AUV Servo Integration
Budget: $250 – $750 USD
Project Overview
We are developing a small autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) with a 127 mm outer diameter hull and 115 mm internal diameter tailcone.
We are seeking a mechanical or robotics engineer to design a compact, robust, and easy-to-assemble control surface actuation system for the vehicle’s fins.
The vehicle is designed to operate at depths up to 100 meters, and this depth requirement is a primary design constraint. The tailcone is fully flooded and components must tolerate hydrostatic pressure and long-term marine exposure.
The final system should be mechanically straightforward enough that, in theory, a technically capable high-school student could assemble and service it.
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Design Objective
Design an internal mechanism that:
Actuates four external control fins
Achieves ±15° deflection
Fits within a 115 mm internal diameter cylindrical tailcone
Operates reliably at 100 m depth (~10 bar hydrostatic pressure)
Functions in a fully flooded marine environment
Minimizes mechanical complexity and precision sensitivity
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Key Constraints
Outer hull diameter: 127 mm
Inner tailcone diameter: 115 mm
Cylindrical internal geometry
Fully flooded tailcone
Operational depth: 100 meters
Saltwater-compatible materials required
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Deliverables
1. Recommended actuation architecture with rationale
2. Clear layout concept showing fit within 115 mm ID
3. Structural support and mounting strategy
4. Rough CAD layout or concept model (Fusion / STEP preferred; concept sketch acceptable)
We are seeking a practical, build-ready design — not a theoretical concept.
We are developing a small autonomous underwater vehicle (AUV) with a 127 mm outer diameter hull and 115 mm internal diameter tailcone.
We are seeking a mechanical or robotics engineer to design a compact, robust, and easy-to-assemble control surface actuation system for the vehicle’s fins.
The vehicle is designed to operate at depths up to 100 meters, and this depth requirement is a primary design constraint. The tailcone is fully flooded and components must tolerate hydrostatic pressure and long-term marine exposure.
The final system should be mechanically straightforward enough that, in theory, a technically capable high-school student could assemble and service it.
---
Design Objective
Design an internal mechanism that:
Actuates four external control fins
Achieves ±15° deflection
Fits within a 115 mm internal diameter cylindrical tailcone
Operates reliably at 100 m depth (~10 bar hydrostatic pressure)
Functions in a fully flooded marine environment
Minimizes mechanical complexity and precision sensitivity
---
Key Constraints
Outer hull diameter: 127 mm
Inner tailcone diameter: 115 mm
Cylindrical internal geometry
Fully flooded tailcone
Operational depth: 100 meters
Saltwater-compatible materials required
---
Deliverables
1. Recommended actuation architecture with rationale
2. Clear layout concept showing fit within 115 mm ID
3. Structural support and mounting strategy
4. Rough CAD layout or concept model (Fusion / STEP preferred; concept sketch acceptable)
We are seeking a practical, build-ready design — not a theoretical concept.