SeaPerchDesign Challenge and

Construction Overview

Introduction• The SeaPerch is a simple ROV

(remotely operated vehicle) made from PVC pipe, motors, and floats.

• You will utilize the design process to create an ROV that meets this year’s specific challenge(s).

• You will work in teams to construct and test a working ROV.

The Design Challenge• You will work in pairs for this challenge.• The ROV is expected to:– Be remotely controlled– Be connected to a tether– Submerge in water–Move left and right– Rise to the surface

• Each student is responsible for creating his or her own design sketches.

Each student is expected to:1. Create 4 different sketches of your ideas for a

structural system (the PVC pipe).

2. Evaluate your ideas with your partner.

3. Select a final design idea (standard or modified structure).

4. Draw your final idea for the structure.

5. Give reasons for your final choice (in writing).

The Design Challenge

• 5’ – 8’ of ½” PVC pipe• PVC connectors• 3 motors with props,

holders, and containers• 2 floats• Tether wire• Netting with tie wraps• Screws• 1 – 12 volt battery

• 1 circuit board• 1 control box• CAT5 wire• Wire• Solder• Electrical Tape• Rubber Tape• Tools

Design ConstraintsEach group will have the following materials:

• The frame is made of ½” PVC pipe• The frame must hold the motors, floats, and

weights (as needed)• The motors are positioned on the frame• The motors are expected to submerge the ROV,

move it left and right, and raise it to the surface• The ROV is powered by a 12-volt battery and

tethered to the control box, which allows the student to maneuver the ROV.

Design Constraints (2)

Tools

• Safety glasses• Saw• Screwdriver• Drill• Drill bits• Vise/clamp• Pliers

• Ruler• Scissors• Hot plate• Soldering iron

In order to build your SeaPerch ROV, you will use a variety of tools:

Construction Overview

• There are four different steps to the construction of your ROV:–Structural System–Mechanical System–Electrical System– Integration/Quality

Control/Testing

Structural System• Design the frame to be

made out of ½” PVC pipe.• The frame must hold

motors, floats, netting, and weights as needed.• Students may use a

standard structure (see picture at left) or develop a modified structure of their own.

• Identify the position and direction for the three motors.

• The motors must submerge and raise the ROV, and move it left and right.

• The motors must be sealed tightly from the water, using wax.

Mechanical System