modular ROV concept

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A.R.E.S._R.O.V.
Posts: 20
Joined: Nov 23rd, 2015, 4:27 pm

modular ROV concept

Post by A.R.E.S._R.O.V. »

Hey all, this is my concept for a completely modular system. I am building it in the form of an ROV for testing.

Basically you have a cube shaped support, which different plates and other cubes can bolt onto. The different plates can be glass, metal, robot arms, cable tunnels ect. your imagination is the limit.

here is a link to the google doc I will be continually updating with pictures.

https://docs.google.com/document/d/13tN ... sp=sharing
A.R.E.S._R.O.V.
Posts: 20
Joined: Nov 23rd, 2015, 4:27 pm

Re: modular ROV concept

Post by A.R.E.S._R.O.V. »

sorry for the stupid link, I know you just want to look at pictures anyways :wink:

As soon as I can I'll reformat the pictures so I can post them directly into the thread.
A.R.E.S._R.O.V.
Posts: 20
Joined: Nov 23rd, 2015, 4:27 pm

Re: modular ROV concept

Post by A.R.E.S._R.O.V. »

Hey guys, this will likely be kinda scattered because I've got a lot of little details to talk about.

So i got the pictures here, it shows the basic layout of the cubes, as well as two potential configurations one being small and highly maneuverable for observation, the other being fast and slender for surveying.
All of the plates have eight threaded M2 screw holes that are common across all plates and cubes to maintain compatibility.

The pink plate with the hole and the blue plate with the tube make up a thruster assembly, basically a propeller shroud which contains the motor and prop.

the green plate is just a standard bulkhead, the tan one has a thread
ed hole cut into it for a bulkhead fitting to run in a cable, and the clear one is Acrylic for cameras or light to see through.

And the base grey frame is milled UHMWPE (I am currently working on funding for it so until then i'm focusing on software/electronics)

The size of the base frame is 100 mm^3, and the plates are all 4 mm thick.

PLEASE criticize, ask questions, comment. This is a prototype for a larger project and still very young so input is greatly appreciated! :D
Attachments
rov p5.png
rov p5.png (146.71 KiB) Viewed 7298 times
rov p4.png
rov p4.png (165.72 KiB) Viewed 7298 times
rov p3.png
rov p3.png (162.15 KiB) Viewed 7298 times
rov p2.png
rov p2.png (183.22 KiB) Viewed 7298 times
rov p1.png
rov p1.png (159.14 KiB) Viewed 7298 times
fryslan76
Posts: 290
Joined: Dec 18th, 2012, 4:52 pm
Location: Netherlands

Re: modular ROV concept

Post by fryslan76 »

I like the idea of easy reshaping a rov to test different configurations, my only worry with this is keeping the water out.
A.R.E.S._R.O.V.
Posts: 20
Joined: Nov 23rd, 2015, 4:27 pm

Re: modular ROV concept

Post by A.R.E.S._R.O.V. »

fryslan76 wrote:I like the idea of easy reshaping a rov to test different configurations, my only worry with this is keeping the water out.
That is my main concern as well, only testing and time will tell.

I should be getting my motors, escs, and other various electron parts in the next month or so so I'll be able to go into detail about the other parts of my design with pictures.

I'll be using two arduinos, one top side turning keyboard controls into signal down a cat5e, and one in the sub translating that into esc control, lights on/off, ect.

Any recomendations for seal types or materials, right now I am playing with an o-ring around the faces of the cube, or a flange seal/gasket?
fryslan76
Posts: 290
Joined: Dec 18th, 2012, 4:52 pm
Location: Netherlands

Re: modular ROV concept

Post by fryslan76 »

Depends on how you want to join the boxes but a seal/ gasket is probably needed.
A.R.E.S._R.O.V.
Posts: 20
Joined: Nov 23rd, 2015, 4:27 pm

Re: modular ROV concept

Post by A.R.E.S._R.O.V. »

As of now they will be joined by 8, m2 screws. Which is a better seal; a gasket or an o-ring?
goopypanther
Posts: 2
Joined: Nov 19th, 2015, 12:37 am

Re: modular ROV concept

Post by goopypanther »

A complicated question to answer, it really depends on the pressure and geometry.
A gasket will likely be more simple to design, O-ring grooves can get tricky to manufacture right.
Gaskets will also have more contact area than a thin O-ring would which will probably produce a better seal under high pressure if you've clamped it in right.

One alternative to having many complicated and failure prone watertight joints between cubes is making each unit self-contained. Each cube could have its own battery and communicate wirelessly (even underwater, the other device is only on the other side of a plastic bulkhead). The batteries could even be trickle charged through inductive power transfer.
Jaman42
Posts: 94
Joined: Nov 3rd, 2014, 4:19 am

Re: modular ROV concept

Post by Jaman42 »

Another note, if you can manage to make the grooves right, o-rings will be much cheaper.
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KR2_Diving
Posts: 391
Joined: Aug 30th, 2012, 11:43 am
Location: Currently: NW Suburbs of Chicago. Originally: NE Wisconsin

Re: modular ROV concept

Post by KR2_Diving »

Just a random thought on durability...
Will M2 screws/thread be durable enough to withstand repeated tightening and removing of the bolts? With the square concept every bolt really is important to ensure an even compression and effective seal... one worn screw could compromise a segment... just my 2 cents...
New if you will excuse me... I think there is another piece of pumpkin pie with my name on it!
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