Mechanical Engineering for ABU Robocon 2025: Basketball Challenge

Rule Analysis for Mechanical Design: Identify all mechanical constraints and requirements from the competition rulebook.

Court Dimensional Analysis: Understand the physical environment to inform chassis and drive system design.

Basketball Physical Properties: Determine the exact specifications of basketballs for mechanism design optimization.

Scoring Mechanism Analysis: Understand the mechanical requirements for successful scoring.

Previous Robocon Winner Analysis: Extract principles and approaches from successful competition robots.

Basketball Robot Benchmarking: Identify proven approaches to basketball manipulation from existing robots.

Mechanism Testing Protocol: Create standardized tests for evaluating mechanical performance.

Robot Role Specialization: Establish clear mechanical specializations for each robot in the team.

Subsystem Definition: Create well-defined mechanical subsystems with clear interfaces.

Weight and Size Budgeting: Optimize the distribution of weight and space resources across the robot.

Center of Gravity Planning: Ensure optimal stability during dynamic basketball operations.

Structural Analysis for Basketball Loads: Ensure structural integrity under all competition loading conditions.

Material Selection for Chassis: Identify materials with the best strength-to-weight ratio for competition robots.

Modular Chassis Design: Create chassis designs that facilitate easy maintenance and modifications.

Impact Resistance Design: Ensure chassis can withstand incidental contact during competition.

Wheel Selection and Testing: Identify optimal wheel configurations for court traction and maneuverability.

Drivetrain Configuration: Select optimal drivetrain configuration for competition requirements.

Gear Ratio Optimization: Determine ideal gear ratios for acceleration and top speed balance.

Bearing Selection and Mounting: Select and properly mount bearings for reliable drivetrain operation.

Suspension System Design: Create suspension that maintains stability during rapid maneuvers.

Low Center of Gravity Techniques: Enhance stability during dynamic movements and ball manipulation.

Weight Distribution Optimization: Achieve balanced weight distribution for consistent performance.

Vibration Isolation Systems: Protect precision mechanisms from drivetrain vibrations.

Intake Roller Design: Create roller systems optimized for basketball grip and control.

Compliant Mechanism Design: Design compliant mechanisms that can adapt to basketball positioning.

Geometric Optimization for Intake: Create optimal geometry for multi-angle ball approach and capture.

Jam Prevention Features: Develop features that prevent and automatically clear ball jams.

Spring-Based Shooting Systems: Create consistent, adjustable spring-based shooting mechanisms.

Flywheel Shooting Systems: Design high-performance flywheel systems for controlled basketball shots.

Pneumatic Shooting Systems: Create powerful, consistent pneumatic shooting systems.

Internal Ball Guide Systems: Develop guidance systems that ensure consistent ball travel within the robot.

Transition Mechanisms: Create smooth transitions between acquisition, storage, and shooting systems.

Active vs. Passive Ball Control: Determine optimal approaches for controlling ball movement.

Ball Position Management: Ensure consistent ball positioning for reliable shooting.

Gravity vs. Powered Storage: Select optimal ball storage methodology for competition requirements.

Sequential Release Mechanisms: Create mechanisms that reliably release basketballs in sequence.

Storage Capacity Optimization: Optimize storage capacity while maintaining robot performance.

Quick-Release Systems: Create systems for quickly releasing balls for strategy changes.

Mechanical Turret Design: Create accurate, stable turret mechanisms for shooting direction control.

Elevation Adjustment Mechanisms: Develop mechanisms for precise shooting angle adjustment.

Passive Alignment Guides: Create alignment features that enhance shooting accuracy.

Backlash Reduction Techniques: Minimize backlash for precise, repeatable aiming.

Tolerance Analysis: Identify and specify appropriate tolerances for mechanism performance.

Fixture Design for Manufacturing: Create fixtures that ensure consistent part production.

Surface Finish Specification: Establish surface finish specifications for optimal ball control.

Assembly Alignment Techniques: Develop techniques for accurately assembling critical mechanisms.

Composite Material Applications: Leverage composite materials for lightweight, high-strength components.

Advanced Aluminum Fabrication: Master advanced aluminum fabrication for lightweight structures.

Weight Reduction Strategies: Implement effective weight reduction without compromising strength.

Strategic Material Selection: Select the ideal materials for each component based on its requirements.

Quick-Change Component Design: Create components that can be quickly swapped for iterations or repairs.

Prototyping Templates: Establish efficient prototyping methods for common mechanisms.

Test Fixture Development: Create test fixtures that accurately evaluate mechanism performance.

CAD-to-Fabrication Workflow: Streamline the transition from CAD model to physical component.

Interface Standardization: Create universal interface standards that facilitate integration.

Assembly Sequencing: Determine optimal assembly sequences for complex robot systems.

Fastener Selection: Choose fasteners that provide reliability under competition conditions.

Accessibility Design: Ensure all critical components are accessible for adjustment and repair.

Acquisition Success Rate Testing: Quantify the reliability and speed of ball acquisition mechanisms.

Shooting Accuracy Measurement: Develop metrics and testing procedures for shooting performance.

Drive System Performance Characterization: Measure and document drive system performance parameters.

Mechanical Efficiency Assessment: Identify and eliminate sources of energy loss in mechanisms.

Cycle Testing Procedures: Establish methods for validating long-term mechanism reliability.

Wear Analysis: Identify high-wear components and implement mitigations.

Failure Mode Analysis: Anticipate and prevent common failure modes in competition robots.

Strategic Reinforcement: Implement targeted reinforcement to prevent structural failures.

Mechanism Adjustment Procedures: Create documented procedures for adjusting all mechanical systems.

Calibration Fixture Design: Develop fixtures that facilitate quick and accurate mechanism calibration.

Performance Validation Methods: Establish standard tests to confirm proper mechanism operation.

Fine-Tuning Decision Trees: Create structured troubleshooting guides for performance tuning.

Critical Spares Identification: Identify and prepare spare parts most likely to be needed.

Competition Tool Selection: Compile an optimized toolkit for competition repairs and adjustments.

Rapid Repair Procedures: Create documented procedures for quickly addressing common mechanical failures.

Preventative Maintenance: Establish preventative maintenance schedules to avoid failures.

Modular Disassembly Procedures: Develop efficient disassembly processes that prepare robots for safe transport.

Custom Packaging Design: Design protective packaging for sensitive mechanisms during transport.

Reassembly Guides: Create clear instructions for robot reassembly at the competition venue.

Pre-Competition Validation: Establish methodologies for confirming robot functionality after transport.