
Mechanical Overview
Frame


Main Hull
For this iteration, the main hull retains key features from the previous version, with minor changes such as length reduction of the hull and size reduction of the cooling fins.
The main hull is made of a standard size acrylic tube featuring end caps that are fabricated by CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machining of aluminum. Sealing is achieved by using 6 Southco draw latches to compress an O-ring between the end caps. The draw latches allow for rapid disassembly of the hull.
A hydraulic fitting on the hull allows it to be pressurized and monitored for water leakage in the form of a drop in internal pressure. Extensive pressure testing of the hull has been done at Seatronics pressure testing facility to ensure that the hull’s depth ratings are to standards.
Working with the electrical team, all the internal components are carefully fitted using SolidWorks and SolidWorks Electrical. This optimises space in the main hull while ensuring there are not mechnical interferences.
DVL, Navigation, Acoustics (DNA)
Further weight reduction was achieved by ingeniously integrating 3 hulls: Doppler Velocity Logger Hull, Navigation Hull and Acoustics Hull into 1 new compact DNA hull.


Manipulators
When deployed via a pneumatics-powered linear actuator, the grabber will be pressed down against the balls, causing them to slip behind the cable ties and be trapped within the case. They can then be ejected by retracting the grabber.
Computational Hydrodynamics
This method will come into play when designing new generations of AUVs.
