FInal Documentation

Starting out this competition with the lofty strategy of sliding the tower across the length of the table and placing it over our goal, we were setting ourselves up for a huge challenge right from the get go. Our initial ideas including a shallow box that would have treads mounted to the outside and would have a somewhat rounded ball catch in the middle. This would have had a horizontal base plate surrounded by 4 vertical 'walls' that would form the box. After more contemplation and discussion with our GSI, our direction significantly changed into having a single base plate with everything from the motor mount to the treads mounted directly on the base. This new direction gave us a significant increase in stability and accuracy, especially when mounting the treads due to crucial alignment of the axles.

The treads were another challenge that despite the difficulty we opted for because of the increase in durability and  traction that the heavy duty rubber would offer. These treads were driven initially by two 100:1 planetary gear boxes which in turn drove the sprocket/hub combinations in order to move the treads. Due to the inability to initially push the tower, we ended up changing the gearbox from the 100:1 to 400:1. With the new ratio and finally getting all of the tread components to fit in the base plate slots, we became the first and only team to successfully push the tower and reach a single round score of 175 g! 

In addition to our tanks ability to push the tower, we were able to collect loose balls on the table with the back catch and the treads forming a collection area. These balls could be scored by driving over the goal and letting them drop in. 

Overall we are very impressed with our machine and how it functioned before and during the competition. 

Thank You