Battery Question
 

My FRC team looked at the battery holding rule where, if the robot is turned upside down and the battery falls out it is declared ineligible. However we are wondering if it has to be strapped on. We have a piece of sheet metal that is above the robot and we want to know whether or not if the battery can fall on to the sheet metal if the robot is turned upside down. Any information will be a great help thank you.

Re: Battery Question
 

It's in your best interest to securely attach your battery.

Re: Battery Question
 

The battery needs to 'stay put' in its position relative to the frame of the robot. In other words, make it so it can't move in any of X,Y and Z dimensions.

Re: Battery Question
 

You could hold the battery down with chewing gum, but you might have an issue when the battery falls out of your robot after a big hit with a movable or immovable object.

Re: Battery Question
 

Strap the battery down.

The battery is capable of emitting welding levels of current if you short it. Having your safety plan for the battery if the robot is tipped involve dropping the battery onto sheet metal, possibly posts first, is a remarkably bad idea.

Please be safe.

Re: Battery Question
 

I've seen Ratchet straps and similar industrial straps sometimes not be enough to hold the battery in place. Don't be afraid to take the robot to the crash test track to make sure your battery mount and method of securing it are up to the task.

Re: Battery Question
 

OK Eli, I think you have your answer: That metal is a liability if the battery shorts against it (Bang! Flash! Send For Help! Get it?). A strap is a great idea. (We use a heavy velcro strap. Some teams use heavy Zip ties.)