2.1.2 - Stage 1E (Subsystem Workflow)

2.1.2 - Stage 1E (Subsystem Workflow)

Objective: Detail your Swerve Drivebase by modeling a custom battery mount, placing electronics, pocketing the bellypan for weight reduction, and designing competition bumpers.

Note

📋 Prerequisites: Before You Start Ensure you have successfully completed and received mentor sign-off for the following modules:

• 2.1.1 - Stage 1D (Design Methodology)

  Danger

  STOP

If you have not completed the modules above, you do not have the required safety or technical clearance to begin this task.

:::

In the previous section, you learned the Top-Down Design workflow and built the structural frame of a swerve drivebase. But a frame isn’t a robot until it has electronics and bumpers!

In Stage 1E, you will practice the “detailing” phase of the workflow—turning a structural skeleton into a competition-ready machine.

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🛠️ Step 1: Open Your Detailing Workbench

This module requires the drivebase assembly you built in Stage 1D. You must work within the official classroom document to access the electronics libraries and bumper templates needed for these exercises.

1. Enter the Classroom: Click the button below to open the Stage 1E Workbench.
2. Access Your Document: Launch your specific project document. This is the same environment where you will integrate your battery mount, electronics layout, and bumper assemblies.

Enter Stage 1E Workbench :material-hammer-wrench-outline:

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🚦 Step 2: Complete the Detailing Exercises

Now that your workbench is open, work through the sections below in order. Read the theory sections carefully—FRC has very strict legal rules regarding battery mounting and bumper dimensions!

Tip

Navigating the Course All links below will open in a new browser tab so you don’t lose your place on this page!

• Part 1: Overview & Battery Mounting Understand the final detailing workflow and model a secure holder for the 12V battery.

  • Read: Intro & Workflow :material-open-in-new:
  • Read: Battery Theory :material-open-in-new:
  • Go to Exercise 1: Battery Holder :material-open-in-new:

• Part 2: Electronics Layout Learn how to organize the roboRIO, PDH, and motor controllers on your bellypan.

  • Read: Electronics Theory :material-open-in-new:
  • Go to Exercise 2: Mounting Electronics :material-open-in-new:

• Part 3: Bellypan Pocketing Learn the “Isogrid” technique to reduce weight without sacrificing strength.

  • Go to Exercise 3: Bellypan Pocketing :material-open-in-new:

• Part 4: Bumper Design & Mounting Design the wood backing, pool noodles, and the critical mounting hardware.

  • Go to Exercise 4: Bumpers :material-open-in-new:
  • Go to Exercise 5: Bumper Mounting :material-open-in-new:

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✅ Step 3: The Return Checklist

Welcome back! Verify that your drivebase meets these competition-ready CAD standards:

• The battery mount is secure enough to prevent the battery from falling out during a tip-over.
• All electronics are imported from MKCAD and fastened to the bellypan.
• Pocketing exists to save weight, but solid material remains under all electronics mounting holes.
• Bumpers follow standard FRC rules (3/4” plywood, 2.5” noodles, and secure mounting pins).

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📸 Step 4: Final Submission

To finalize your advanced CAD training:

1. Submit in Onshape: Click the Submit button inside the Onshape Classroom interface.
2. Final Review: Notify a CAD mentor. They will perform a full-robot design review, checking for interference between your electronics and your battery mount.

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🎉 Module Complete! You have successfully completed the Advanced CAD guided tutorials! Now it is time to put everything you’ve learned to the test in your final Skill Check.