Independent Design & Engineering Project | In Progress
The Diver Propulsion Vehicle is a custom-built underwater scooter engineered for recreational diving and exploration. The goal is to create a lightweight, modular, and fully waterproof propulsion system that balances thrust, endurance, and maneuverability — all designed and fabricated in-house.
🔩 Mechanical Design
The DPV’s structure is modeled in SolidWorks, featuring a two-part cylindrical housing optimized for strength and hydrodynamics. All mounting points, thruster ducts, and handles are 3D-printed in reinforced PLA+, with sealing interfaces designed for O-rings and gasket compression. The internal layout includes removable bulkheads for battery isolation and wire management, ensuring serviceability and safety under pressure.
⚡ Propulsion & Electrical System
Power is delivered through dual Flipsky thrusters, selected for their efficiency and torque in underwater applications. Custom ESC enclosures and XT60-based quick-disconnect connectors allow for safe swapping of components during testing. The control system integrates a waterproof trigger throttle, fuse protection, and an inline volt/amp monitor for runtime tracking.
🔋 Battery & Power Management
The modular power pack uses high-capacity lithium cells in a 6S configuration, enclosed in a pressure-rated polymer shell. It’s designed for quick removal and charging while maintaining buoyancy neutrality. Future iterations will explore smart BMS integration for live battery telemetry.
🧠 Design Goals & Performance
Runtime: 45–60 minutes per charge (target)
Speed: ~3–4 knots sustained
Depth Rating: 30+ meters (target for field testing)
Construction: FDM 3D printing, CNC-machined aluminum coupling rings, marine-grade wiring
Safety: Redundant seals, fuse protection, waterproof toggle kill switch
🧰 Development Process
The DPV has undergone several design revisions, focusing on hydrodynamic optimization, buoyancy control, and thruster alignment. Early prototypes were used for pool testing, validating thrust output and leak-proofing methods. Next stages include implementing PWM-based throttle mapping and performance data logging for iterative tuning.
🎯 Purpose & Vision
This project combines my interests in marine robotics, mechanical design, and rapid prototyping. It’s a hands-on exploration of underwater systems engineering — from CAD modeling and fluid resistance analysis to electronics integration and material testing.