Mechanical Level 4 - Systems Architecture

Learning Objective

Lead robot-level mechanical architecture development including drivetrain selection and major subsystem integration, pioneer innovative mechanical solutions through research, prototyping, and creative problem-solving, develop comprehensive testing and validation frameworks for mechanical systems, author a formal technical design-rationale document or whitepaper for a season's robot, and mentor other mechanical team members. This level represents a proven, multi-season record of excellence in mechanical design, and is expected to take several seasons to accumulate the prerequisites and requirements it involves.

Prerequisites

• Mechanical Level 3 - Advanced System Design
• Project Management Level 2 - Team Coordination
• CAD Level 3 - Robot Subsystem Design

Primary Resources

• FIRST Excellence in Engineering Award Workbook
• Zebracorns (900) Overleaf whitepaper template
• Zebracorns (900) example whitepaper: ZebROS 2023
• Robowranglers (148) offseason swerve/gearbox design documentation
• Example team technical/design binder (WHS Robotics)

Tasks

1. System Architecture

   • Design a complete robot mechanical architecture from game analysis through subsystem breakdown
   • Select and validate a drivetrain configuration for the season's robot
   • Define subsystem interfaces and requirements for the whole mechanical team
   • Lead system-level design reviews

2. Innovation Development

   • Research mechanical solutions used by other teams and in industry
   • Prototype an innovative mechanism idea
   • Analyze competitor robot solutions and identify potential improvements
   • Present a technical innovation to judges, mentors, or peers

3. Testing & Validation

   • Create a comprehensive test plan for a robot subsystem
   • Develop validation procedures to confirm a design meets its requirements
   • Implement design improvements based on testing results
   • Document system performance data across the season

4. Technical Documentation & Leadership

   • Author a formal design-rationale document or whitepaper for the season's robot mechanical design
   • Mentor junior mechanical team members through their own Level 1-3 progression
   • Document design principles and best practices for future teams
   • Lead mechanical strategy development for the team

Level 4 Completion Requirements

• Lead the mechanical architecture and drivetrain selection for a season's robot, reviewed and signed off by a mentor
• Author a complete technical design-rationale document or whitepaper for the season's robot
• Demonstrate sustained mentorship of at least one junior mechanical team member through their own progression
• Implement at least one innovative mechanical solution validated through testing

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