TranspOREtation

Engineering Bulletin:
Earthquake at Mt. Epworth! Continuing along the continental divide,

the Moffat Tunnel has collapsed. This six miles of subterranean

railroad is critical to bring goods across the Rocky Mountains. Without
it, numerous quarries and mines on the western slope are unable to
deliver refined goods to Denver for shipment to the east coast. The
Army Corps of Engineers estimates that a new route may not be
completed for eight years.

Calling all engineers!

In partnership with the Google Driverless Car program,
your team is to design, construct, and test a semi-trailer
truck that can self-navigate Highways 40 and 70, bringing
refined heavy materials to the eastern slope. This vehicle
must reach its destination in a timely manner, refuel at
pre-determined points, navigate dangerous mountain
roads, and ensure the safety of fellow travelers as well as
its payload.

Resources:

Each team will consist of:

- 3-4 students
- 2 Lego NXT/EV3 kits with:
o Ultrasonic Sensor x 2
o Infrared Sensor x 3
o Color Sensor x 1
o Touch Sensor x 2
o Compass Sensor x 1
o Accelerometer Sensor x 1
- NXT & LegoCAD Design Software
The teams will share:
- Test-course in the classroom
- RC Vehicles for safety and collision testing
- Trailers to connect to and carry materials

Constraints:

The vehicle must:

- Run autonomously
- Stay on roadway at all times, except to refuel
- Not enter oncoming traffic lane (wide turns
exempt)
- Not collide with other vehicles or objects
- Connect to standardized trailer (provided by
mining company)
- Not litter the roadway with materials or parts
- Reach destination within 5 minutes
- Fully stop at refueling station for 10 seconds
- Not exceed 3 in/s or fall below .5 in/s in speed
- Fit inside a box 8 in x 6 in x 8 in (L x W x H)
(without trailer)

Deliverables:
1st Quarter: Design
th

September 28 : Sketches of design ideas (2 per person)

October 12th: Proficiency demonstration using NXT/EV3 sensors
October 16th: Flow Chart for programming design
Mathematical proofs for turning radii, necessary speeds
rd
October 23 : LegoCAD rendering of proposed design
October 30th: Written proposal for final design
Notebook Review

2nd Quarter: Construction & Testing

November 6th: Mid-Construction Review

November 13th: Construction completion
November 16th: Testing Begins
Refinement Period
December 7th: Testing Ends, Final Vehicle Due
December 9th 11th: Competition!
December 14th: Oral Presentations & Solution Posters due
December 18th: Final Reports Due

Assignment Type
Individual
Team
Team
Team
Team
Individual

Team
Team
Team
Team
Team
Team
Team

What will we be evaluated on?

Principles of Engineering: 60%
-

Engineering Design Process 20 %

o In both written and oral communication, shows evidence of use of the EDP, including problem
identification, research, constraint & goal identification, design, testing, and refinement.
Design (Kinematic) 15%
o Evidence of mathematical calculations to compute necessary speeds, timing, turning radii, and
gearing ratios. Evidence of consideration with regard to balance (center of mass), and the effect
of weight on speed.
Design (Programming) 15%
o Uses loops, conditionals, and sensor input to complete an autonomous task.
Testing Processes 10%
o Shows evidence of adjusting design as a result of testing procedures, using data as a basis for
changes.

Results & Communication: 40%

-

Design Success 10%

o Vehicle completes task while obeying all constraints
Communications (Oral) 15%
o 12 minute presentation of design, testing, results, and future refinements
Communications (Written) 15%
o Completed report outlining all aspects of the Engineering Design Process, including all collected
data & results.