HLRS: Frequently Asked Questions

 

Update: Friday 03/18

 

What kind of batteries would be provided at the Design Day? The part number mentioned in the rules sheet seems unavailable.

The Radioshack 1.5V AA Alkaline batteries are the right ones for the competition. The batteries with part number 23-882 would be provided at the competition. But the part numbers 23-821, 23-872, 23-874 also have the same specifications as the former one (1.5V “AA” Enercell® Alkaline Batteries). So you may buy those for the testing purpose.

 

 

  1. Where is the system permitted to start in relation to the two containers?

There are no restrictions on where the system is placed provided no part of the system is touching either container at the start.

  1. Is there a required finish or out-of-bounds zone?

There are no restrictions on the final placement of your system provided nothing is touching the destination container or the contained liquid at the completion of the transfer.

  1. What is the condition (roughness/flatness) of the surface like?

The containers will be centered on a 1" thick 4'x8' sheet of grade 'A' plywood lying on a flat surface. Slight surface imperfections, dirtiness, wetness, and nonflatness are possible but will not be intentional.

  1. "Are the containers affixed to the surface in any way?"

No.

  1. Are there dimension restrictions on the containers?

The approximate dimensions of the cups will be: base diameter = 53 mm, rim diameter = 89 mm, height = 117 mm. The cups will be provided and will be standard readily available 12 oz styrofoam cups; for example, the 12 oz StyroCUP brand made by WinCup (Phoenix, AZ).

  1. It states that "the complete system, in whatever form, must fit within a 16*16*32 cm box.....". Does this mean that the mechanism can be disassembled when it is put in the box?

Yes. However, the system must be assembled from the box and complete the transfer all within 5 minutes.

  1. It also states that "the contestant is not allowed to touch the styrofoam cups at any time." Is it okay for the transfer mechanism to touch or move the cups?

Yes, provided the destination container is standing no more than 1 cm from its initial position at the completion of the run.

  1. Can the system be set on a platform to decrease the amount of work done by the pump? If so, does the platform have to fit in a 16x16x32 cm box?

The system can take on any configuration provided all system components (e.g., the platform) fit within the 16x16x32 cm box before assembly and preparation.

  1. If something is used to start the system and removed as soon as the transfer begins, does this component have to fit within the 16x16x32 cm box?

Yes. When you are ready to start your device, everything other than the board, cups, and liquid, including anything used in starting your device, is considered to be part of your system. Any tools used while assembling the system will not be considered to be part of the system provided they are removed before starting. Your entire system must fit within the 16x16x32 cm box before preparation and assembly.

  1. Can any part of the system leave the board during the transfer?

No.

  1. Can the system or part of the system be temporarily fastened to the board with tape or thumb tacks before the run?

Yes, provided everything is easily and completely removed from the board at the completion of the run. Fasteners such as nails or screws which could result in significant damage to the board will not be allowed.

  1. What is the penalty for touching the cup or knocking it over during setup?

There is no penalty for touching the cups during setup provided that no part of the system is touching either cup at the start. Also, the cups must be centered in their indicated positions, 2 m apart, at the start. If the cup containing the liquid is knocked over, the attempt is disqualified. Multiple attempts will be allowed if time permits.

  1. What is the penalty if too little or too much liquid is transferred?

The attempt is disqualified.

  1. Does the time stop when the motor stops or when the water stops flowing between the cups?

The time stops when water stops flowing both out of the source cup and into the destination cup.

  1. Can the first styrofoam cup be picked up and moved without returning it to its original position?

Yes.

  1. Can the first styrofoam cup be cut, punctured or crushed?

No. Neither cup may be damaged in any way.

  1. Can a chemical be added to the water to aid in its pumpability?

No.

  1. Is potential energy considered an energy storage device?

Yes.

  1. Given that potential energy is considered an energy storage device, if part of our system goes down do we have to put it back up?

Strictly speaking, if the center of gravity (CG) of your system ends up at a lower height at the end of the transfer as compared to the CG height when the system was started, then your attempt will be disqualified. However, the CG of the system will not be measured before and after the transfer, so this will involve a judgement call. You will definitely be disqualified if you are obviously using a potential energy effect to aid the transfer (e.g., using a large mass falling over a distance to provide energy to a pump). If, on the other hand, some side effect in your system causes the CG to be lower at the end of the transfer, but the change in potential energy was obviously not utilized in the transfer (e.g., a piece of your system falls onto the board without imparting energy to the rest of the system), then the attempt will not be disqualified.

  1. Q&A 12 states that the contestant can touch the cup during setup. Does this mean that we can pick up the cup and set our machine around it as long as we put the cup back in the same spot and no part of the system is touching the cup?

Yes.

  1. Can the fluid in the first cup be transferred to a third container and can fluid remain in the third container at the completion of the transfer?

Yes, but the liquid in the third container will be penalized based on the stated rules.

  1. Can the first cup be completely emptied?

Yes, but this will be penalized based on the rules.

  1. Will a system that uses the change in vertical position of a float to trigger an event be disqualified since it is utilizing potential energy? What about a spring in a mechanical timer which is pre-wound?

The float is OK since it is does not actively provide power to the system and since it does not actively control the system. Instead, the float is just passively reacting and triggering an event in response to the liquid transfer process. The pre-wound mechanical timer, on the other hand, is using the stored energy to actively control the device. Therefore, the system would be disqualified.