Testing Procedure

Testing Procedures

The final solution for both the mechanical claw and the ROV will function efficiently and be able to perform all tasks provided by the MATE ROV competition. The final solution will be able to collect samples of a crustacean species, collect samples of a bacteria mat, sample a vent site, and resurrect a PVC structure on the bottom of the testing pool. The hull will be able to fit all other components of ROV including the mechanical claw, propulsion, and camera. The hull will be constructed so it has the ability to maneuver efficiently allowing for all components to complete the tasks in the competition. The electrical system will power the ROV to maneuver effectively in the x, y, and z planes of the testing pool. The mechanical claw will be utilized in almost all tasks of the competition, specifically collecting samples of a crustacean species, bacteria mat, and resurrecting “Hugo”. The testing of the final solution will be administered by one team member who will control all functions of the ROV.

There are four types of tests to investigate the effectiveness of the final ROV solution. The first is an exploratory test, which is implemented prior to design solutions of the ROV. During this testing stage, the team designing the vehicle will understand the concepts related to the MATE competition, such as rules and regulations and tasks they must complete. The exploratory stage will iron out all kinks so the design solutions for the vehicle are within the confines of the competition and most importantly, will work if constructed properly.
Test that:
1. The idlers gears on the mechanical claw works properly
2. The power source for the mechanical claw is geared down to a usable speed
3. The mechanical claw is waterproof
4. The two claws come together when operated

The second type of testing is the assessment stage. The assessment tests will answer questions concerning the usability of the concepts applied to the design solutions. These tests will ensure the design solutions can complete the tasks provided by the competition. For example, assessment tests for the mechanical claw will ensure the designs will be able to collect samples of a crustacean species and bacteria mat, sample a vent site, and resurrect a structure.
Test that:
1. The mechanical claw opens to a size sufficient enough to grasp samples of a crustcean species and bacteria mat.
2. The claw design can resurrect a PVC structure

Validation testing will follow next in the testing stages, but will occur after the product has been created. This will be the first time all components of the final solution is all together. The purpose of this stage is to ensure the final ROV does not have any issues with the functioning parts. Also, it will test that the ROV meets all specifications for each part and that it achieves all goals previously set prior to the construction.
Test that:
1. The electric motor on the mechanical claw powers the idler gears properly
2. The mechanical claw graps the sample of a crustacean species
3. The claw succesfully samples a bacteria mat/vent site

Comparison testing will be performed at many stages during the testing process. It will be used to compare various ideas on how to build a specific part of the ROV, the type of material used to construct, and the method or power source utilized to make a part function. For example, a design matrix is implemented in the alternative solutions to decide what solution compared the most favorably to the specifications.

The mechanical arm testing process will focus around the effectiveness of the claw design and the power source to manipulate the arm. The preliminary stages for testing the claw design will be performed when the ROV is stationary and the other functions on the hull are not being powered. The preliminary stage will test that the claw is secure to the hull and does not hinder the movement of the hull or any other parts on the ROV.

The secondary stages will test the usability of the mechanical claw. It will ensure that the entire claw is sealed and the section containing the power source is waterproof. The secondary stages will be performed by placing the mechanical claw in a container of water. The tertiary stages will test the effectiveness of the claw. The mechanical claw should open and close efficiently. This stage will be tested by placing the mechanical claw on the hull and then hooking up all electrical systems to the claw. The ROV will be placed in the water and the mechanical claw will pick up samples and resurrect a structure.

1. Does the mechanical claw prohibit the other functions on the ROV?
2. Is the mechanical claw secure to the hull?
3. Is the section around the servo/electric motor waterproof?
4. Is the gear ratio low enough to operate the claw effectively?
5. Does the mechanical arm close and re-open?
6. Does it open to a size of at least 3 inches?
7. Does it pick up a sample?
8. Does it resurrect a PVC structure?
9. Does it collect and move objects to the targeted area?



ROV in testing pool