Introducing myself
Hello! My name is Guillaume, and I'm a 16 years old student from the south of France. I study Science of Enineering (which include Mechanical and Electrical Engineering). I'm an ambitious and passionate student, who believe great ideas can change the face of the world, and who hope to make something big, someday. I get some revenues from applications I build for people, and from my apps advertising incomes. I'm also an Apple WWDC 2013 Student Scholarship recipient (learn more about it here). You can also check out my portfolio!
The Project: Genesis
Almost a year ago, I came up with an idea. While I was flying my Parrot A.R.Drone, I wondered: Why isn't there such a vehicle for the human ? So I made researches on the actual advancement of the idea. I didn't find any system implementing that solution, so I assumed it couldn't be achieved, maybe because of the insufficient thrust capacity of such a small system. However, after a few other searches, I found a formulae, proving that it actually could be achieved. After a functional analysis of the pros and cons of the system, I came to the conclusion that it was totally possible. Plus, the development of the concept would be easier since it has a lot in common with the motorcycle and other transports.
Its development
This is the actual point when I started to get into it. After drawing a few concept art to have an idea of the final product's appearance, the first aspect of it that I focused on was the Electrical Treatment Unit, which groups all the sensors and the controlling unit. This part being cheap enough, and with chances that it wouldn't work, I did it independently, at my own costs. It worked just as I expected, every component properly works as part of the system.
I have also conceptualized the vehicle, using softwares such as Autodesk Inventor, Sketchbook, Proteus ISIS and other modeling and simulation tools.
![]()
![]()
Photograph of the ETU (sensors for user input, external conditions, GPS tracking, brakes servomotors, gyroscopic breakout, ultrasonic distance sensor etc.)
What's needed and what you will get
Now, as I'm getting closer to the building of the full size prototype, I realize that as a student, I'll need way more funds in order to get everything done properly. I have made a chart to show the expenses and their cost. *
![]()
UPDATE:
-
Mechanical Engineering & Machining (gears, helixes, differentials, etc.) = 2000$
-
Electro-mechanical parts (electric motor, brake systems, etc) = 1500$
-
Electrical parts (sensors, microcontrollers, energy solutions, etc) = 1500$
-
Materials and tools (metal sheets, hard soldering set, etc) = 1000$
-
Legal expenses (patent, etc) = 3000$
-
Shipping fees and unexpected expenses = 1000$
*These outgoings have been conjectured by simulation on different resellers website.
Yes, but what do I get ?
Well, first and foremost, you're offering me a great chance to make my dream come true. Apart from that, I intend to apply to the Google Science Fair 2014, which is an incredible opportunity I recently heard about, not only for me: it will not only drive more attention to the idea, but it could also get me rid of the (financial) struggles of getting to college!
Take a look at the perks ! From personal thank you e-mails to digital dowloads, through discounts on the vehicle if it get manufactured, you'll probably find the one that fits you.
Future evolution
If the project works, what will happen next ?
The ultimate goal of the project is for the vehicle to reach the average customer, and become a common mean of transport. Thus, the hovercraft will be adapted, in order to be suitable for industrial manufacturing. It will be designed to be as affordable, environment and user friendly as possible.
Many other ways to help!
Financial contribution isn't the only way to help the project growing ! You can also:
- Spread the word, ask people to tell their friends, and so on! ;)
- Give a feedback on what I could make better, whether it be about my project, or the way I introduce it by leaving a comment.
