Definitions
Redesign (vb): the prepare the sketch or plans for (a work to be executed), especially
to plan the form and structure of.
Engineering (n): the action, work, or profession of an engineer.
Communicate (vb): to express thoughts, feelings, or information easily or effectively.
Design (vb): to prepare the preliminary sketch or the plans for (a work to be executed),
especially to plan the form and structure of.
S.T.E.M.: Science Technology Engineering Math.
to plan the form and structure of.
Engineering (n): the action, work, or profession of an engineer.
Communicate (vb): to express thoughts, feelings, or information easily or effectively.
Design (vb): to prepare the preliminary sketch or the plans for (a work to be executed),
especially to plan the form and structure of.
S.T.E.M.: Science Technology Engineering Math.
Brainstorm
3 Motors for the most speed and power.
Use power level 4 for the most power.
Put all 3 motors on one axle for the most strength.
Put small Wheels on NXT.
Put large wheels supporting motors so they don't drag.
Connect NXT in center of design to make the robot go straight.
Use a small gear turning a large gear to make the robot slow, but strong.
Use power level 4 for the most power.
Put all 3 motors on one axle for the most strength.
Put small Wheels on NXT.
Put large wheels supporting motors so they don't drag.
Connect NXT in center of design to make the robot go straight.
Use a small gear turning a large gear to make the robot slow, but strong.
Outline
Beginning this design challenge, we first thought of using power level 5. Although being a level one student our restraints limited us to only using up to power level 4. Also to create strength for our robot we decided to use all three motors, turning on one axle, as well as to use a small gear turning a big gear. While brainstorming about the structure of the robot we thought of making sure to center the NXT on our robot. This is because of problems we've had in the past with out robot not being able to go in a straight line. Also, since we thought of putting large wheels connecting to the motors, we decided to place smaller wheels supporting the NXT to make sure it isn't dragging.
Prototype 1
Our first tug bot was not successful. The three motors working on one axle to not go as planned, as well as our idea of the gears. The NXT was not anchored on in a way that would allow the robot to move with ease. For our next prototype we plan to make a more compact robot to take away the problem of dragging along the NXT. Also we will change the gears and take away one motor.
Prototype 2
Our second prototype was also not successful. In order to make our robot more compact, we attached the two motors on either side of the NXT. Then we used a small to large gear ration chain to make the robot slower, but stronger. After finishing these tasks, and trying out robot we noticed that the front wheels were not enough on the ground to run. Our next idea is to add weight to the front of out robot.
Prototype 3
Our third prototype was a success. Although it not the strongest robot in the class, it is able to give up a good fight. After connecting legos and attaching them to the front of our robot, the front wheels were able to stay sturdy on the ground, and allow the robot to move. Another addition to this prototype we added the third motor on again, although this time we used it to attach a pull mechanism to help wheel in the opponent. With this robot we were able to get 1 win and 2 losses, although we did not catch the win on film.
Tug Bot Loss
movie.wmv | |
File Size: | 955 kb |
File Type: | wmv |
Loss 2
movie.wmv | |
File Size: | 899 kb |
File Type: | wmv |
Outcome
Due to lack of time and making repairs to our robot we were unable to make and put on our third video, although in each of these videos our robot was not successful. During this design challenge we failed to create a design that was sturdy and strong. Sometimes before the matches, our robot would come apart with the amount of add-ons and tedious pieces we had by the end. Then as shown, during the matches our robot would be pulled forward off of the front wheels. This is because i believe we did not have enough weight to keep it on the ground. Another thing that i noticed was with out motor being used to supposively pull in the opponent, was being wrapped around our robot, showing that it was pulling ourselves in. Overall, i am dissapointed in how easily our robot was beaten. If we had the time, i would have done my best to correct these errors and finish the task with a much better outcome then this.