Mechatronics · Mechanical Design · Controls · 2025
Rotating Solar-Panel Rover
Maximize solar collection on a compact rover by unfurling a two-petal, 9-panel array that rises above the chassis and rotates to shed dust and orient toward the sun — while keeping stowed volume and mass to a minimum.
- Designed a two-petal, 9-panel array that lifts on a linear-actuator-and-spring mechanism and rotates on a dedicated servo.
- Fabricated a mostly 3D-printed PLA chassis with detachable walls and three sliding compartments for access, vertical battery and motor packaging, an inclined Arduino to save space, and routed wire channels.
- Added brush-based dust mitigation — brushes under the panels sweep them during rotation.
- Built Arduino + IR-remote controls for every motion; ran an FMEA and reinforced the frame, wiring, traction, and electronics protection in response.
Arduino control with an IR remote; servos, DC motors, and a linear-actuator lift mechanism; PLA 3D printing and hand soldering for fabrication.
ArduinoIR RemoteServosDC MotorsLinear ActuatorPLA 3D PrintingSoldering
- Measured ≈ 4.94 V (5–9 V, 500–700 mA in sun) into a rechargeable battery — the rover is self-sustaining in sunlight.
- Met the 1 ft locomotion benchmark on 2-wheel drive.
- FMEA-driven revisions — reinforced frame, better wire management, traction tires, protected electronics, and a spring-assisted lift — improved reliability.
