Project Logs

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• Log 11 - 13/05/2025

  theo.ducarne • 2 days ago • 0 comments

  Functional prototype with gear drive

  - Session summary:
  Improvement session following the functional prototype. We strengthened the assembly by adding protections for the electronics and integrating a more advanced gear-based propulsion mechanism.

  - What we did:
  We designed and 3D printed custom boxes to properly secure the various Arduino boards inside the boat, improving both the protection and organization of the components.
  We also replaced the propulsion system with a gear-driven mechanism: two cogwheels now transmit the movement of the motor to the propellers. This system offers better control and greater mechanical complexity.

  - Results / Progress:
  The boat is still running smoothly after these modifications. Components are better secured and protected, and the gear system works as intended, making movement smoother and more realistic. The project now features a more robust and realistic propulsion system.

  - What remains to be done:
  Finalize the documentation of these improvements, including schematics and design files for the boxes and gears. Gather feedback on mechanical integration and performance.

  - What we're going to do next (future project):
  For a future version, the aim will be to use a fully waterproof 3D-printed hull (like the V2 version) to ensure long-lasting operation and better water resistance.

• Log 10 - 12/05/2025

  theo.ducarne • 3 days ago • 0 comments

  Finalizing the project - functional prototype

  - Session summary:

  End of the project with a functional prototype based on a cardboard shell, all components operational.

  - What we did:

  We finished assembling the boat with the cardboard hull. All components - propulsion and steering motors, control board, battery - have been successfully installed and tested. The system responds to commands, and tests in simple conditions confirm overall good operation.

  - Results / Progress :

  The prototype is fully functional. Steering reacts well and propulsion is efficient, even with a hull made of provisional material. This model has validated the whole concept.

  - What we need to do:

  No immediate tasks for this prototype, but we need to document the project and keep the feedback.

  - What we'll do next (future project):

  For an improved version, the aim will be to design a boat with a truly watertight hull, like the one we've modeled and 3D printed (version V2). This will make the watertightness more reliable, ensure greater stability, and enable the boat to be used for longer in real-life aquatic environments.

• Log 9 - 06/05/2025

  theo.ducarne • 05/06/2025 at 09:39 • 0 comments

  Final assembly and V2 design

  - Session summary:
  Complete installation of mechanical and electronic elements in the hull.

  - What we did:
  Installed the various components inside the hull.
  Connected propulsion and steering motors.
  Created the V2 design of the boat via 3D printing to improve strength and precision.

  - Results / Progress:
  The system is now almost complete. The V2 design allows better integration and robustness, but the components are too large for the moment.

  - What we need to do:
  Check the watertightness, test the system in real-life conditions.

  - What we'll do next:
  Carry out the first navigation tests in the tank and adjust if necessary.

• Log 8 - 29/04/2025

  theo.ducarne • 04/29/2025 at 10:33 • 0 comments

  Motor testing and pre-assembly

  - Session summary:
  Checking that the motors work properly before assembly.

  - What we did:
  Functional testing of all motors (propulsion and steering), recording of control codes.
  Preparation for the next step: attach and connect all components to the structure and control board.

  - Results / Progress :
  The motors are operational, the control codes are ready.

  - What we need to do:
  Mount the components on the hull and secure the wiring.

  - What we'll do next:
  Finalize the physical installation of the motors and boxes in the boat.

• Log 7 - 22/04/2025

  theo.ducarne • 04/22/2025 at 10:08 • 0 comments

  3D printing and material list

  
  - Session summary:
  Continued building the boat and acquiring materials.

  - What we did:
  Initiated 3D printing of the hull.
  Established a complete list of components required, with references (battery, motor, shaft, nuts, threaded inserts, gaskets, adhesive tape, heat-shrink tubing...).

  - Results / Progress :
  Material validated and printing in progress. We have everything we need to assemble the boat.

  - What we need to do:
  Assemble components as printing is completed.

  - What we'll do next:
  Run the motors and prepare the electrical connections.

• Log 6 - 08/04/2025

  theo.ducarne • 04/08/2025 at 10:01 • 0 comments

  Component integration plan

  - Session summary:
  Designing the integration of electronic and mechanical components into the hull.

  - What we did:
  Created a box for the battery (via 3D printing), planned attachment with glue.
  Suggested mounting of the Arduino board with wires or printed case.
  Designed a housing for the steering motor and propulsion motor.
  Determination of the location of each component inside the hull.

  - Results / Progress :
  Clear integration plan, spaces clearly identified. Wiring optimization planned.

  - What we need to do:
  Print the necessary brackets and validate assembly.

  - What we'll do next time:
  Finalize box assembly and prepare cabling.

• Log 5 - 01/04/2025

  theo.ducarne • 04/01/2025 at 10:45 • 0 comments

  Direction study and start of 3D printing

  - Session summary:
  Working on the boat's steering and improving the modeling.

  - What we did:
  Brainstormed on propeller shape and steering system. Needed a fast servomotor to transform rotary motion into linear displacement.
  Modified the 3D model of the boat (moved some parts, strengthened the rudder).
  Start of 3D printing of the hull.
  https://eduscol.education.fr/sti/sites/eduscol.education.fr.sti/files/ressources/pedagogiques/17682/17682-hydrodynamique-comment-faire-avancer-un-bateau-ensps.pdf

  
  - Results / Progress :
  Significant progress on the directional plan and start of physical tests via printing.

  - What we need to do:
  Test the printed rudder and validate the design.

  - What we'll do next:
  Continue component assembly and validate the interior layout.

  
  

• Log 4 - 18/03/2025

  theo.ducarne • 03/18/2025 at 10:24 • 0 comments

  Propulsion study and V2 modeling

  - Session summary:
  Work on the boat's propulsion and the materials to be used.

  - What we did:
  Study the link between engine and propeller via a drive shaft passing through the hull. Choice of water-resistant materials (stainless steel, brass, engineering plastics).
  Revised boat dimensions: 60 cm long, 18.5 cm high.
  Start of modeling in Autodesk Fusion. Launch of version 2 (V2) of the boat.

  - Results / Progress :
  Better adaptation of dimensions to internal layout. Good basis for propulsion.

  - What we need to do:
  Complete digital modeling of the hull and engine system.

  - What we'll do next time:
  Finalize the 3D design of the boat on Autodesk fusion.

  
  

• Log 3 - 11/03/2025

  theo.ducarne • 03/11/2025 at 11:46 • 0 comments

  First mock-up and feasibility tests

  
  - Session summary:
  Feasibility tests with a first cardboard model.

  - What we did:
  We made a first model to test whether the motors could be integrated and whether access to the components was easy.
  We also assessed potential buoyancy and began to consider the assembly of the wooden structure.
  Testing different motors and placing components.

  - Results / Progress :
  The chosen size seems to be suitable. Components can be integrated, buoyancy seems manageable.

  - What we need to do:
  Start numerically modeling the components and their layout.

  - What we'll do next:
  Run CAD modeling (Autodesk Fusion) and refine the internal layout.

• Log 2 - 04/03/2025

  theo.ducarne • 03/04/2025 at 09:51 • 0 comments

  Dimensions and choice of components

  - Session summary:
  Beginning of the technical design of the boat with determination of its dimensions and basic components.

  - What we did:
  We defined the dimensions of the boat: 35 cm long, 12 cm wide and 8 cm high, to accommodate the mechanisms.
  The main material will be wood, with plastic elements for the glazing.
  Two motors were chosen: one for propulsion (forward/reverse) and one for rudder (steering).
  Beginning of the boat sketch.

  - Results / Progress:
  First draft validated, with consistent choices on materials and components.

  - What we need to do now:
  Finalize sketch views (bottom, side).

  - What we'll do next time:
  Complete the sketches with all the views required for modeling.

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