small disk that is epoxied at the tip of the nose cone. This threaded rod screws into the base of the payload mount, securing it in place. The modules in the mount itself are screwed together with threaded rods going through each module. Lock nuts were used at the bottom of the structure to secure the entire system together. Water jetted 3/16" aluminum was used at the top and bottom of the structure.

PLA Mount Fabrication & Testing

To see if the payload would be able to easily slide in and out of this proposed design, a model was created using the 3D printers available at Rowan University, with generic PLA. This setup provided a cost-effective means of fabricating the components to ensure they would work, before moving on to more durable, expensive materials.

After constructing the mount as it is in the CAD model, the team was relieved to see that the payload was able to slide in and out of the PLA structure very easily-- without being too loose so as to create shaking while inside the rocket.

ASA Mount Fabrication

After the concept was proven with the initial print in PLA, a final mount needed to be constructed out of a material that would more effectively resist the expected conditions at the IREC competition (UV rays, high temperatures, etc.). It was believed that a PLA mount would not be able to resist the high temperatures in Texas, and would warp as a result, potentially preventing payload deployment.

The solution was a new mount 3D printed out of ASA, a material known for its excellent UV and heat resistance. It was printed from a Bambulab X1 Carbon 3D Printer.

Floating Plate & Final Assembly

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