HoveBub in the making

HoveBub

 We furthered our idea of the air bubble that can hover and fly in the air as a mode of transportation for the blind, Physically challenged, children and elderly. We designed it in such a way that it can contract, squeeze and expand through buildings and trees. It will have an advanced GPS system and it can be put on autopilot mode for the blind and handicapped people. These bubbles get launched into the air by an technologically advanced gigantic catapult.

  We took our idea to the next level by then sketching it out . We then did some research on various things like the newly invented hover boards, the giant inflatable ball, aerodynamics and other things that related to our project. We then made a rough model of the hovebub with chart paper and a balloon as in the picture below.

  We then decided to scale it up and make a prototype of the hovebub. We explored and thought of various materials to use for this prototype.

Materials used & cost:

Rexine- one and a half meters=Rs.300 (@ Rs. 200 per meter)

Araldite- Rs. 170 for 180ml

Bamboo strips- Scrap

Other stationary – Rs. 250

Total cost = Rs. 720

For the chair inside the bubble we decided to use rexine as we wanted to fill it with air to make it light. We made markings on the rexine where the folds of the chair were supposed to come and then we sealed the rexine with araldite. This was left overnight under heavy weights to dry.  We then inserted a nozzles  into each compartment of the chair to fill the air.

For the framework we explored the pros and cons of wire, paper mâché, rope and bamboo. We decided used split bamboo strips, tape and string to make a spherical framework of the bubble.

                                    

 Each bamboo strip (16ft approximately) was bent into circular rings and taped. Four such rings were made. Then we used string and tape to intertwine the rings and make a spherical structure.

We will insert and fix the inflated chair into the bamboo structure and then make an outer covering of the bubble with transparent paper and leave space to attach a door. The GPS system and joystick will be inserted within the bubble and the engine will be fixed to the bottom of the structure.

The finishing of the prototype is still in progress and will be updated as soon as it is finished.

Reflections:

Teamwork is an integral part of any project. Co-operation and co-ordination is an absolute necessary part for a project to be pulled off. Even though sometimes your idea may be the best you may have to sacrifice it. From this project I learned that small insane ideas help make a massive product that can bring change to the world. It was interesting to learn how much we could stretch our minds and explore new possibilities that we never thought we could achieve. This experience has taught me many valuable things. Mainly think insane to create something amazing!