TimROV - An Open Source Scout Class Remote Operated Vehicle

thingiverse

This appears to be a lesson plan for an advanced technology class that focuses on designing and building an underwater remotely operated vehicle (ROV) using 3D printing, electrical systems, and mechanical components. **Project Title:** Designing and Building an Underwater ROV **Duration:** This is a long-term project suitable for an entire semester or trimester. It may be expanded upon by subsequent classes, with additional sensors being added as needed, followed by a science mission-themed semester. **Preparation:** * At least one person familiar with a larger bed 3D printer (such as a Taz or similar) to make this project successful * A suitable printer is necessary * Expected material costs between $1k-$3k for plastic, pressure housings, thrusters, electronics, and syntactic foam float beads **Project Outline:** 1. **Bouyancy Calculations and Structural Diagrams**: Perform rough buoyancy calculations and structural diagrams to determine where the ROV will be at. Determine if you'll be running batteries or using shore power, choose between lithium polymer or NiCad, consider weight requirements for moving around, plan for plastic floatation and additional weights needed based on depth. 2. **3D Printer Operation, Bed Adhesion, and Surface Finishing**: Module on proper 3D printer operation, bed adhesion, and surface finishing is required here. 3. **Frame Assembly**: Print all the parts, assemble the basic bare frame 4. **Electrical Components**: Layout electrical components, wiring harness, propulsion, lighting and power subsystems; ensure that it is safely wired with proper grounding and watertight through passthroughs or potted cables 5. **Electronic Subsystems Assembly and Testing**: Once the documentation is complete, mock up fabrication of electronics testing before installing in the ROV 6. **Testing**: Thrust rating test of motors; wet testing of bare frame; camera, lighting test 7. **Final Assembly and Testing**: Multiple tests dives to a deep pool after testing in shallow waters and satisfying all parts. 8. **Scientific Expedition Planning:** Target location identification, experminent design to conduct on site **Assessment Rubric:** At completion of this project, students will have made a functional ROV, potentially designed custom attributes for it, printed quality 3d parts into multiple working machine(s), and collected scientific data using these machine. * Multiple competitions held with students performing science task underwater if building more ROV's.