Mechanical Design

Below are descriptions, pictures and models of the key mechanical parts of the COACH and TOWRP. For a zip of all of the SolidWorks files, click here.

COACH Design

The COACH is a utilitarian design in the shape of an oversize remote control with joysticks. An antenna extends from the top to extend range (just kidding). Inputs include: analog speed, analog direction, assertion of command, team ID select, jettison crew, free digital, free analog, and suppress mutiny (shake side to side for accelerometer). Outputs include two 7 segment displays to indicate morale status, a 7 segment display for TEAM ID, a speaker to announce a mutiny event, and an LED to indicate an available boat.

TOWRP Design

The TOWRP is a fan boat. Two foam runners provide flotation, and the fan is mounted so that thrust is directed over the stern of the boat. The fan is enclosed in wire mesh for safety. Steering is accomplished by the use of servo adjusted vanes to direct the airflow sideways. Tupperware is used to protect the electronics from water, and a cooling fan is built into the side of a tupperware container to cool the motor driver, which runs at close to 20A.

TOWRP Buoyancy Calculation

Boat Weight: 10 lbs. Thus it displaces 10lbs/62.4 lbs/cubic foot = 0.160 cubic feet of water.
The two foam hulls are 16" x 5" x 3" = .140 cubic feet x 2 = .280 cubic feet of foam.
Density of foam is: 1.30 pounds per cubic foot, which is substantially less dense than water, and there is enough foam to fill the volume of water displaced, so, as proven in the picture above, the TOWRP floats!