Phantom 4 SAR Hub

This is my entry for the "Search and Rescue 3D Printing' Design Contest".

This design provides a number of important features.

• Wide base for stability even in rough waters.
• Large floats each capable of supporting the entire weight of the vehicle by itself.
• Minimal added weight, enhanced by using carbon tubes where it makes the most sense.
• Minimal aero drag, especially under the propellors. Keeps flight times and speeds at acceptable levels.
• Minimally obstructed camera view, including straight down, important for accurately delivering payload.
• Simple hook for universal payload options, just hang payload on 5-10m tether. Simplifies payload mounting and is a much safer delivery method for both the human and drone. A simple pull-cord hanging below the payload can release the payload without requiring the copter to land or be close enough to put the human in danger.
• Remote drop options like this could also be used. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WgJ7tXI9eTE

This design consists of 2 seprate parts designs and requires 1 "Hub", and 4 "Floats".

Floats listed here:
https://www.shapeways.com/product/REYM6YZSX/phantom-4-sar-float

It requires minimal assembly.

Four 10mm OD x 500mm long carbon tubes must be press fit or glued into it.

https://www.amazon.com/ARRIS%C2%AE-Outer-Wrapped-Carbon-Surface/dp/B015Z1RU6U/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1466371781&sr=8-4&keywords=10mm+carbon+tube

A suitable hook must be threaded into the bottom.

https://www.amazon.com/Hillman-Group-320072-Zinc-Plated-100-Pack/dp/B00GI1C3WS/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1466377195&sr=8-11&keywords=3%2F16+screw+eye

Then the floats are glued onto the ends of the tubes, a Phantom 4 is placed in the skid trays, and then zip-tied in place. The entire assembly process is less than 5 minutes.

There are many different quick-release hooks and caribineers that can be use for payload attachment.

These parts are almost certainly very over-built and I'm confident the weight and strength could be optimized. Please feel free to provide feedback!