Autonomous Drone-Based Emergency Water Delivery System for Hikers
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1. Problem Statement
In the southern United States, hikers frequently suffer from dehydration and heat-related illness due to high temperatures, limited water sources, and underestimation of trail difficulty. When hikers run out of water, they may call for help using a mobile phone or emergency beacon; however, Search and Rescue (SAR) response times can be several hours, especially in remote or rugged terrain. During this delay, the hiker’s condition can rapidly worsen.
There is currently no rapid-response system to deliver life-sustaining water to stranded hikers before SAR personnel arrive.
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2. Project Objective
Design, build, and demonstrate a remotely deployable, semi-autonomous drone system capable of:
• Launching from a trailhead station
• Locating stranded hikers using visual and infrared (IR) sensing
• Delivering emergency water supplies
• Providing location confirmation to SAR teams
The system is intended to extend survivability, not replace SAR operations.
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3. Concept of Operations (ConOps)
Normal Operation
1. Hiker distress call is received by authorities or park personnel.
2. Approximate hiker location (GPS / last-known position) is provided to the system.
3. A water-delivery drone is remotely deployed from a trailhead station.
4. The drone:
o Navigates to the target area
o Uses visual + IR sensors to detect humans on or near the trail
o Confirms target identity
5. The drone delivers water via:
o Controlled landing, or
o Tethered drop mechanism
6. Drone relays GPS location and imagery to SAR teams.
7. SAR personnel continue ground rescue.
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4. System-Level Requirements (Example)
Functional Requirements
• FR-1: The system shall deploy a drone within 5 minutes of activation.
• FR-2: The drone shall carry and deliver ≥1 liter of potable water.
• FR-3: The drone shall operate in ambient temperatures up to 45°C (113°F).
• FR-4: The drone shall identify human presence using visual and IR imaging.
• FR-5: The drone shall transmit GPS coordinates and imagery to the operator.
• FR-6: The system shall operate without modifying existing SAR procedures.

Project Description:
University makerspaces such as the Engineering Design Center (EDC) and CATalyst Studios generate significant volumes of plastic waste from 3D printing activities, particularly polylactic acid (PLA). A previous Engineering Design Day team successfully designed and fabricated a desktop-scale PLA shredder that met all functional, electrical, safety, and performance requirements, demonstrating meaningful volume reduction while operating safely within makerspace constraints.

This follow-on project, Plastic Shredder Version 2, builds directly on that success and focuses on miniaturization, robustness, and intelligent operation. While the original system validated feasibility, its overall size, blade geometry, and manual jam recovery limit long-term usability and scalability. Version 2 aims to produce a smaller, more compact, and more capable shredder that can safely process a wider range of plastic geometries and densities while incorporating smart safety and automation features.

The project will align with and contribute back to the global Precious Plastic open-source community, adapting proven shredder concepts to meet academic makerspace constraints, U.S. electrical standards, and institutional safety expectations.

Project Objectives:
The objective of this project is to design, prototype, and validate a compact smart plastic shredder optimized for academic makerspaces, with improvements in size, safety, reliability, and automation over the original system. The design will emphasize testability, maintainability, and open-source replication.

Scope of Work:
Mechanical Design
Redesign blade geometry to prevent rolling of cylindrical objects and improve engagement with denser prints.
Reduce overall system footprint relative to Version 1 to improve mobility and spatial efficiency.
Design for serviceability with standardized and replaceable wear components.

Electrical and Control Systems
Integrate sensing methods for jam detection using current, torque, or speed monitoring.
Implement automatic motor reversal or controlled shutdown behavior.
Maintain compliance with standard makerspace electrical safety practices.

Safety and Environmental Controls
Retain guarded feed systems and interlocked access panels.
Integrate optional vacuum-assisted debris capture for improved operator safety.
Mitigate noise through mechanical isolation and enclosure design.

Documentation and Open-Source Release
Provide CAD models, electrical schematics, firmware, and bill of materials.
Include assembly, operation, and maintenance documentation.
Document design rationale suitable for public release and community contribution.

Students will design and build a shallow recirculating river in the middle of a riparian ecosystem that is part of an outdoor adventure playground called Second Sky. From an engineering perspective, it is not difficult to recirculate a small quantity of water over a few hundred feet. But to do so in a way that provides kids and adults the freedom to experiment, to enjoy flowing water in many forms, to be safe, to be code-compliant, to be energy efficient, and to be fully integrated into a developing ecosystem - that is a challenge worthy of a diverse group of talented students.

Project Proposal: Solar-Cooled Dugouts for Youth Baseball in the U.S. Southwest
1. Introduction & Problem Statement
Youth sports in the U.S. Southwest—especially baseball—are typically played during late spring and early summer, when temperatures routinely reach dangerous levels. Due to climate change, average temperatures across Arizona, New Mexico, California, Nevada, Texas and surrounding regions continue to rise, increasing both the frequency and intensity of extreme heat days. Young athletes are especially vulnerable: children generate more metabolic heat relative to body mass, sweat less efficiently, and acclimatize more slowly than adults. As a result, they face significantly greater risk of heat exhaustion, heat cramps, dehydration, and, in severe cases, heat stroke.
Baseball dugouts provide minimal environmental protection. Most community and youth-league fields use partially enclosed concrete or chain-link structures covered by simple metal or shingle roofs. These structures provide shade but generate a “heat cavity,” where radiant heat, low airflow, and reflected surface temperatures create conditions often hotter than the surrounding field. As temperatures rise year after year, the existing dugout design no longer provides acceptable protection for youth athletes.
Forecasts for the Southwest indicate continued warming in spring and early summer, meaning this safety challenge will intensify over time. Without engineered mitigation, players waiting their turn in the dugout remain at high risk for heat-related illness during practices and games.
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2. Project Objective
This Senior Engineering Capstone Project aims to design, prototype, and test a solar-powered cooling system integrated into a youth baseball dugout to reduce heat stress on players. The solution must be off-grid, cost-effective, structurally safe for community facilities, and suitable for the hot-arid climate typical of the Southwest.
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3. Concept Overview
The proposed design uses roof-mounted photovoltaic (PV) panels that provide two simultaneous benefits:
1. Passive cooling through shade
The PV array replaces or overlays the roof, significantly reducing radiant heat load.
2. Active cooling using solar-generated electricity
The PV output powers one or more cooling subsystems inside the dugout, such as:
o High-flow DC circulation fans
o Fan-and-misting arrays
o A compact solar-powered evaporative cooling module (optimized for arid regions)
o A hybrid system that activates cooling only when players are present
Water use (for misting/evaporation) will be managed carefully through a low-flow pump, optional small reservoir, and adjustable duty-cycle control.
A simple microcontroller can automate the system by monitoring temperature, humidity, sunlight intensity, and occupancy.
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4. Scope of Work
Phase 1 — Research & Requirements
• Conduct a literature review on youth heat-stress hazards.
• Document environmental requirements (peak temperatures, humidity, solar irradiance).
• Define quantitative performance goals (e.g., ≥5°F temperature reduction).
• Establish safety, budget, and structural constraints.
Phase 2 — System Design
• Develop PV sizing calculations for peak load conditions.
• Design mounting structure, wiring, controls, and airflow pathways.
• Evaluate options for misters vs. evaporative cooling vs. high-flow fans.
• Produce preliminary CAD for the integrated dugout cooling system.
Phase 3 — Prototype Construction
• Build a full scale dugout prototype on a local baseball dugout.
• Assemble PV, cooling subsystem, sensors, controller, and water system.
• Ensure compliance with structural, electrical, and youth-safety guidelines.


Phase 4 — Testing & Evaluation
• Compare baseline vs. cooled dugout conditions using temperature, humidity, and WBGT measurements.
• Measure power generation, water use, run-time, and structural stability.
• Collect qualitative feedback from coaches/players (if allowable).
Phase 5 — Final Deliverables
• Design documents, schematics, 3D models, bill of materials, and test results.
• A complete Technical Data Package suitable for city parks, schools, or youth-league adoption.
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5. Expected Impact
If successful, the system will:
• Reduce heat stress and improve safety for youth athletes.
• Enable communities to host games during warmer months without excessive risk.
• Demonstrate a scalable, clean-energy solution for public parks.
• Provide a real-world engineering application involving renewable energy, thermal management, and human-factors design.
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6. References (selected)
• CDC — Heat and Athletes (heat-related illness guidance for athletes). CDC
• Yeargin SW et al., Epidemiology of Exertional Heat Illnesses in Youth (PubMed). PubMed
• EPA / Southwest climate indicators — observed warming & trends. EPA
• Southwest climate projections and regional assessment summary (SWCCAR/Arizona climate pages). swccar.arizona.edu
• Performance analysis and studies of solar-powered evaporative cooling systems (solar cooling feasibility). ResearchGate
• Practical dugout misting system guides and commercial options (for implementation ideas). baseballtips.com

The objective of the Racing the Sun - Autonomously project is to develop reliable autonomous (automated) driving capabilities for the ‘Racing the Sun’ solar vehicles. Racing the Sun (https://sarsef.org/programs/competitions/racing-the-sun/) is a STEM event where regional high school teams convert gasoline-powered go karts into solar-powered race cars and then compete in an annual race event at Musselman Honda race track. Students assemble and test the vehicles before the big race day. At the race, student teams compete in different divisions to see who can run the longest and furthest. The goal of the Engineering Senior Design project is to develop an autonomous driving Racing the Sun go cart that can be used to inspire the high school participants to pursue engineering degrees. At the end of the project the Engineering Senior Design team will demonstrate the reliable self-driving capability by having their vehicle complete one or more laps at the Musselman Honda racetrack including demonstrating obstacle avoidance.

In the 2025 interdisciplinary capstone offering, a team re-engineered most of the systems on the vehicle including the electric motor drive, steering, braking, acceleration, a ROS (robot operating systrem) based software system, and prototyped an autonomous driving capability. This year, the project will evaluate the status of these systems and make any improvements required to establish a reliable vehicle platform and add capabilities for advanced driving behaviors such as obstacle avoidance, parking, making a u-turn, etc. The vehicle currently has cameras and a lidar sensor, but other sensors may be required including GPS. GPS is not accurate enough for vehicle control, so other sensors are needed to sense the roadway and plan the driving path. For this project, there will not be any other vehicles on the track when the vehicle is operating in autonomous mode, but obstacles may be placed in the road to demonstrate the advanced driving behaviors.

Securaplane (a Parker Meggitt business) designs and manufactures aircraft mainship and emergency batteries for leading aerospace OEMs, including Gulfstream, Bombardier, Boeing, Airbus, and Embraer. As part of developing our next generation lithium ion modular mainship battery (LMBx)—a modular, scalable system built using 15 Ah modules—our team identified a critical manufacturing risk: incorrect cell orientation leading to unsafe welding conditions.
Each LMBx module contains 48 cylindrical Li ion cells whose orientation is imperative for safety and performance. This project challenges a multidisciplinary student team to design and prototype a production grade fixture that guarantees correct installation, electrical health verification, and full traceability for every cell.
Requirements
• System shall fixture a 48-cell module.
• System shall connect to and disconnect from each of the 5 lower busbars of a 48-cell module.
• System shall scan (optically or otherwise) each battery to ensure proper pre-determined orientation.
• System shall scan and log barcode and/or serial number of each cell.
• System shall electrically test each cell to ensure voltage is between X.XX - Y.YY VDC.
• System shall use the electrical test as a redundant verification of cell orientation.
• System shall contain a user interface to alert the assembler of any errors, including, incorrect cell orientation and cell voltage out of range.

#Overview
This project is to develop a comprehensive SysML model of turbine engines aligned with ARP4754B development processes (create a reference model like the ARP4754B Wheel Brake System Example in Appendix E). The model will integrate product line engineering principles for a generic turbine which could include options of afterburner, nacelle, and accessories. The model would have a deep structural/logical architectural and top-level functional decomposition. The model would incorporate executable behavioral modeling (simulation) to support requirements validation and airworthiness compliance. Given the time frame, the executable model would focus on at least one functional and logical subsystem. The model would be developed using Cameo Enterprise Modeler or Magic Systems of Systems Architect (MSOSA) and sysML 1.6 or 1.7. This project represents a real-world Systems Engineering design challenge reinforcing Systems Engineering process, principles, and difficult selection of system architectural options.

#Key Aspects of Model:
• Product Line Engineering Implementation
oEngine Family Architecture: Develop variant models for commercial, military, and industrial turbine configurations sharing common architectural elements
o Feature Model Integration: Implement configurable parameters for thrust ratings, bypass ratios, and certification basis variations
o Commonality Exploitation: Maximize reuse of safety assessments, requirements, and verification artifacts across engine variants
• Basic Model and Process Aspects
o System Development Process: Implement the aircraft and systems development processes defined in ARP4754B, adapted for turbine engine applications
o Interface Definition: Establish system interfaces, environmental conditions, and operational scenarios using the same modeling patterns
o Requirements Allocation: Demonstrate top-down requirements flow from aircraft-level functions to engine subsystem requirements following ARP4754B methodology
o Model Organization: Structure SysML packages and diagrams according to Honeywell MBSE standards
o Review Artifacts: Prepare model review packages suitable for engineering design reviews
o Behavioral model utilizes all available diagram types (State Machine, Activity, Sequency)
o Basic safety/hazard identification with links to functions and requirements

To refine the SAADS Phase I design and make further improvements to include design upgrades and the implementation of autonomous navigation. Phase I scope was to develop a small, autonomous amphibious payload delivery craft capable of traversing water and land for a round trip in a lake type environment.

This project which centers around the development of an eco-friendly dog collar product line, featuring three distinct collar and leash versions:

1. A simple luxury faux leather base collar & leash made from sustainable materials, featuring a secure, accessible, and a pet-safe closure system.
2. A luxury faux leather base collar & leash made from sustainable materials, featuring a secure, accessible, and pet-safe closure system, with visible stitching. The set will include the structural components necessary to attach accessories, such as modular charms, buttons system for personalization and optional functionality (e.g., identification, health alerts, safety).
3. A cloth & faux leather luxury base collar & leash made from sustainable materials such as hemp, featuring a secure, accessible, and pet-safe closure system, with visible stitching. The set will include the structural components necessary to attach accessories, such as modular charms, buttons system for personalization and optional functionality (e.g., identification, health alerts, safety).

The collars and leashes will use plant-based or biodegradable materials such as hemp, tweed or Desserto (cactus leather). Closure systems may include magnetic mechanisms or alternatives (such as toggles, clips, or twist locks) but must be original designs that do not infringe on existing patents.

This project invites a multi-disciplinary student team to research, conceptualize, design, prototype, and test these components while balancing usability, durability, scalability, and sustainability.
The creating of the functional charm and button pieces are an important component of the product line, however, it is understood that the individual designs are nonfunctional, and creative aspects may be excluded from the scope of the project unless alternative solutions or additional resources are identified.

Scope:
a. Requirement Discovery & Design Criteria: Collaborate with SolPet to gather user needs, design constraints, and functional goals. Identify key criteria for comfort, safety, and accessibility.
b. Product and Patent Landscape Review: Research existing collar closures, charms, and button systems. Identify prior art, patents, and areas to avoid; pinpoint opportunities for innovation and IP protection.
c. Closure Mechanism Development: Explore and prototype secure closure mechanisms, including magnetic and non-magnetic options. Final design must be safe, user-friendly, and distinct from patented solutions.
d. Modular Charms & Buttons System: Design an interchangeable charm and button interface compatible with the enhanced collar. Consider secure yet user-friendly attachment styles (e.g., snap-in, slide-on, or twist-lock systems). Create a few working prototypes of the charm/button system.
e. Material Research: Evaluate eco-conscious materials for collar bodies and hardware, testing for durability, wear resistance, and environmental impact.
f. Prototyping & Iteration: Create CAD models and working prototypes of both the base and modular collars. Conduct safety, strength, and usability testing. Iterate based on performance and sponsor feedback.
g. Manufacturing & Cost Feasibility: Estimate production costs, suggest sourcing/manufacturing strategies, and identify ethical, scalable options aligned with SolPet's values.

We would be interested in utilizing opportunities to work with university creative programs for the charm & button designs and business partners for patents & trademarks, but understand it’s not within the scope of the project per se.

Law enforcement must be prepared to rapidly and directly respond to active shooter events, which includes breaching any barriers that stand in the way. In schools and hospitals, many doors are metal, reinforced, high-security doors, which renders traditional breaching tools like the Halligan and battering ram ineffective and inefficient. When every second counts, these legacy tools require multiple officers and valuable minutes to gain entry. The next generation of dynamic entry tool needs to be usable by only one operator to breach a metal security-door in under 2 minutes and lightweight enough to be usable by smaller-framed operators.

Scope:
(1) Work directly with end-users (Team Leaders of UAPD, ALERRT, FBI, and SWAT) to understand the strengths and limitations of the traditional breaching tools used by first responders for dynamic entry.
(2) Evaluate specialized tools in use by SWAT at critical incidents and research, develop, and innovate a new solution to dynamic entry tools and techniques.
(3) Develop features that reduce the number of operators required to breach a door to one, the amount of time spent in the "fatal funnel" to under 2 minutes, and a design with increased accessibility/usability for smaller-sized operators.
(4) Test system for function and survivability in various environments and use cases.
(5) Work closely with and present regular updates and testing results to the Team Sponsor.
(6) Apply for a patent on behalf of the University of Arizona.