University of Wisconsin-Platteville
Department of Industrial Studies
Technology Challenge
April 3, 2008
Drill Dragster
Competition
Competition Guidelines:
Goal: To build a wheeled vehicle platform, powered by a single portable hand drill, able to travel 100 feet in the shortest time possible.
A. Rules:
- Group must bring a wheeled vehicle platform in working order and charged battery packs to compete.
- All members of group must submit a "Hold-Harmless Form" signed by parent or guardian, and on file prior to competition.
- Dragsters will be powered by ONE battery powered drill that is 18 volts or less.
- Only ONE battery may be used to power drill.
- Dragster will be no larger than 30 inches in length and 18 inches in width.
- Dragster must have one closed eye-hook (1/2 inch loop) located six inches from front, so dragster can travel on a zipline.
- There will be NO alteration to the power source.
- There will be NO alteration to the drill--other than that necessary to secure the drill to the platform/base.
- Dragster must travel in straight line on the zipline with no assistance from any outside source, person, or remote control device.
B. Vehicle Starting:
- Starting of drill dragsters shall be from a set of drop bars that will pivot forward lowering vehicles to the floor.
- Height of drop bars shall be 6" above the floor/starting surface.
- Vehicles may not have ground clearance greater than 5-1/2" above floor.
- Wheel base (distance between front axle and rear axle) must be a minimum of 18" which is the spacing between drop bars.
- Drill must be turned on manually by participant immediately prior to start of race.
- No remote starting device is permitted.
- No destructive wheels permitted.
C. Other information:
- Teams will be have the opportunity to have one test run before the competition, provided the team arrives before the races.
- Each team will run one official time trial.
- Teams will be arranged into brackets according to qualifying times.
- Teams will race against teams from other schools.
- The winning teams will proceed further in the bracket while the losing team will be eliminated (Single elimination)
- Awards will be given to the top three places.
D. Pits:
The pit area will have 120V AC power sources for teams to charge batteries.
Some shop tools will be provided, however, it is suggested that teams bring tools necessary for common simple repairs.
All participants must complete, sign, have parents sign "Hold-Harmless
forms and submit prior to participating in Technology Challenge 2008.
Participants must bring/wear safety glasses during competition. |
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E-mail inquiries, contact Dr. Steck