Automated Systems Contest Rules [ pdf ]

DESCRIPTION:

The purpose of the ASD Challenge is to provide a means for teams of TECA members to demonstrate their ability to analyze a typical automated system problem then design and apply a solution to the problem.

TEAM:

Each team will be composed of 3 to 5 students who are members in good standing of a TECA affiliated chapter. The team may not be composed of over 40% graduate students. Each team should identify one team member as the team leader.

PROCEDURES:

1. Members of each team must be present at the designated time and location for the start of the contest.

2. Each team will receive contest details, tools, supplies, and related materials necessary for the manufacturing problem to be solved. Any proposed solution to the problem must be created using only the materials provided.

3. Each team will design and apply a solution to the problem by:

a. Brainstorming to develop a list of possible solution designs.
b. Identifying the best solution to the problem.
c. Configuring an automated device to solve the problem.
d. Testing/evaluating the automated device to solve the problem.
e. Demonstrating the solution to the problem.

4. Each team will work in an assigned area. All work must be done in the assigned area with materials provided. Also appropriate safety procedures must be followed during the contest.

5. Forms for sketches and procedures will be provided and will be turned in for evaluation at the end of the contest.

6. The solution for the automation problem must be completed and tested within the time announced for the activity.

7. Judges will evaluate:

a. the problem solving process used;
b. accuracy of the completed automatic function;
c. related sketches, schematics, and forms;
d. creativity and aesthetics of the design and fabrication; and
e. safety.

8. Each team is responsible for cleaning up their area at the end of the contest.

MATERIALS:

Basic kit of on-site supplies regardless of the specific automation problem, each team will be provided the following items by the local TECA Contest Coordinator.

(1 each) 1/4 dia. and 1/2 dia. dowel
(10) soda straws
(20) sheets white bond paper
(5 ft.) string
(10) straight pins
(10) pop-sickle sticks
(1) wire clothes hanger
(3) small pieces corrugated board

The following items will be supplied by each team and include the only tools that may be used regardless of the specific problem.

Safety glasses
Wire cutters (lineman pliers or side cutting pliers)
Wire stripers
Needle nose pliers
Utility knife
Coping saw
Ruler and/or Tape rule
Scissors
Pencils
Hot melt glue gun
Hot melt glue sticks
Soldering gun
Solder
3/4 or 1 inch Masking tape
1/2 or 3/4 inch Clear tape
3/4 Electrical tape
Calculator
Extension cords
Screwdrivers
Pliers
Adjustable wrench

SPECIAL SUPPLIES

Special supplies required to solve the specific automation problem will be provided to each team. 

JUDGING CRITERIA:

BRAINSTORMING WORKSHEET:

School:   ________________________________________________
Team Members: __________________________________________

List a number of possible solution to the problem:

A. _________________________________________________

B. _________________________________________________

C. _________________________________________________

D. _________________________________________________

E. _________________________________________________

Circle the letter of the solution you believe will best solve the problem.

SOLUTION DESIGN WORKSHEET:

School:   _______________________________________________
Team Members: _________________________________________

In the space below sketch the physical aspects of the automated system that was identified during the brainstorming session as the best solution to the problem.

SOLUTION SCHEMATIC WORKSHEET:

School:   _______________________________________________
Team Members: _________________________________________

In the space below draw a schematic of the electronics for the automated system that was identified during the brainstorming session as the best solution to the problem.

EVALUATION AND SUMMARY WORKSHEET:

School:   _______________________________________________
Team Members: _________________________________________

• Testing the system
  
  
  • Describe the criteria the system must meet as listed in the design brief:
  • Summarize the results of the test:
    
    
• Evaluating the system
  
  
  • Describe how the system solved the problem in 35 words or less

JUDGES SCORE SHEET - EVALUATION CRITERIA

School:   ______________________________________________
Team Members: ________________________________________

SOLUTION DESIGN: (30pts.)

• Brainstorming (10pts.)     ______
• Sketches (10pts.)       ______
• Schematic (10pts.)       ______

SOLUTION FABRICATION: (10pts.)

• Aesthetics (10pts.)     ______

TESTING AND EVALUATION: (20pts.)

• Test Procedures (10pts.)   ______
• Evaluation (10pts.)     ______

• Accuracy of Solution (10pts.)       ______
• Function (10pts.)      ______
• Quality (10pts.)      ______

•  Follow Rules/Safety (10pts.)        ______

  TOTAL: (100pts.) ______