ENGINEERING GRAPHICS &
DESIGN TECHNOLOGY
3D DESIGN DERBY
2014
INSTRUCTIONS, RULES, AND INFORMATION
UTAH VALLEY UNIVERSITY
TABLE OF CONTENTS
DESCRIPTION........................................................................................................................................... 2
PURPOSE ................................................................................................................................................. 2
ELIGIBILITY .............................................................................................................................................. 2
ENGINEERING ASPECT............................................................................................................................. 2
SCHEDULE OF DEADLINES AND EVENTS .................................................................................................. 2
CAR REQUIREMENTS ............................................................................................................................... 3
WHEELS, AXLES, & HUBS ......................................................................................................................... 3
BUILDING CARS ....................................................................................................................................... 3
DOCUMENTS ........................................................................................................................................... 4
AWARDS & PRIZES .................................................................................................................................. 4
DEDUCTIONS & DISQUALIFICATION ........................................................................................................ 5
HELPFUL HINTS ....................................................................................................................................... 5
HIGH SCHOOL INSTRUCTOR RECOMMENDATIONS ................................................................................. 7
APPENDIX A – WHEEL/AXLE/HUB DETAILS.............................................................................................. 8
APPENDIX B – CAR BASE DATA ................................................................................................................ 9
APPENDIX C – CAR INSPECTION BOX & TRACK DETAIL.......................................................................... 10
APPENDIX D – WEIGHT COMPARTMENTS............................................................................................. 11
APPENDIX E – PREVIOUS CAR DESIGNS ................................................................................................. 12
APPENDIX F – SAMPLE DRAWINGS ....................................................................................................... 13
APPENDIX G – CHECKLISTS .................................................................................................................... 14
1
UVU/EGDT 3D DESIGN DERBY 2014
DESCRIPTION
The Utah Valley University Engineering Graphics & Design Technology department sponsors a yearly
competition for Utah high schools involving design, modeling, drawing, building, and racing model cars.
The competition tests a student’s ability to conceptualize a model car design, produce a virtual 3D model
using constraint-based modeling software, configure each design to accommodate standard parts, size
and weight limitations, track dimensions, etc., manufacture the car, and race it against others. Points are
awarded for marketing illustrations, detail drawings, appearance, and speed. Winners receive awards
and/or trophies.
PURPOSE
The purpose of the competition is to allow high school students to engage with UVU in learning and
applying engineering, design, 3D modeling, and prototyping skills in a fun and competitive setting. It also
helps EGDT with recruiting and promotion, and solidifies the high school/university relationship.
ELIGIBILITY
Any high school may submit entries as long as it is able to transport contestants to UVU on race day.
Registrations must be received by the application deadline to compete. EGDT reserves the right to limit
the number of contestants to a manageable number as necessary. If such limitation is imposed, entries
will be accepted on a first come first served basis, or numbers will be limited by some other announced
method. All documentation must be received by the deadline specified herein or announced in updates
through email or on the website to be awarded design/drawing points. Cars must be properly designed
and built according to all rules and regulations, and both car and designer must be present on race day to
be awarded race points. Points awarded in different areas determine winners in different categories,
such as best design, best drawings, fastest car, etc.
DESIGN/ENGINEERING ASPECT
All mechanical engineering projects must accommodate design criteria and constraints, i.e. a designed
part of any complexity must allow for the use of standard manufacturing processes, standard fasteners,
must mate with other parts, and must function appropriately within the bounds of its intended purpose. To
that end, derby car entries must accommodate design requirements for size, shape, weight, and the use
of standard wheels and axles in order to function in harmony with other cars and the racetrack. Cars that
do not conform to these constraints are not considered viable even if the design looks good or the car is
fast. In addition, certain “best practices” should be followed if one wishes to produce a fast car. This
contest allows entrants great flexibility to demonstrate creativity and design skills, while forcing conformity
to design constraints. It is a simple, typical, engineering design problem.
SCHEDULE OF DEADLINES AND EVENTS
The following deadlines and dates shall apply to all submittals for the 2013 competition:
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Registration
Car model files to EGDT Dept. (if printed at UVU)
Drawing /Rendering sets to EGDT Dept.
Cars printed, assembled, painted, and weighed,
ready to bring the next day to race
Racing at UVU
Wednesday, April 9
3:00 p.m.
Thursday, April 10
3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 16
4:00 p.m.
Monday, May 5 (see req’ment 6, pg. 3)
Tuesday, May 6
2
CAR REQUIREMENTS
All cars in the 3D Design Derby will conform to the following specifications. Entries not conforming to
these specifications will be disqualified from racing or receiving other awards or prizes. See appendix G.
1. Car size shall not exceed 7” long, 3” wide, and 3” tall in finished state including wheels, axles,
paint, etc. Size/shape limits will be checked by inserting cars into a no-go box (see appendix C).
Cars must be able to be inserted into the no-go box in their free standing condition, without being
bent, forced, etc. Cars that cannot enter the box cleanly and completely will be disqualified.
2. Final car weight, after all assembly, painting, and added weight shall not exceed five (5) ounces
as measured by EGDT scales. All cars will be weighed by EGDT personnel before racing. No
contestant will be allowed to handle his/her car after official weigh-in and inspection.
3. Only wheels, axles, and hubcaps supplied by EGDT may be used. All four wheels must be used.
Axles are one-piece, and axle lengths shall not be altered (no axle splitting).
4. Cars shall contain an accessible, closeable compartment for adding or removing weight that will
not allow weights to fall out of the car during racing (see appendix D). No external weights, nor
weight that is taped, glued, or otherwise “stuck” on the car is allowed. No tools should be
required to add or remove weight. BBs are the preferred method for adding weight to the car.
5. Axle channels shall be undercut to facilitate removal of support material (see appendix B).
6. No car shall be allowed to race with wet or tacky paint.
7. Cars shall include the assigned contestant number embossed or engraved into the car, or hand
printed with permanent marker on the top or hood of the car, and shall be clearly visible and
readable from a distance of several feet away facing the front of the car.
8. Car design, with wheels in place, shall conform to the track cross-section so as to clear the
central track rail and remain sufficiently centered to avoid interfering with cars in adjacent lanes.
This requirement will be checked with the no-go box (see appendices B and C).
9. Axle/wheel lubrication shall be limited to silicone spray (which leaves a dry coating) or to any dry
lubricant powder such as graphite. No oils, liquids, WD-40 type sprays, etc. are allowed.
Keep in mind that design constraints represent the engineering aspect and critical experience of the
competition. Non-conformance to specifications and rules negates the value of the derby, and will result
in disqualification.
WHEELS, AXLES, & HUBS
Only wheels, axles, and hubs supplied by the EGDT department are allowed. All cars MUST use the
same wheel/axle/hub assemblies, in their intended configurations, with all four wheels used. Wheels and
axles may be polished or sanded if desired, but their basic shapes and functions cannot be altered.
Dimensional information is supplied in appendices A and B for car design purposes.
BUILDING CARS
All car model files must be saved in “.STL” format (“File/Save Copy As” option) at high resolution for
3D printing. Use the “sparse fill” option to conserve material. Printing time ranges from five to twelve
hours, depending on the design, and dissolving support material requires one day. Priming and painting,
axle or wheel treatments, adding weights and weighing, and assembly also require time. Please plan
accordingly. Remember that no external weight “stuck” on the car will be allowed. For painting, a
primer coat should be applied first to seal the pores in the plastic. Paint adds weight and increases size
dimensions. Schools that own printers must print their own cars. Others may be printed at UVU or
another location with a printer by making appropriate arrangements. Only .STL files should be
transferred to other locations for printing to ensure that model files cannot be altered.
3
DOCUMENTS
Detailed drawings and rendering must be received in the EGDT department (CS-704) on or before the
deadline specified on page 2 or any revised schedule distributed later. Drawing sets should contain
separate A or B-size drawings of the car body and weight compartment door. Drawings should display
views, dimensions, and notes, per ANSI Y14.5 (check dimension format carefully) required to define
overall part shape. The rendering should show an artistic view of the car suitable for marketing it to a
client. All documents must clearly display the contestant number, but must not show the
contestant name or school. All documents for one car must be stapled in the upper left corner in the
proper order for submittal for judging. No paper clips allowed. See appendices F & G. Drawing sets
from the same school should be organized and submitted in numerical order. Mail documents to:
Engineering Graphics & Design Technology MS #148
Utah Valley University
Please allow for mailing time
800 West University Parkway
so drawings are not late!
Orem, UT 84058-5999
or hand deliver drawings to the EGDT department, office #CS-704, top floor of UVU Computer Science
building, Monday through Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (except holidays or during UVU Spring Break)
AWARDS & PRIZES
Prizes will be awarded at the conclusion of the competition in room CS-404 or another room specified on
race day. Points will be awarded according to the following criteria:
Detail Drawings (CAD plots)
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Complexity (use of advanced modeling features, weight compartment)
Creativity
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Layout (standard views and projection, sections, detail views)
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Dimensions and notes .
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Appearance (line types and contrast)
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Rendering
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10 points
Artistic Value/Presentation
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Use of media (print paper, use of other media programs) .
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PLACE
1st
2nd
3rd
4th
5th
6th
7th
8th
9th
10th
POINTS
40
39
38
37
36
35
34
33
32
31
TOTAL POSSIBLE
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PLACE
11th
12th
13th
14th
15th
16th
17th
18th
19th
20th
.
.
POINTS
30
29
28
27
26
25
24
23
22
21
.
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10
10
10
10
10
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50 points
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Racing Speed
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PLACE
21st
22nd
23rd
24th
25th
26th
27th
28th
29th
30th
.
POINTS
20
19
18
17
16
15
14
13
12
11
.
.
5
5
40 points
PLACE
31st
32nd
33rd
34th
35th
36th
37th
38th
39th
40th
.
POINTS
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
100 POINTS
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Drawings (rendering and details) shall be submitted in a packet with rendering on top, then body
detail, and weight compartment door detail. Failure to follow this format will result in a ten-point
deduction. Additionally, drawings will not be scored if proper drafting standards (ANSI) are not followed.
Prizes will be awarded for fastest car, best drawings, overall (drawings and race), and best in show.
Additional prizes for other categories may be awarded at the discretion of the EGDT department. These
are determined by the judges and are independent of other scores.
DEDUCTIONS & DISQUALIFICATION
DEDUCTIONS - The following are grounds for deduction of points from total scores:
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Drawings out of order or missing from document packets
Failure to follow proper basic drafting principles for line quality, projection, dimensioning, etc.
Failure to follow instructions from this document or as given by EGDT department.
DISQUALIFICATION - The following are grounds for disqualification from racing or winning awards:
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No contestant number visible on car and/or drawings
Any means of propulsion other than gravity. Cars must free-wheel
Lack of internal weight compartment
Using external weights
Using a car made or raced in a previous year or made by someone else
Exceeding size, shape, or weight limits
Not using standard wheels, axles, and hubcaps; or not using them as intended
Wet or tacky paint on race day
Incorporating anything lewd, suggestive, or pornographic, or anything copyrighted or otherwise
inappropriate into models or drawings
Failure to follow instructions from this document or as given by EGDT department.
Failure to respect UVU facilities and faculty, i.e. engaging in vandalism, littering, horseplay, etc.
HELPFUL HINTS
Experience shows that some “best practices” increase chances of success and help avoid mistakes and
mishaps. The following items are offered for the consideration of all instructors and contestants.
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Both instructors and contestants should read these rules and guidelines thoroughly before
modeling cars and consult them during and after the process.
Decide as early as possible who will compete.
Remember that modeling, printing, assembling, painting, and creating drawings all take time.
Plan accordingly.
Car weight should be as close to five ounces as possible without going over to maximize speed.
Weight should be easily added or removed in small increments, such as BBs or coins, to make it
adjustable. Cars should be near final weight before coming to the race and need little or no
adjustment at official weigh-in. EGDT is under no obligation to supply weights at the race.
Cars should be finished well before race day so they can be altered, if necessary, and so that
paint can dry thoroughly before racing.
All car dimensions should be double checked and verified by instructors to avoid disqualification.
No-go boxes may be printed and used at high schools to ensure that car size/shape limits
conform to regulations. Remember that layers of paint can affect overall car size and weight.
5
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Drawing dimensions, views, projection, etc. should conform to ANSI Y14.5 standards.
Dimensions must be rounded to two decimal places unless otherwise required for tight tolerances
or limits, should not have leading zeroes, and should reflect specifications for arrowheads,
extensions, gaps, line weights, etc.
Cars should have “noses” that provide bearing surfaces for starting gates.
The track’s vertical curve, where it transitions from sloping to level, has a radius of approximately
46”. Designs should allow the front (angle of approach) and rear (angle of departure) of cars to
clear the track as they traverse the radius from the initial slope to the level straightaway.
If using silicone spray lubricant, do NOT allow it to touch ABS plastic car bodies. Silicone (or its
spray propellant) and ABS build material are not chemically compatible, and damage to the car
will result. Silicone will not damage axles or wheels.
Cars may be one-piece parts or assemblies of many parts. Documents must be submitted and
judged, and drawing sets that are most detailed and complete and best adhere to proper
standards will receive the highest marks. Again, every car should at least have two parts, a body
and a weight compartment door of some type (see appendices D and F). Clearance must be
provided between close fitting parts. Allow .005” or more per side between parts for
assembly/disassembly.
Maximum assembled and finished car size is 3” wide X 3” tall X 7” long. Cars may be smaller as
long as they accommodate the track profile. Smaller cars can be just as fast as larger ones.
There is no need to design cars to maximum allowable size.
Use large openings to access weight compartments so weight can be adjusted easily. Small
orifices, tubes, etc. are cumbersome, as they require weight to be changed in small increments.
Cars should not incorporate very thin sections or very acute angles. These features will break off
or be damaged. For example, if a car is designed with windows, it may be better to engrave or
recess them than to remove them completely, leaving only thin supports between them.
Car base width between wheels should not exceed 1.70 inches (1.65 is better) to ensure that
wheels, after being assembled with axles and hubs, can still turn freely against the car body (see
appendix B). Bases that are too wide interfere with wheels after hubcaps are installed.
Recommended axle hole diameter is 0.10 inch. This allows axles to slide into holes while
providing a slight interference to keep them in place.
Study dimensions of axles and wheels carefully. Wheels must turn freely to race properly.
Powder lubricants are messy. They will quickly soil cars and the track. Use them sparingly.
Liquid lubricants are BAD. They collect dust and debris, and ultimately slow cars down. They
are not allowed (see requirement #9).
Weight compartments should have sufficient volume to hold necessary weight. If using BBs,
compartments should have a minimum volume of 1.0 cubic inch. Other types of weight may
require other compartment volumes. Undersized compartments are BAD. Oversized are OK.
BBs allow for adding weight in small increments to closely approach the five ounce limit.
EGDT uses Citizen model CT1200 scales for race weigh-in, purchased from Old Will Knott
Scales, costing approximately $180 each. They are high accuracy instruments capable of
measuring to the nearest .005 oz. You are encouraged to purchase a similar scale for pre-race
weighing, or cars can be brought to the EGDT department prior to race day for preliminary
weighing. All cars, whether previously weighed or not, will be officially weighed immediately
before racing. Make sure cars are near final weight before coming to race.
Bring your own weights! EGDT is not responsible to provide weight. Weights must be stored
and handled properly.
Dimensions shown in figures herein are not controlled by EGDT and may vary by unknown
amounts. Allow clearance where appropriate to avoid conflicts between car body and other parts.
Designing cars that are “strange” or “different” is encouraged, but all design constraints listed
herein still apply.
6
HIGH SCHOOL INSTRUCTOR RECOMMENDATIONS
High school instructors can be valuable resources to derby contestants. The 3D Derby serves to promote
and strengthen high school programs and high school/university relations. It is recommended that high
school teachers be involved in their contestants’ derby experience as much as possible. Here are a few
ways that teachers can help student competitors:
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Build a car. This helps the teacher explore the program and makes it easier to help students.
Encourage sketching and brainstorming. Students should explore what they want the car to
look like, then find ways to make the program work to create that concept. This encourages
exploration of deeper program functions and promotes learning. Determining the car design by
forcing it to conform to functions one already knows is not an effective way to learn new skills.
Make sure contestants know how to configure your 3D modeling program (Inventor, Solidworks,
etc.) so drawings exhibit good quality and adhere to ANSI drafting standards.
Provide oversight. Become involved with contestants and provide helpful criticism and
information. Check their progress regularly and often. Help students set goals and establish
milestones, and understand that design, modeling, assembly, painting, and producing drawings
all take time. Procrastination always results in an inferior product in the end. Review this
document and any updates with them. Review ANSI drafting standards and teach appropriate
dimensioning techniques. Make sure the correct drawing format is specified before drawings are
created. Make sure each contestant uses a copy of the appendix G checklist.
Ensure contestants do their own work. Each model should reflect the ability and creativity of
the designer. Help may be given, but each contestant should “own” his/her own work.
Check designs and drawings. Problems with weight, size, or other factors that manifest on
race day can be minimized by instructors who regularly check students’ progress. Instructors
should be familiar with all rules and recommendations and ensure that students know them also.
This will reduce or eliminate deductions and disqualifications and provide a better experience for
all involved. EGDT is not responsible for checking designs or fixing flaws. Also, check
drawings for dimension format, projection, line weights, etc. to ensure the best possible quality.
Communicate with EGDT when questions arise (after reading this document.)
Encourage experimentation. Print mock car bases to test car/wheel/axle assemblies. Promote
a paradigm of self checking and developing one’s own best practices and optimal design ideas.
School programs may also develop their own best practices over time.
Display cars and trophies in high school drafting departments and trophy cases.
Discuss race day etiquette. Make sure contestants know how to behave while at UVU. In the
past, there have been problems with litter, BBs and drink bottles strewn about, throwing things,
playing tag, wandering off, and not following instructions. EGDT faculty don’t enjoy dealing with
behavior problems or staying late to clean up others’ messes. Contestants are visitors and
should act like adults and clean up after themselves. Please see last disqualification item above.
Discourage procrastination. Problems cannot be solved if cars are finished “at the last minute”.
7
APPENDIX A – WHEEL/AXLE/HUB DETAILS
8
APPENDIX B – CAR BASE DATA
UNDERCUT FOR EASE
OF REMOVAL OF
SUPPORT MATERIAL
FROM AXLE HOLES
9
APPENDIX C – CAR INSPECTION BOX & TRACK DETAIL
All cars qualify for judging and racing by meeting size, shape, and weight requirements. Size and shape
are verified by placing the car in a “no-go” inspection box. Box details are shown below.
Box model files are available from
EGDT, in .STL format, at no cost for
all interested high school programs.
Boxes are available for sale from
EGDT at a cost of $175.00 each. It
is recommended that all participating
high schools print or obtain their own
inspection boxes and scales to verify
car eligibility before coming to the
race. Boxes should be printed lying
sideways with hinge holes oriented
vertically for best results.
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APPENDIX D – WEIGHT COMPARTMENTS
Every car is required to have an internal weight compartment. It should have a volume of at least 1.00
cubic inch, but the size may vary depending on the type of weight used, including BBs, pinewood derby
lead weights, fishing weights, tungsten plugs, coins, etc. The weight compartment must have a door that
allows for weight to be added or removed quickly without tools. Some examples of weight compartments
and doors are shown here:
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APPENDIX E – PREVIOUS CAR DESIGNS
Previous car designs are included here for reference only. Note that cars manufactured or raced in
previous years or copied from previous designs will be disqualified.
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APPENDIX F – SAMPLE DRAWINGS
Make every effort to produce accurate, complete, high quality, ANSI compliant drawings of car bodies and
parts. Correct projection, use of auxiliary views, sections, details, etc., enhances drawings. Three A or B
size documents are required; rendering, car body detail, and weight compartment door detail. The
following are samples provided for reference.
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APPENDIX G – CHECKLISTS
The following checklists are provided for your convenience in preparing to compete in the derby. They
are not intended to be comprehensive, and do not eliminate the need to comply with requirements listed
in this document.
CAR CHECKLIST
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Car size within limits – 7” Long X 3” Wide X 3” Tall Max.
Finished car weight ≤ 5 ounces
Design accommodates standard wheels, axles, and hubcaps (see appendices A and B)
Weight compartment with secure-fitting door included (see appendix D)
Axle channels undercut (see appendix B)
Dry paint
Embossed/engraved or lettered contestant number large enough and positioned correctly so
as to be viewable from the front of the car from a distance of several feet away
Conforms to track cross-section shape and vertical curve (see “Car Requirements” section and
appendices B and C)
Proper lubrication used (see “Car Requirements” section)
No contestant or school name on car
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST
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One A or B size marketing rendering
One or more A or B size car body detail drawing
One or more A or B size weight compartment door detail drawing
Drawings properly stapled in correct order (see “DOCUMENTS” section)
Assigned contestant number shown CLEARLY on all documents
Dimensions per ANSI Y14.5 standard (see appendix F)
Drawings submitted on or before deadline
No school or personal information on drawings
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