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EV.4.10 Accumulator Hand Cart
EV.4.10.1 Teams must have a Hand Cart to transport their Accumulator Container(s)
CAD - UNCA 2023 Charging Cart
CAD - UNCA 2023 Charging Cart
This rule requires that a Hand Cart, which is generally a flat platform or a frame with wheels that includes handles for pushing or pulling, be used to transport the team's Accumulator Container(s).
For this purpose, it is important to ensure that the cart can handle the weight of the Container (often one of the heavier components of the vehicle), so consider aspects such as sizing, material properties, and durability. Another relevant point to consider is maneuverability. Using large, robust wheels that can handle various surfaces, including gravel, asphalt, and grass would be ideal. Swivel wheels might also enhance maneuverability. Outside of that, having a cart with adjustable or modular features can help accommodate different types of loads. Custom brackets or tie-down points can be added for securing parts.
In terms of 2023's Design, our charging cart was not completed in time for competition and ultimately went untested. We were advised that it is dangerous to charge cells in series if there aren't monitors in place for each individual cell. Supposedly, charging in parallel may mitigate this issue.
When transporting the Accumulator Container(s) around the competition site, it is mandatory to use the Hand Cart. This ensures that the containers are moved safely and efficiently, reducing the risk of damage or injury. The hand cart provides stability and ease of movement, making it the preferred method for transporting these essential components during the event.
An in-depth overview of the how to properly move Accumulator Cells and Segments at competition can be found in EV.11.4.2, but this rule is essentially saying that they must be either enclosed within a shut Accumulator Container, or Segment/Cell Transportation Container. EV.11.5.1 stipulates that Accumulators should be enclosed by the Accumulator Container when removed from the vehicle, and that charging should occur exclusively on the Accumulator Hand Cart.
Rules Reference - EV.11.4.2
Rules Reference - EV.11.4.2
EV.11.4.2 Accumulator cells and/or Accumulator Segment(s) must be moved at the competition site inside one of the two:
a. Completely closed Accumulator Container EV.4.3 See EV.4.10.2
b. Segment/Cell Transport Container EV.11.4.3
Rules Reference - EV.11.5.1
Rules Reference - EV.11.5.1
EV.11.5.1 Accumulators must be removed from the vehicle inside the Accumulator Container and placed on the Accumulator Container Hand Cart EV.4.10 for Charging.
EV.4.10.3 The Hand Cart must:
a. Be able to carry the load of the Accumulator Container(s) without tipping over
b. Contain a minimum of two wheels
c. Have a brake that must be:
Released only using a dead man type switch (where the brake is always on except when released by pushing and holding a handle) or by manually lifting part of the cart off the ground
Able to stop the Hand Cart with a fully loaded Accumulator Container
The moment produced by the Accumulator Container in its designated position on the cart should not be enough to cause tipping. Aside from the safety concerns of an Accumulator Container actually falling, a cart that tips easily is difficult to control, making it more challenging to navigate through the competition site.
Additionally, the cart must have at least two wheels (likely for redundancy and load distribution).
Finally, the cart must be equipped with either a dead-man type switch, or a mechanism releases the cart if lifted off of the ground. A dead man's brake is automatically engaged unless it is intentionally released by the operator, meaning that if the operator loses control or releases the brake handle, the brake will immediately engage to stop the movement of the equipment. Alternatively, if a cart is designed to be lifted, the brake would simply be the natural friction between the the ground and the designed bumpers, shown to the right. In either approach, the mechanism must be strong enough to prevent movement of the cart while it is bearing the full load of an Accumulator Container.
CAD - Dead Man's Brake
CAD - Dead Man's Brake
EV.4.10.4 Accumulator Container(s) must be securely attached to the Hand Cart
CAD - Bolted Connection
CAD - Bolted Connection
Secure attachment prevents the containers from shifting or falling during transport, reducing the risk of injury to individuals nearby. Accumulator containers may contain heavy or hazardous materials, so ensuring they are securely fastened minimizes the risk of accidents. To achieve secure attachment, various methods can be used, such as straps, clamps, or custom fixtures designed specifically for the hand cart and Accumulator Container(s).
In our case, the Accumulator Container was bolted to our Charging Cart.
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