When engineers design something, they take many decisions based on what they know will work. To design your Mechathlete, you will need to refer to all the information you have been given in these pages and the booklet. You will then have to make decisions that will lead you to more detailed design work. You can use paper and pencil or even this computer to help you work out ideas and show them to other people.
The following is a guide to making design decisions about your Mechathlete and the making of it. It only shows the making of the basic buggy on which to build your Mechathlete, but it will help to organise your thinking. Remember, you have to keep thinking about the complete Mechathlete when designing any of the parts. To Help you with the design of your Mechathlete you have been provided with a collection components from the TEP Speed Buggy and Rover Kits, which will make a very good starting point for the competition.
Make sure you have read and understood what the Mechathlete has to do. Write this down as a clear statement - or specification - and then you can use this to judge how well your mechathete meets the requirements of the competition.
Design and make a powered ‘buggy’ using the motor and materials provided and any others of your choice.
Any materials may be used and any size and type of battery, but the completed ‘Mechathlete’ must fit inside a 250mm cube. All components, except the chassis, may be changed between events.
The ‘Mechathlete’ must be presented for scrutineering on the day of the ‘Mechathlon’ ready to compete in one of the five events: Sprint, Hill Climb, Weight Lift, Long Jump or Shot Putt.
During the scrutineering and throughout the event, marks will be awarded for elegance of design and quality of manufacture. Each entry will be offered a single display board on which to mount their associated design work.
After scrutineering, teams may enter as many of the five events as they wish and in any order. Modifications may be made to the ‘Mechathlete’ between events provided that the 250mm cube rule is adhered to at all times. Workshop facilities and spare components will be available and teams are free to bring their own ‘extras’.
1. Maximum weight of the Mechathlete must not exceed 1.5kg.
2. The Mechathlete must fit inside a box whose internal dimensions are 250mm by 250mm by 250 mm.
3. At the start of each event the Mechathlete must fit the box.
4. The Mechathlete must be self-contained, no external control is allowed.
5. Modifications can only be made to the Mechathlete between events.
6. The same basic chassis must be retained for all 5 events.
7. All parts of the Mechathlete must complete the event. No parts can be left behind.
8. The choice of motor, construction and energy source is left to the designer
9. Three attempts can only be made at each event, the best result to count.
10. The events may be attempted in any order.
The decisions of the judges are final and will be taken in the spirit of friendly competition. This event is to encourage students to use their maths science and technology skills for designing and making, but remember it is also intended to be fun.
The organisers wish you the best of luck.
