Rationale

The ROV construction must have the capabilities of a standard ROV that allow the overall system to pick-up, move, and place stationed rings on an underwater tower. In this case, the mechanical arm of the ROV must provide the proper capabilities to pick-up and move the plastic rings without dropping the rings or inaccurately placing the rings. To achieve this goal, the design of the ROV’s mechanical arm must be maneuverable, functional, and efficient.  Achievement of this includes the proper construction and attachment of the parts of the mechanical arm to each joint and the ROV itself.

The first alternate solution consists of a very compact design. This design has many advantages due to its ease of move and close joints. This design is made of PVC and metal joints. The material make-up of this design does not give this solution a good rating due to the fact that it affects the buoyancy of the ROV. The largest problem with the first alternate solution lies in the length of the mechanical arm design. The length of the mechanical arm in this design does not give a long reach to the plastic rings placed on the underwater tower causing the efficiency and effectiveness to decrease in rating.

The second alternate solution designed consists of a PVC make-up, a three pronged claw, and two main joints. However, using the second alternate solution reduces the capabilities of the ROV. Using this solution allows the ROV to have more range, better efficiency, and more effective and accurate attachments to the plastic rings. This alternate solution causes uneven buoyancy throughout the ROV due to the PVC make-up.

The third alternate solution gives more responsibility to the ROV driver. This design does not have a joint that allows the arm to move in the left and right motion. This reduces the functionality and efficiency of the ROV. The third alternate solution lacks in length which causes similar problems to the first alternate solution. This alternate solution is made up of a metal make-up. This causes an extremely uneven weight distribution throughout the ROV by placing more than half of the weight on the hull.

The fourth alternate solution takes a different approach on the third alternate solution. Material make-up remains consistent between the third and fourth alternate solutions. The extended length of the fourth alternate solutions in conjunction with the metal make-up of the mechanical arm causes an even larger uneven weight distribution which reduces the capabilities of the ROV. However, the length of the fourth alternate solution extends the reach of the ROV. The lack of a joint giving the mechanical arm a left and right motion decreases the ability of the mechanical arm to pick-up and place the plastic rings efficiently.

The fifth alternate solution consists of a PVC make-up with metal joints and a metal two-pronged claw. The PVC in this design incorporates holes in the design to allow water to flow through the mechanical arm. This allows the mechanical arm to keep more of a buoyant state due to the fact the PVC with holes allows water to enter and releases air. The fifth mechanical arm design includes only one joint that moves the mechanical arm in a left and right motion. The two-pronged claw at a ninety degree angle allows for the ROV to move up to the plastic ring tower and place the claw around one part of the ring without knocking the ring off of the ring stand. This design also has a two foot length which allows the mechanical arm to reach out at a distance and allows the mechanical arm to be functional and efficient.

 



The chart above rates five viable solutions for mechanical arm alternate solutions. The scale used for each category is on a scale from 1-5 where five is the highest and one is the lowest. Each solution was scored off of specification generated in the design process. Solution five fits the design the best due to the design’s rating in all specifications.

Testing Procedures

Introduction:

            The final solution of the SeaPerch ROV must be integrated with the combined components of the mechanical arm, cameras, electrical steering, and connection to the hull. The mechanical arm must be as easy to move as possible to increase the efficiency of the ROV while completing the task at hand. The mechanical arm must also account for buoyancy by keeping a reduced weight as to not throw off the total buoyancy of the ROV. Materials must be water proof and must be of an anti-rust material or have coating that decreases rusting. One major section of the task involves the mechanical arm on the ROV. Team member Glenn Beveridge will control the mechanical arm during testing and also keep track of any results. The majority of testing will take place underwater in tanks and pools to simulate the situation and slight depth pressure.

            Throughout the design process, each step is assessed by a number of people. The designer must create solutions that fit within the design specifications and to me the parameters of the task at hand. The designer assesses each solution personally to determine whether the solution fits within the parameters set in place. For expert support, the designer will contact any mentor with the solutions and receive mentor suggestions.

 

To Test Drawing:

Testing Type: Exploratory

Testing Stage: Preliminary

State of Solution: Stationary

Condition of Testing Stage: Conceptual on paper

Tools and Equipment Required: Pencil, paper, eraser, ruler, and research

1.     Look over research and brainstorming

2.     Draw precise alternate solutions

3.     Post onto blog for teacher assessment

4.     Asses functionality and usability of each alternate solution

To Test Solution One:

Testing Type: Exploratory

Testing Stage: Preliminary

State of Solution: Stationary

Condition of Testing Stage: Dry

Tools and Equipment: Drawing

1.     Examine specifications and limitations

2.     Examine design

3.     Ensure design fits within specifications and limitations

 To Test Solution Two:

Testing Type: Exploratory

Testing Stage: Preliminary

State of Solution: Stationary

Condition of Testing Stage: Dry

Tools and Equipment: Drawing

1.     Examine specifications and limitations

2.     Examine design

3.     Ensure design fits within specifications and limitations

 

 

 

 

 

 

To Test Solution Three:

Testing Type: Exploratory

Testing Stage: Preliminary

State of Solution: Stationary

Condition of Testing Stage: Dry

Tools and Equipment: Drawing

1.     Examine specifications and limitations

2.     Examine design

3.     Ensure design fits within specifications and limitations

 

 

 

 

 

 

To Test Solution Four:

Testing Type: Exploratory

Testing Stage: Preliminary

State of Solution: Stationary

Condition of Testing Stage: Dry

Tools and Equipment: Drawing

1.     Examine specifications and limitations

2.     Examine design

3.     Ensure design fits within specifications and limitations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To Test Solution Five:

Testing Type: Exploratory

Testing Stage: Preliminary

State of Solution: Stationary

Condition of Testing Stage: Dry

Tools and Equipment: Drawing

1.     Examine specifications and limitations

2.     Examine design

3.     Ensure design fits within specifications and limitations

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To Test Chosen Solution Five (Above Surface):

Testing Type: Validation

Testing Stage: Secondary

State of Solution: Stationary

Condition of Testing Stage: Dry

Tools and Equipment: Mechanical Arm

1.     Connect controller to device

2.     Move joint one, up motion

3.     Move joint one, down motion

4.     Move joint two, open claw

5.     Move joint two, close claw

 

To Test Chosen Solution Five (Below Surface):

Testing Type: Validation

Testing Stage: Secondary

State of Solution: Mobile

Condition of Testing Stage: Preconstruction

Tools and Equipment: Mechanical arm attached to ROV

1.     Move joint one, up motion

2.     Move joint one, down motion

3.     Move joint two, open claw

4.     Move joint two, close claw

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To Test Water Resistance of Mechanical Arm:

Testing Type: Validation

Testing Stage: Secondary

State of Solution: Stationary

Condition of Testing Stage: Preconstruction

Tools and Equipment: Mechanical arm

1.     Use mechanical arm to test functionality

2.     Submerge mechanical arm in water

3.     Remove mechanical arm from water

4.     Use mechanical arm to test functionality

Presentation Reflection

My presentation was focused on discussing and describing my project that I am working on with Andrew Ahn and Kiarra Butts. I had to set out to describe the SeaPerch ROV design brief of our team and also of myself. I also had to include all of the information behind my five alternate solutions while also including pictures that expressed and showed what each alternate solution looks like. It was a main focus of mine to make sure I was changing pictures enough to show exactly what I was talking about throughout the presentation.

            Throughout my presentation, I feel that many things went well. The main things that I believe I did a good job in doing was making I covered all the information that needed to be given in the presentation, keeping a projective and confident voice throughout the presentation, I fully understood and was well prepared for the presentation, and I did a relatively good job answering the questions people had for me at the end of the presentation. The reason I can be confident that I did all of this well is because when I went back and looked at the video of my presentation, I noticed that it was very easy to understand what I was saying and I always remained facing the audience. I also sounded confident in what I was saying which made me realize further that I knew what I was talking about. Also when I was reviewing my presentation, I looked at what needed to be covered in the presentation and compared it to what I said. This allowed me to see that I did in fact cover everything that needed to be covered.

            While throughout my presentation I felt that many things went well, one thing that I feel I did the strongest was discussing and explaining my alternate solutions. I noticed in my presentation that I spent most of the time talking about and describing in detail, all of my alternate solutions. In my presentation I also explained the pros and cons of all the alternate solutions I had and why I changed things from one alternate solution to another. This made me feel like I had a good flow and a good way of keeping the audience understanding why the alternate solutions had the appearance to them that they did.

            Overall my presentation was relatively good, but like everything else, improvements can always be made. While watching the video of my presentation, I noticed a few things I could have improved on relating to the content and the images in my presentation. While describing the location that we would be testing this ROV, I should have included pictures of the Neptune aquatic center, as shown below. This would have given the audience a better depiction of what I was talking about and would make it easy for them to relate to what I was describing. Another part of my presentation I could improve on was the amount of detail I put into how exactly the mission would be executed. I did not describe fully who was going to be operating what and how they would be operating it. Adding this will give the audience a better idea of how exactly the task will happen and give them a better visual of the scene that would be played out.

            The weakest part of my presentation, I believe, was my pauses and sometimes stuttered or confused speech. Throughout my presentation I would know what I was trying to say but the words would just not come out. This caused me to say things like “umm” and “uhh” or just pause in general. This really took away the smooth flow of the presentation and could have also caused some of the audience members in my class to be confused to what I was saying. I also had this problem while answering a question that was asked at the end of my presentation. I knew what I was trying to say but the words would not come to me and caused a brief moment during the presentation that made it look like I had no idea what I was talking about.

            After reviewing my presentation and analyzing and reflecting upon it, I see a few things that I know I could do differently in the presentation and to prepare for the presentation. One major aspect that will improve my future presentation would be putting a little more time in to look at my outline and really prepare what I want to say. During this presentation I only looked over my outline once or twice and came up on the spot what I wanted to say during my presentation. In preparing more for the next presentation, this will also help prevent pauses with “umms” and “uhhs” or even thinking about what I am trying to say. I will also look over my blog before the next presentation to make sure I know exactly where I want to scroll to look for the next picture. This will help cut off time where the presentation is not running and where I am not talking. All of this will help me improve upon my future presentation.

            This was the first time that I have ever watched myself present anything. One major thing I noticed that I never knew I did before is that I use and move my arms a lot while I talk. I use them a lot to explain the point that I am trying to get across and my arms also almost seem to work as emphasizing tools when I try to really explain what I’m trying to say in full detail. I also learned that I like to move around a lot while presenting instead of standing in one place and keeping direct eye contact on a few people. The video shows that I stay in the general area but continue to walk back and forth and left and right. I found these things very interesting because I never noticed that I did any of these things before.

            In conclusion, I have gained a lot of knowledge about my presenting skills by watching the video of my presentation. I can use things I learned such as ways to prevent saying “umm” or “uhh” to help my presentation flow more smoothly. This will also help my presentation be easier to understand for the audience that is listening. Another very important thing that this presentation helped me with is presenting in a stressful environment and also just in front of people. This is something that I have always been nervous in doing my whole life, but the more I present, the more it seems like the nervous feeling fades away. One essential thing that I benefited from by reflecting on my presentation was the ability to see how I present and what causes my presentation to not be as good as it could be. This gives me the ability to work on and fix this for the next time that I will be presenting.

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]	[ ]	[ ]	[ ]	[ ]