Mechatronics Learning Studio
Module 2
Remote Controlled Boat
Tarek Shawki Yakib, Fahad Aljenaei, and
Danish Qureshi, Department of Mechanical Engineering, University
of Ottawa
This is an airboat which is
operated using a remote control. The remote control uses two
potentiometers as the direction controllers to turn the boat
right and left. In addition to direction control, the
potentiometers adjust the speed in order to travel in the
desirable pace. In order to do so, there are two motors mounted
to the back of the boat which uses propellers to operate in the
for-mentioned manner.
Components and Specifications:
There are different
components that were used to build up the boat. Bellow is a list
of these components and their specifications.
POOL NOODLE
This is the base of the
boat. It is made of closed cell foam material. It light in
weight, durable and water resistant which allows it to float. It
is 12" long and nearly 3" thick, with 1/2" center hole.
METAL BARS
These bars are used as
trusses in order to join the two bases together and restrict any
moments within the structure. Each is 5" long, 1/2" wide and
1/16" thick. These are stainless steel bars, connected together
using bolts and nuts, and screwed into the base.
METAL BRACKETS
These brackets are used to
hold the motor mount in place provided that the location is
precise to avoid flipping the boat backwards. Each is 1/2" long,
1/2" wide, and 1/16" thick with a 90 degree angle between the
legs.
MOTOR MOUNT
The motor mount is a wooden
piece which is 11" long, 2" wide, and 1/2" thick. It is screwed
onto the metal brackets and the motors are press fitted into two
holes equally distant from the centre to avoid any moments.
MOTORS
There are two motors
attached in order to create a moment which allows the boat to
turn in different directions. Each motor specifications and
dimensions are:
Voltage:
Operating range: 2.4 – 6 V; Nominal: 6 V
No load:
Speed: 13679 rpm; Current: 0.28
A
At maximum efficiency:
Speed: 11404 rpm; Current: 1.434 rpm;
Torque: 45.3 g cm; Output: 5.312 W; Efficiency: 61.74 %; Stall
torque: 227 g cm
Dimensions:
A: 0.39"; B: 0.45"; C: 1.20"; D: Ø0.94"; E:
1.77"; F: Ø0.08"; G: Ø0.25"; H: 0.55"; I: Ø0.09"; J: Ø0.94"
PROPELLERS
There are two 7-blade
propellers which cause the motion of the boat. Each of these
propellers is attached to each motor. These propellers have an
inner radius of 1 ¼" and an outer radius of 3" (including the
blades).
Remote Control and Components
The remote control unit
consists of two individual circuits that require four AA
batteries separately. Each circuit requires 6 V in order to
operate each of the motors mentioned above.
CIRCUIT COMPONENTS
ACTUAL CIRCUIT
Power supply
Control Unit
The control unit is simple
in order for the operator to control the motion of the boat with
ease. It consists of a two way switch labelled (ON-OFF), and two
rotary potentiometers. The cap on the potentiometer is labelled
from 0 to 10; 0 being the minimum speed, and 10 being the
maximum speed.
OPERATIONAL INSTRUCTIONS
Insert four AA batteries
into each of the battery holders
Switch on the power from the
control unit
Turn the potentiometers to
the desired speed
Hint: To turn the boat to a
desired direction, lower the speed of the motor which
corresponds to that direction from the control unit. If you want
to turn the boat right for example, lower the speed of the right
motor.
Simulation Results
Below are images taken from
the oscilloscope showing the difference in pulse going to the
motors by varying the resistance using the potentiometers. When
the resistance is set to 0, the pulses are faster and closer to
one another. On the other hand, when the resistance is at its
maximum, the pulses slower are further apart.
Testing
The boat was placed into a
swimming pool and operated by each member of the group. We had
to ensure that the weight of the components mounted on top of it
was evenly distributed in order for the boat to float properly.
The power supply was turned on and the boat was checked to
ensure it was able to turn left and right as well as vary its
speed (videos of the testing are available through the link).
Prototype
Conclusion
In conclusion the
objective of this project was met. The group was able to
successfully design and build a fully function remote controlled
boat which is able to turn and vary its speed. The group was
also able to learn about what is involved in the engineering
design process as well establish the connection between the
theory learned and implement that into an actual real world
application to reach the final goal, which was building a remote
controlled boat.
Video
Slides
