The pit lives primarily for 2 reasons:
to serve as the pit, where the robot is parked and repaired
to serve as a hub for the team, to perform outreach and marketing
Requirements/Considerations
all items brought must fit inside the pit (no items sprawling out)
there will (probably) be a table you can't remove
safe and effective working condition
items should be accessible
subteams should ideally store their items in a place where they won't run into each other as they do things in the pit
display of sponsors, other outreach/marketing items
Constraints:
dimensions
technically a 10'x10' space, but usually 9'x9', and sometimes 8'x8'; a good design will work in as small as 8'x8' but not be constraining in a 10'x10' space
nominal height limits set by venue, but usually ~10'
electrical power: there is usually a limit per team and a limit per 6 teams at district competitions
cannot daisy chain (power strip + power strip)
"What are all the things you need to bring to the pit?"
From that list, think about how might you most conveniently
store each item in the pit
access/display each item in the pit
transport each item
As with all iterative engineering, ask "How can we do better?"
Questions to Ask Yourself
What is the workflow of each match cycle? Will people bump into each other as they crowd around the same spot where batteries and bumpers are stored?
What if you get a corner spot? Are two sides open or just one?
What do you do with all the jackets and bags team members will bring?
What to do with stuff other teams give you?
Everyone who's in the pit should have something to do. Everyone who's there should understand what they're responsible for and when. For example,
Billy Joe Fisher : responsible for replacing the battery before each match
Ellen B. Evergales : in charge of pit operations; has the authority to kick out people who aren't doing anything if space is crowded
Alai Suetterl : performs checkup of robot immediately after each match
Dan R. Campbell : reads off items on the pre-match checklist and ensures each item is completed
For every match cycle, the robot will need to be examined. To ensure that all items are checked, you should really use a checklist of items to check.
Qualities of a Good Checklist
detailed and precise enough that someone else could take over if needed
broken up into individual tests of specific things
don't say "check all connections", but "tighten bolts on arm-shooter connection"
When you carry out the checklist, there should be at least 2 people. One person reads off each item from the checklist; the other actually performs each check. Ideally, a third person can double check each item's completion.
Practice setting up the pit, especially if it's complicated.
you can check you have all the parts/tools necessary
people can get a feel for how the pit will be run
Assign roles beforehand, make sure each person understands their role
?? ??
These are just the previously used items. There are definitely better solutions out there.
A 10 ft. long curved display structure with soft material backing (allows velcro attachment).
easy to attach anything with velcro
somewhat flexible in where it is placed
hollow space inside in which to hide things
single carrying case
large, unwieldy setup, esp. if not practiced beforehand
expansion of the inner frame can take a good bit of space
very tricky to assembly correctly (such that it stays assembled)
simple
wheels
extremely heavy (some places dangerous)
require a trailer (or similar) to transport
A 9 ft. cube made of 16 aluminum frame pieces and 16 pairs of fasteners.
simple
enables hanging of elements from any segment
separate and heavy parts
restricted to a 9' cube (some other configurations possible, see below)
It is possible to have a few other configurations of the frame besides a 9' cube, although they are still just as (or more) constraining.
remove one side
lower entire frame by 1/2 (and remove front side)
use only 3 sides (one corner)
A modular frame of PVC elements.
easily sourced, easily assembled
lightweight
looks much less professional