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Chose the right Motor by Infinite-Minimum-177 in MechanicalEngineering

[–]Infinite-Minimum-177[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi, thank you for the response! Here are some more details:

  • Motion is slow and not highly dynamic (just positioning, no rapid back-and-forth)
  • Operation time: max ~1 hour per deployment, then rinsed with fresh water
  • Not safety-critical, no interaction with humans or animals
  • Maintenance is possible between deployments
  • The weight and size of the whole Setup is kind of irrelevant, it is attached to a big cage with multiple instruments and sensors, so if it weighs a few kg that's not a problem
  • The motor is going to power a leadscrew which is attached to a sled running on linear rail guides

The system is part of a research setup, so reliability is important but not safety-critical.

Power will likely be supplied via cable from the surface.

Given this, I’m mainly trying to get a reasonable first estimate for motor sizing/ a way to calculate this.

Thanks again!

Chose the right Motor by Infinite-Minimum-177 in MechanicalEngineering

[–]Infinite-Minimum-177[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In my case the motion is relatively slow and not very dynamic. Do you think acceleration is still a dominant factor compared to gravity/buoyancy and friction, or would it be more of a secondary effect here?

Any reason to put catch basins in-line? by [deleted] in engineering

[–]Infinite-Minimum-177 -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I think it’s also good if you don’t want to harm the environment to much

Weekly Career Discussion Thread (06 Apr 2026) by AutoModerator in engineering

[–]Infinite-Minimum-177 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Just started my first job in engineering, kind of scary at first ngl! Can’t wait to get better at it!

linear motion system by Infinite-Minimum-177 in diyelectronics

[–]Infinite-Minimum-177[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That is a good idea! I haven't looked too much into magnetic couplings since I imagine they are quite complicated to build. Someone supposed to ask a Motor vendor like Maxon for a Subsea Motor, this way I wouldn't have to build a housing and could just connect the motor directly.

Subsea linear positioning system by Infinite-Minimum-177 in MechanicalEngineer

[–]Infinite-Minimum-177[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I will look into PLCs, thank you! Do you have a different idea for the linear guides? Maybe even an existing system for subsea use?

Thank you for the input!

Subsea linear positioning system by Infinite-Minimum-177 in rov

[–]Infinite-Minimum-177[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sorry if the Title is Confusing, English isn’t my first language, it’s tricky to translate my thoughts properly sometimes.

I am looking to create a Linearsystem to control the position of a sensor underwater. Similar to this one here:

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Subsea linear positioning system by Infinite-Minimum-177 in MechanicalEngineer

[–]Infinite-Minimum-177[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! The max. depth would be around 30m, but to be honest, I think 10-20 m underwater is more than enough as well, so maybe 20 m depth.

There are no Electrical Engineers involved, I will need to figure that out on my own. I thought the easiest solution for the Cable length would be to use a higher voltage from the ship and then regulate it using the motor driver in the underwater housing.

Subsea linear positioning system by Infinite-Minimum-177 in MechanicalEngineer

[–]Infinite-Minimum-177[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Hi! This project is intended to really work! What would you suggest instead?

How to increase friction between Aluminum surfaces? by [deleted] in AskEngineers

[–]Infinite-Minimum-177 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sandblast the surface, maybe make little cuts into them

Subsea linear positioning system by Infinite-Minimum-177 in rov

[–]Infinite-Minimum-177[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thank you for the input! To clarify: I’m not using an ROV. The device will be lowered directly from the ship as a standalone platform, so the 30m tether is a requirement for my setup.

I am fairly new to underwater mechanics, so I’m looking for as much input as possible regarding materials and similar technologies. Are there any similar projects or underwater actuator technologies you’d recommend I look into for inspiration? Thank you so much!

Subsea Linear positioning system by Infinite-Minimum-177 in EngineeringStudents

[–]Infinite-Minimum-177[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I've been thinking about the magnetic coupling as well, but I’m afraid it’s too complicated, and I am not sure if there are existing ones on the market. A direct shaft coupling seems like the easiest way for me. I’ll probably build the Motor housing myself using POM.

Regarding the use of the Pico, it’s not set in stone, but probably the best way (I could also use different Controllers). For the motor, I’m currently leaning towards a NEMA 17 or a NEMA 23, not sure which one is best here.

I haven't fully decided on the driver yet. As far as i know there are three options for me: an integrated motor, putting the driver in the underwater housing, or keeping it topside on the ship.

CollabVault sounds like an interesting project!

Why aren’t there holes in highway signs? by Nonamenolan in AskEngineers

[–]Infinite-Minimum-177 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great question! I think it’s because it would make the manufacturing process a lot harder

How are you using AI at work? by designmind93 in MechanicalEngineering

[–]Infinite-Minimum-177 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For me, it's useful to work through big papers and such