News from department SciTec
Design competition "Reach your destination quickly without wheels! A new hope"
Task
The aim is to develop a device that automatically targets a distant point accurately and quickly.
Competition procedure
- start: 9.30 am
- After a preparation time of 5 minutes, during which a short presentation of the developed device with an explanation of its operating principle must be given, the start must take place.
- The device is placed by hand in the start area and started at the start signal. It must fulfil the task within a maximum working time of 5 minutes. During this time, a maximum of three attempts are possible, the best of which is counted.
- The aim of competition is to touch two objects 300 mm apart at the target point in the shortest possible time. If several devices fulfil the accuracy criterion, the faster device wins. If one object is missed, a time penalty of 15 seconds is imposed. If both objects are missed, the task is deemed not to have been completed. The timing starts with the start signal.
- No energy sources are permitted apart from the electrical energy of a maximum of 4 AA batteries. This electrical energy is converted into mechanical work to fulfil the task. Additional energy input by the operator must be kept to a minimum. Actuating a switch is permitted; tensioning a spring or similar mechanical energy storage device or pushing the device is not permitted.