Design of an inexpensive waterproof housing

Last year, Lake Superior State University\´s engineering department started a program in undergraduate research and began the task of developing a remotely operated underwater vehicle (ROV). As the students researched the different technologies available for use they became aware that very little information was available for the design of underwater housings with through-hole connectors and motor shafts. Furthermore, commercially available housings were well beyond their budget. Because of this, they set out to design a low cost housing that could be manufactured either by them or by a local business. The goal was to develop 18" aluminum housings with endcaps for under $200. Multiple housings could then be connected to create an ROV. The housings would be designed for up to 300-foot depths. The endcaps would allow for either through-hole connectors or a motor shaft depending on the application. At this time the students have designed, built and tested the housing design and are well on their way to complete the ROV. It is believed that this information would be useful for a wide variety of audiences including any educational group interested in the development of their own ROV. This paper discusses the technical aspects of the design process and provides for development of a low-cost housing. A complete schematic and bill of materials are presented.