Drawing templates for kick-off concepts

[Mr_smith]

Hi,

In order to ease our concept phase this year, I made some drawing templates of very simple bases. The students will be able to sketch their ideas directly on them. I am sharing them in case it can help other teams (see attachments).

Any comment for improvements is very welcome.

Thank you.

[Bryce Paputa]

Why no square frame? Square gives you the maximum area (for a rectangle).

[Mr_smith]

I made a 28" x 36" base, which is, I believe, the max dimensions from last year (I haven't checked the old rules). This would allow the max area.

But the dimensions don't matter too much for the concepts. It is more important to find out what the students need on the robot.

[Bryce Paputa]

I'm in agreement about size not really mattering early on in design, but the rules changed last year to allow a maximum 112 inch perimeter, instead of just 28x38. This is around 28x28 as a square, I don't remember what it is in the old ratio.

[Mr_smith]

I forgot about the total perimeter rule. You are right on this one.

[Boe]

Originally Posted by Bryce Paputa

I'm in agreement about size not really mattering early on in design, but the rules changed last year to allow a maximum 112 inch perimeter, instead of just 28x38. This is around 28x28 as a square, I don't remember what it is in the old ratio.

max of 28x38 was the old size I believe

[Bryce Paputa]

Originally Posted by Boe

max of 28x38 was the old size I believe

No, I mean same ratio as 28x38, but following the new perimeter rules, it's almost 24x32.

[Big Ideas]

Interesting idea for a discussion aide. I do it all of the time at work, but, it had not occurred to me to give the team a similar sketch aide. At first I was thinking that the students would be to heavily loaded with the assumptions in the example. Not thinking that things like "size, rail design, wheel count COULD be different.

But, since my team will be kick starting design by using a prototype working chassis for early tests and development--we are making similar assumptions and potentially GUIDING (or over constraining) early concepts.

I think I'll make a similar sketch template using our "starting point" chassis.