Roller Coaster B

[builder83]

I think one of the biggest changes is 3.c. Last year, that rule prohibited tubes/funnels, and there was some discrepancy as to what exactly "enclosed" meant. Now, it's unambiguous - "the ball/sphere must be visible at all times." So, does that mean that transparent plastic tubes and funnels are ok? I wouldn't think the rule writers intended that consequence, but surely it must've come up in discussion.

You're right. Big loophole in that new rule. My guess is it will be their first clarification. I might just wait a bit before making a clear tube track. Although even if it were allowed I dont know if the general strategy would change much. Funnels can be cool though!

Well think about it a tube would eliminate the need for super elevation of any kind. Although last year it didn't seem like most people did much super elevating. Also a tube allows for more extreme angles of descent or ascent. More extreme angles allow for more momentum. More momentum allows for longer jumps. Tiny changes can make big changes in the right hands.


Lol I'm not even in division B this year

What is super elevation? Probably something I should know...

[sciolyperson1]

You're right. Big loophole in that new rule. My guess is it will be their first clarification. I might just wait a bit before making a clear tube track. Although even if it were allowed I dont know if the general strategy would change much. Funnels can be cool though!

Well think about it a tube would eliminate the need for super elevation of any kind. Although last year it didn't seem like most people did much super elevating. Also a tube allows for more extreme angles of descent or ascent. More extreme angles allow for more momentum. More momentum allows for longer jumps. Tiny changes can make big changes in the right hands.


Lol I'm not even in division B this year

What is super elevation? Probably something I should know...

I have never heard of this term being used...

[SPP SciO]

This picture is something my students built very quickly from available materials. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DO0t_s ... sp=sharingThe 1/2" tubing fits a small steel sphere very nicely, and the jump angle can easily be adjusted. I'm worried that the clips they're using would be problematic, because the ball would be obscured by it for a millisecond (possibly violating rule 3.c.). However, that's just from one vantage point; if you move to look down the path of the tube, you'd be able to see the sphere. I guess the rule isn't as unambiguous as I had thought earlier!

I'm wondering if I should let them run with this idea and build a working device using this track attachment strategy, or if we should stop and find a better way to attach the tubes to a frame.

[sciolyperson1]

This picture is something my students built very quickly from available materials. https://drive.google.com/file/d/1DO0t_s ... sp=sharingThe 1/2" tubing fits a small steel sphere very nicely, and the jump angle can easily be adjusted. I'm worried that the clips they're using would be problematic, because the ball would be obscured by it for a millisecond (possibly violating rule 3.c.). However, that's just from one vantage point; if you move to look down the path of the tube, you'd be able to see the sphere. I guess the rule isn't as unambiguous as I had thought earlier!

I'm wondering if I should let them run with this idea and build a working device using this track attachment strategy, or if we should stop and find a better way to attach the tubes to a frame.

It would be a great prototype, it's something that you might bring to your first invitational. However, after that you should use that prototype and build a better, more consistent design with more reliable tracks.

[jander14indoor]

I'm worried that the clips they're using would be problematic, because the ball would be obscured by it for a millisecond (possibly violating rule 3.c.).

Use smaller (narrower) clips.
Use a different type of clip that doesn't go completely around.
Be careful about challenging the event supervisor's interpretation!

Jeff Anderson
Livonia, MI

[builder83]

I think it should not be too hard to interpret. Those narrower clip ideas should be fine. Basically, if you were to pause the ball anywhere in the track it should be visible (even if not fully visible). The prototype above would be penalized twice for breaking visibility but I think it would be simple enough to fix. My prototype is somewhat similar. Clips are easy to 3d print.

[fxsandiego]

Hello, New coach of this event this year. I have a very basic technical question. I am planning to let my students build their tracks using PVC pipes (split half). What would be a good way to make a smooth 90 degree turn? Thanks.

[retired1]

One way would be to use a sweep. for 1/2" PVC it would have about a 4 " radius.

[drcubbin]

I'm worried that the clips they're using would be problematic, because the ball would be obscured by it for a millisecond (possibly violating rule 3.c.).

Use smaller (narrower) clips.
Use a different type of clip that doesn't go completely around.
Be careful about challenging the event supervisor's interpretation!

Jeff Anderson
Livonia, MI

Like they told us at the SciOly Summer Institute, "The worst thing you can do at at Science Olympiad competition, is to make a supervisor think!"

[fxsandiego]

One way would be to use a sweep. for 1/2" PVC it would have about a 4 " radius.

Thanks!