AA Plan of Procedures

Plan of Procedures (SeaPerch ROV Frame and Propulsion System)

 

Introduction

     The SeaPerch ROV frame and propulsion systems are not very complex to build and construct. The frame itself entirely consists of plastic PVC piping, holes will later be drilled into the piping to create an open system to allow water to fill the ROV frame. The frame itself consists of one inch diameter PVC while the ballast systems is constructed of two inch diameter PVC piping. The ballast PVC piping will be a closed system which is filled with air to provide positive buoyancy for the entire ROV. The PVC pipe running down the middle of the ROV is the mounting point for the mechanical arm while lights and/or cameras can e mounted along the frame.

     The propulsion systems are very simple to construct. An individual propulsion unit on the ROV is just a DC toy boat motor encased in wax and placed inside a film canister. The prop sticks out of the top of the film canister lid and the propeller is then placed onto the prop.

 

 

 

Materials List
Number	Material	Quantity	Size	Notes
S1	PVC primer	1	16 oz	Priming PVC before glue application
S2	PVC glue	1	16 oz	For gluing PVC together
S3	Sealing wax	1	3”	For waterproofing motors
S4	Aluminum hose clamp	4	15”	Securing ballast PVC pipes

    

Tools List
Number	Tool Name	Use
T1	Pencil	Mark measurements onto materials
T2	Ruler	Measuring lengths of PVC
T3	Saw	Cutting PVC
T4	Clamp	Securing PVC while cutting
T5	2mm drill bit	Drilling holes into PVC
T6	Drill	Drilling holes into PVC
T7	Bic grill lighter	For melting wax

    
Some parts or materials also require the use of tools and supplies to build or assemble them. The PVC piping for example needs to be measured and cut. The ballast pipes also need to be strapped to the rest of the ROV frame using the aluminum ties (S4). The wax (S3) also needs to be melted to waterproof the DC RC motors (P11).

Parts List
Item Number	Part	Quantity	Size	Notes
P1	PVC end cap	4	2” diameter	Placed on end of pipe
P2	2” PVC pipe (ballast)	2	14.5”	For ballast
P3	1” PVC pipe (Horizontal Support)	8	3”	For frame structure
P4	PVC fitting	6	1” diameter	To hold frame together
P5	PVC elbow	8	1” diameter	To hold frame together
P6	1” PVC pipe (mounting point)	1	17” (TBD)	To mount mechanical arm
P7	1” PVC pipe (side support)	4	2”	To hold frame together
P8	1” PVC pipe (side mounts)	4	8”	To hold frame together
P9	Propeller	4	2mm shaft	Propeller for drive shaft
P10	Film canister cap	4	35 mm canister	Cover for film canister
P11	DC RC motor	4	3V motor	Provide propulsion to ROV
P12	Film canister body	4	35 mm canister	Body for propulsion system

     The ROV frame and propulsion systems is constructed of materials listed above in the parts list. These parts are constructed of various materials that range from PVC piping, PVC end caps (P1), PVC fittings(P4) and elbows(P5), and various film canister parts and motors.

 

 Step 1: Cutting PVC Piping
1. Measure 15.25 inches along the 2" diameter PVC pipe and using the ruler (T2)
2. Mark 15.25 inches with the pencil (T1)
3. Repeat steps 1-2 to mark the two ballast pieces (P2)
4. Securely place the clamp (T4)onto the table
5. Place the ballast pipe (P2) into the clamp
6. Begin cutting the PVC pipe using the saw (T3) along the pencil marks
7. Set aside the ballast pieces (P2)
8. Measure 3 inches along the 1" PVC pipe using the ruler (T2)
9. Mark 3 inches along the pipe using the pencil (T1)
10. Repeat steps 8-9 eight more times to create eight drawn segments for the horizontal support (P3)
11. Measure 20 inches using a ruler (T2) past the last drawn hash mark, mark another straight dark line on the PVC pipe using a pencil (T1) to create the mounting point (P6)
12. Measure two inches using a ruler (T2) from the last drawn hash mark and mark another straight dark line on the PVC pipe using a pencil (T1) to draw a side support (P7)
13. Repeat step 12 four more times to create four drawn segments of (P7)
14. Measure 8 inches using a ruler (T2) from the last drawn hash mark and draw another straight dark line on the PVC pipe using a pencil (T1) to draw a side mount part (P8)
15. Repeat step 14 four more times to create four drawn side mount sections (P8)
16.  Place the PVC pipe into the clamp (T4) and begin cutting the PVC pipe using a saw (T3) along the lines closest to the clamp (T4)
17. After each segment is cut away, place the PVC further into the clamp to cut

Step 2: Assembling the PVC frame
1. Apply PVC primer (S1) onto the ends of the cut segments of the 2" PVC ballast (P2)
2. Apply the PVC glue (S2) onto the ends of the PVC ballast (P2)
3. Place the 2" diameter PVC end caps (P1)onto the ends of the PVC ballast (P2)
4. Set the ballast pipes (P2) aside and allow them to dry
5. Apply PVC primer (S1) onto the ends of the two horizontal support pipes (P3)
6. Apply PVC glue (S2) to the ends of the pipe (P3) and place the ends into the horizontal section of the PVC fitting (P4)
7. Place one end of the PVC elbow (P5) to an end of the horizontal support (P5)
8. Repeat steps 5-7 for the other end of the frame
9. Apply PVC primer (S1) onto the ends of the mounting point (P6)
10. Apply PVC glue (S2) to the ends of the mounting point pipe (P6)
11. Place the mounting point pipe (P6) into the remaining opening of the PVC fitting (P4)
12. Apply PVC primer (S1) then PVC glue (S2) to the ends of the side support pipes (P7)
13. Repeat step 12 for the three remaining side support pipes (P7)
14. Insert one end of each side support pipe (P7) into a PVC elbow (P5)
15.Apply PVC primer (S1) and then PVC glue (S2) to the ends of the side mount pipe (P8)
16. Place an end of the side mount pipe (P8) into one of the horizontal opening of a PVC fitting (P4)
17. Place the other end of the side mount pipe (P8) into another one of the horizontal openings of a PVC fitting (P4)
18. Repeat steps15-17 for the other side of the frame
19. Apply first PVC primer (S1) and then PVC glue (S2) to a side mount pipe (P8) 
20. Take a PVC elbow (P5) and place one onto the end of the side mount pipe (P8)
21. Take another PVC elbow (P5) and place onto the other end of the side mount pipe (P8)
22. Repeat steps 19-21 for the side of the frame
23. Apply first PVC primer (S1) and then PVC glue (S2) to the ends of the horizontal support (P3)
24. Place one end of the horizontal support pipe (P3) into a PVC elbow
25. Repeat steps 24 for the remaining horizontal support pipes (P3)
26. Connect the support structure for the ballast and the segment with two PVC fittings (P4)
27. Repeat step 27 for the other side
28. Connect this support structure to the rest of the ROV frame by placing it at a forty five degree angle away from the ROV frame
29. After letting the frame dry, use the drill (T5) to drill holes into PVC frame
30. Drill three sets of holes into the mounting point (P6) in the middle and first and last third of the pipe
31. Drill these holes along the top, bottom and sides
32. Drill similar holes along the frame and the top side mount (P8) pipes to allow air to escape when submerged





Step 3: Propulsion System

1. Drill a small 2 millimeter diameter hole through the film canister cap (P10) using the drill (T5)

2. Drill a small hole at the bottom of the film canister (P12) using the drill (T5)

3. Place the DC RC motor (P11) into the film canister

4. Pull the wires through the bottom of the hole at the bottom of the film canister (P12)

5. Make sure the drive shaft is able to fit through the hole in the film canister cap (P10)

6. Begin melting the wax (S3) into the film canister using the grill lighter (T6)

7. Stop filling the canister once the wax reaches the lip of the film canister (P12)

8. Put a dab of Vaseline over the drive shaft and through the cap (P10)

9. Place the propeller (P9) onto the drive shaft to secure the film canister cap (P10)

10. Repeat steps 1-9 to make three more propulsion systems

 

 

Step 4: Assembling the Frame and Propulsion Systems

1. Place two aluminum hose clamps (S4) onto the frame and secure the ballast pipes directly on top of the side support structures

2. Once placed properly, begin tightening the aluminum ties (S4)

3. Repeat steps 1-2 for the other ballast

4. Take one motor and one aluminum hose clamp (S4) and place it behind the support structure for the ballast one the frame

5. Tighten the aluminum hose clamp (S4)

6. Repeat steps 4-5 for the other motor and place it parallel on the other side of the frame

7. Place the other motor directly next to the side mount pipe (P8) centered toward the outside of the frame

8. Tighten the aluminum tie around the motor once placed

9. Repeat steps 7-8 for the other motor

AA MP2 Calendar

Marking Period 2 Calendar

 

Schedule Calendar: November 27

 

Plan of Procedures: December 2

 

Press Release: December 16

 

Construction: December 18

 

Formal Outline: January 15

 

Formal Progress Update: January 16

 

Presentation Reflection: January 20

 

Construction Final: January 20

 

Mentor Contacts: January 23

 

 

 



Developmental Work

Design Concept 3

Design solution 3 scored the highest amount the other designs in the design matrix and rationale. Design solution 3 combined the best features of stability, ease of manufacturing and producability, and maneuvering underwater. However, a few edits were made to the design after group meetings and initial testing. After experimenting with foam pool noodles as ballast, the foam did not perform as expected at deeper depths. The foam did not stay evenly neutrally buoyant throughout entire segments of the noodle. The water pressure in certain areas of the noodle squeezed out the air bubbles from the noodle. Instead of pool noodles for positive ballast, PVC pipes as closed systems replaced the foam. Additionally, a PVC section down the center of the ROV frame was introduced to allow a central mounting platform for the mechanical arm.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image 1: ROV frame top view

Image 2: ROV frame side view

Image 3: ROV frame South-West view

Image 4: ROV frame South-East View

Image 5: ROV frame East view

Informal Presentation Reflection

Informal Presentation Reflection

            The informal presentation primarily focused on the background information of the SeaPerch ROV project, the team design brief, my individual design brief and the alternative solutions for the challenge and task at hand. The presentation began with an introduction of and a little background information about ROV’s and the SeaPerch Deepwater Challenge. After the introduction, both the team design brief and individual design was given. Alternative solutions were presented last, four different solutions were shown.

            The presentation was very strong in areas such as formal dress wear, a loud speaking voice, pertinent visuals and an ample amount of clear differing alternate solutions. A suit and tie that fit well were worn for the presentation to display that the presentation had a formal and professional feel. The presentation was also easily audible for the audience during the entire duration of the presentation. Throughout the video, the presentation could be easily heard and understood. The entire presentation also used pertinent and relevant visuals in every single category possible. The background information was filled with multiple images of ROV’s in action, the people who consistently use ROV’s the places ROV’s are used and images of the SeaPerch ROV challenge. Additionally, at least three images were shown for each alternate solution. The alternate solutions also displayed clear evidence that each solution was unique and offered different approaches to solve the same group of problems. Shape, size and materials differed from each solution.

            The strongest point of the presentation was the amount of visuals for the alternate solution. Each alternate solution during the presentation had at least three different views for the overall solution. These views included a front, side and overhead view of the alternate solution. Some solutions also had isometric views to represent the three dimensional shape of the ROV frame. Using multiple views during the presentation allowed the audience to understand how each solution differed in shape, materials and equipment.

            Although the alternative solution section of the presentation contained many relative visuals and images, other areas of the presentation lacked necessary visuals to help the audience properly understand the purpose of the project. The introduction had many visuals to actual ROV’s and how they were relevant in the real world; but, more images were needed to portray the actual SeaPerch ROV project. To help the audience of the presentation to further understand the mission and goal of the exact SeaPerch ROV deepwater challenge further images and visuals of amateur ROV simulations and live simulation photos of ROV SeaPerch simulations were needed.

            Although the presentation was strong in areas of number of images and a loud speaking voice, other areas of the presentation were either missing or lacking. The conclusion was the weakest part of the presentation because it was almost completely missing from the presentation.  The presentation did conclude with a closing but the presentation lacked an overall summation of the areas covered. Frankly, the presentation only included a closing. A quick summary of the presentation was completely absent.

            For the next presentation, improvement of the conclusion is needed. The informal presentation also paid too much attention to the background information so the next presentation needs to spend less time describing the background information. The next presentation also needs to be much cleaner and smooth in terms of speaking. The informal presentation contained too many frequent “ums” and “uhs”. Lastly, to speed up looking for images, multiple tabs with the images already opened from the blog can be up to minimize the time used looking for images and photos of ROV’s or the SeaPerch simulation.

            From watching my own presentation I realized that presentation delivery and style were not nearly as fine tuned as expected. Numerous different awkward pauses and “ums/uhs”  were present that weakened the overall appeal of the presentation. The presentation also was much too fast, the background information took too long to present which dragged out the presentation and caused the speed to increase. Lastly, I did not clearly answer some of the audiences’ questions properly and thoroughly. For example, Joe’s question about buoyancy calculations was not properly answered and caused more confusion about the testing of pool noodles.

            All in all, I realized through watching the video that the presentation needs improvement on areas such as speed, a proper clean speaking style, a well formed summary and conclusion, and having less emphasis on background information. Watching the video and other presentations allowed me to visualize and properly prepare for the next presentation. One essential piece of knowledge gained from the video was the ability to see my own presentation style. With this knowledge I can improve the delivery of information and ideas to the audience.

 

Rate the following using 4 as the highest score. Place a check or X in the brackets that best reflects your	4	3	2	1	0
I definitely dressed to impress with business clothing and shoes.	[x]	[ ]	[ ]	[ ]	[ ]
I started my introduction with an image related to my project. The image was appropriate and beneficial for audience.	[ ]	[x]	[ ]	[ ]	[ ]
I provide my name, yearly status, school, course and project title in a clear commanding voice.	[x]	[ ]	[ ]	[ ]	[ ]
I used a visual to clarify the problem situation. Visuals were interesting. Visuals were clear and easy to see from a distance.	[ ]	[x]	[ ]	[ ]	[ ]
I clearly describe what will be designed and modeled or prototyped by the team as a whole, what it should do, the operator if applicable, in/under what conditions, when the solution would be used and what constraints are being imposed. I included an image of the testing site of the final team product.	[ ]	[ ]	[x]	[ ]	[ ]
I used a visual to clarify the problem situation. Visuals were interesting. Visuals were clear and easy to see from a distance.	[ ]	[x]	[ ]	[ ]	[ ]
I clearly describe what I will design and model or prototype as my portion of the project, what it should do, the operator if applicable, in/under what conditions, when the solution would be used and what constraints are being imposed. I included an image of the testing site of the final team product.	[ ]	[ ]	[x]	[ ]	[ ]
I used visuals to clarify the problem situation. Visuals were interesting. Visuals were clear and easy to see from a distance.	[ ]	[ ]	[x]	[ ]	[ ]
I identified a number of workable solutions with the use of visuals.  I discussed all options without discussing the selected solutions.	[x]	[ ]	[ ]	[ ]	[ ]
I summarized my presentation describing me product expectations my solution. (Specifications) I recapped the alternate solutions using a visual for clarity.	[ ]	[ ]	[ ]	[ ]	[x]
I indicated that I was done speaking. I indicated that I was willing to answer questions.	[ ]	[ ]	[x]	[ ]	[ ]
I kept a clear and easy-to-understand speaking voice throughout	[ ]	[x]	[ ]	[ ]	[ ]
I kept a good speaking voice volume throughout.	[ ]	[ ]	[x]	[ ]	[ ]
I was well-prepared and understood my topic.	[ ]	[ ]	[x]	[ ]	[ ]
I planned what I was going to say and my plan was helpful	[ ]	[ ]	[x]	[ ]	[ ]
I followed my notes, but did not have to read my speech word-for-word.	[ ]	[x]	[ ]	[ ]	[ ]
I answered questions that the audience asked completely and thoroughly.	[ ]	[ ]	[x]	[ ]	[ ]