Alternate Solutions

Controlling the ROV consists of propulsion placement and control station layout. The MATES ROV Competition does not limit the amount of motors that are used onboard the ROV, the only limitations are the amount of power the Team is allotted (12v 25amps) and the controlling team member’s ability to hold and manipulate the controller. Maximizing speed and power is the goal.

A control box with physical switches is a feasible way to control the ROV. The switches are either double throw double pole or single throw single pole depending on the function of the switch (ie. Hydrophone only needs single throw single pole, motors need double throw double pull to move forward and backwards). 

A joystick controller is a way to control the ROV. Manipulating the original joystick wiring allows the ROV to operate making controlling the ROV dependent on the placement of the motors. Pulling the trigger propels the ROV forward while pushing the joystick forward tilts the motor or flaps down making the ROV dive (left, right, and surface accordingly).

My first design is to propel the ROV with three motors. Two motors are located in the rear at the same level, point in the same direction, and separated by eight inches. Two motors in the rear allow the ROV to move in the x and y planes (left, right, forward, backwards). The third motor is located centrally to the ROV and placed vertically allowing moving in the z plane (up and down in the water column).

The second design is four electric motors located in the rear of the ROV. Each motor works independently so that powering different combinations of motors directs the ROV. Powering all four motors propels the ROV forward. Powering the two top motors points the ROV downward. Powering the two bottom motors directs the ROV upwards. Powering the two motors on the right turns the ROV left and powering the two motors on the left turns the ROV right.

The third design is using motors that only propel in one direction located on different faces of the ROV. Six motors would be used. The control configuration for this layout consists of three double throw double pole with opposite facing motors wired on the same switch (up and down, left and right, forward and back).

The fourth design for the ROV is having flaps that redirect the flow of water. There is a motor in the rear for propulsion, and a motor that controls the flaps located around the center of the ROV. The ROV can dive, surface, turn left and right, but it cannot do those movements unless it is moving forward or backwards.(note. only two of the total four flaps can be seen in the isometric view below).