Formal Progress Update - Marking Period 3

Background Information

Dunes are very fragile environments even without human interaction from the effects of erosion due to weather.  However, when humans walk on dunes or do anything to disturb a dune, the effects of dune erosion and loss increase exponentially.  Studies have shown that there is a link between the amount of human interaction on a dune and the amount of indigenous species of dune grass as well as the size of the dune.  This poses a problem to scientists wishing to research dune environments.  Not only do they have to gain very specific data and analyze it carefully, but they must also worry about their impact on an environment.

The basis for my project is formed around this issue.  My partner, Robert Rubiano, and I wish to design and construct a research vessel that would be able to gather data and collect samples from an environment that would otherwise be harmed by regular human interaction.  More specifically, our research vessel, which will most likely resemble that of a dune buggy, will be used to conduct research on dunes.  

Image of a dune environment - Taken from: http://oregonstate.edu/dept/ncs/photos/dune2.jpg

Group Design Brief

Design and construct a research vessel to be used by scientists that would be able to gather data and collect samples from a dune environment that would otherwise be harmed by regular human interaction and will be used during the day.

Image showing North Beach on Sandy Hook, NJ where testing will be carried out -
Taken from Google Maps

Individual Design Brief

Design and construct a system to control the movements and operations of the vehicle as well as a way to position the camera to take ground photographs and still serve as a method of viewing for the user.




Specifications

Electrical Component

·        Must connect all parts within one or two systems

·        Must connect all parts so that they are water and sand resistant

·        Must connect all parts so that they do not interfere with motions of other components

·        Must be able to operate vehicle when not on dunes

·        Must easily connect and disconnect to power source

Propulsion

·        Must operate from standard ROV battery

·        Must be able to move vehicle effectively on dunes (be able to cover multitude of terrains)

·        Vehicle must not be able to move in a way that will not cause significant damage to dunes

·        Controls must be intuitive and easy to learn

Body

·        Must securely hold all components of vehicle

·        Must not be a major weight factor

·        Must provide water and sand resistance to vehicle

·        Must have space for other attachments

·        Must be constructed to allow the vehicle to move easily over terrain

·        Must allow easy access to parts for repair or replacement while still keeping water and sand resistance

Limitations

• Can only use materials provided by school
• Limited amount of materials are available for ordering specifically based upon budget
• Power source must be strong enough to last long enough to conduct thorough research
• Size must not restrict movements or ease of movements of vehicle
• Vehicle must not use more than two people to operate
• Cannot exceed 30 pounds in weight
• Cannot exceed 1 cubic meter in size
• Must not be threatening in appearance
• Must be built by the end of third marking period by only two people
• Information is limited to what is researched in and out of school as well as opinions from instructors as neither myself or my partner are experts in this field

  
Testing Procedures and Results

Image showing the final product - Taken by PA

 

The final product is shown above.  Compared to our original design, the final design varies slightly.  The major change that occurred was the removal of the wheels and addition of the treads.  Other than that, everything is more or less the same as we had anticipated in the beginning of the year.  With that, we anticipate our research vessel to carry out the same functions as was previously stated:

• travel across dunes
• collect biological and sediment samples
• provide video feeds to operator for photo and video logs

Image showing the servo that turns the camera arm - Taken by PA

Image showing the winch that raises/lowers scoop - Taken by PA

From our preliminary testing and field testing, the research vessel could perform all of those functions. 

However, these functions could not be carried out in all situations.  The one drawback to our design is that it could not climb up the steep dunes at North Beach, where we tested.

In our analysis of the field testing, we have decided that our motors are not simply strong enough.  It is possible to artificially increase the strength of the motors with a different gearing ratio however, there is a certain point where the motors are just not strong enough.  

Image showing the strongest Vex motor with 60% more strength than our current motors

 - Taken from Vex Website