HZV (Human Zombie Vehicle)
The HZV is where the action happens. These boats are controlled by the LUCs and must be able to respond to speed, direction and attack commands (see Communication page).
The boat consisted of four main parts: The boat platform, acrylic box, the attack mechanism and the balloon holder.
The boat consisted of four main parts: The boat platform, acrylic box, the attack mechanism and the balloon holder.
Boat Platform
The two-hulled base was cut from pink foam and provides buoyancy and stability. In order to ensure that our boat floated, we calculated the total mass of the boat and all of its components and compared that to the mass of the water displaced by the foam (see calculations below). Since the displaced mass was much larger than the mass of the boat, we slept easy knowing that our boat would not sink.
Acrylic Box
The acrylic box sits on top of the upper pink foam platform and houses the electronics, motors and batteries. The box was constructed from two layers of 1/16" acrylic and acrylic cement was used to ensure the enclosure was water tight. The pieces were laser cut to include mounting holes for the MACK 1885 motors and holes for the drive shafts.
A lid to the box was constructed in the same way and included holes for wiring to the attack mechanism, balloon popper, and connection indicator (a pair of LEDs on a servo motor). See pictures in Multimedia.
The drive train itself consisted of the motors, universal shaft couplers, 1/8" drive shafts, and propellers that were held onto the shaft by a nut and drive pin.
The drive train itself consisted of the motors, universal shaft couplers, 1/8" drive shafts, and propellers that were held onto the shaft by a nut and drive pin.
Balloon Holder
The balloon holder was provided by the TA's and mounted to the stern of the HZV. It housed the balloon and a contact switch to sense that a balloon was present.