All parts were assembled for the first time. Several issues were encountered and overcame
Bearings were all press fit. Some surfaces were sanded down to be a sliding fit.
3D Printed parts were sanded to smooth surfaces
There a few outstanding issues to resolve
A design for supporting the right side of the levelwind is required
The rotating seals did not fit as intended and potentially need a redesign
2024-03-18 Assembly Updates and Waterproof Testing
Updates as of 2024-03-18
Mechanical Updates:
Previous issues described above have been addressed:
3D Printed components were designed and implemented to successfully support a bearing on the right-hand side of the Level Wind.
Shaft and housing components that hosted rotary seals were machined to correct the fit of the rotary seals, along with adding 3D-printed components to properly secure the seals.
The full system has been tested to mechanically work out of water - all mechanical systems work smoothly in motion when powered by the motors
Electrical & Software Updates:
Electrical integration has been completed
Minimum viable product has been completed for software, all that remains is fine tuning of the controls
Waterproof Testing
With the system working out of water, the next step was to ensure it would still function while submerged. Before subjecting the entire system with all of the electronics to submersion underwater, the entire portion of the system that is required to be waterproof was tested with the electronics removed.
The assembled gearbox (with electronics removed) was assembled with paper towels inserted into the inside, and was then submerged in water for several minutes. After removal, the exterior was dried and the gearbox was then disassembled. The paper towels were found to be completely dry, and no signs of moisture were found on the interior of the gearbox. Thus, the system was proven to be waterproof at minimal levels of water pressure. See video of the test below:
The whole assembly was installed on rov
Pay in and out were tested out of water
Whole system was placed in water and run
System was run for 30+ mins in the water without failure
Small leaking was seen in the 3D prints