Exciting engineering challenges with great prizes

Show off your skills and solve real design problems

Skateable art or obstacle for American Ramp Company

Come up with a new skateable art or an obstacle an win an Archos 7 Tablet. ARC is looking for new designs for obstacles to use in their skateparks all around the world. Be creative, don't hold back. They need new ideas and skaters need new obstacles to pull more crazier and cooler tricks.

The challenge is to design and engineer an obstacle for skateboarders to use for stunts and tricks. The obstacle should look funky and give give boarders variety of possibilities to pull different tricks.

Currently the most popular obstacles are tables, benches and different concrete boxes. But you can come up with totally new design / obstacle. Feel free to go crazy shape and construction wise. Don't go too crazy size wise as the obstacle should be a part of a skatepark not an skatepark itself.

If creativity is not your strongest skill then don't worry they have an engineering problem that needs solving as well. ARC wants to install a halfpipe on a sloped, grassy area. But they need ideas on how to anchor it into ground with adjustable supports. Goal is to install a halfpipe from a kit in one day. Solve this on and you could be a winner too!

That's it, that's all. Get modeling!

Requirements

  • There are no hard requirements, besides the materials used for the obstacle. Be creative and show what you can come up with.

  • Obstacle should be possible to disassemble for shipping

  • 3/8 and 1/2 hardware are used to assemble the obstacles.
    Light welding may be done to assemble on site.

  • Steel materials to use: Laser cut steel (and stainless) ranging from 7ga-10ga. Also 1/4 and 3/8 may be used as well. 2x2, 2x3 and 2x6 tubing , mostly 11 ga. as well as 2" schedule 40 pipe.

  • Composite materials to use: The benches and table also use composite lumber that is 1.5"x 2" . 1/4 composite sheeting material (Ramp Armor) can be used as a finish surface not structural. Starlight XL panels, a marine grade structural panel can also be used.

  • Concrete: ARC has a batch plant on site and can build mold to pour 9000 psi concrete.

Rules

  • Winning design will be chosen based on the awesomeness, creativity and ride-ability with skateboard

  • The competition is open to everyone

  • Team entries are welcome. In case of team win, prize money will be transferred to team leader who is solely responsible for splitting it among team members

  • You can submit several designs

  • Only models uploaded to GrabCAD library will participate in the competition

  • Only models uploaded through this challenge page here will participate in the competition

  • Tag your model with “arc” to make it easier to find.

  • You may upload a private model but you need to share access to indrek@grabcad.com

  • Privately uploaded models will be made public after the competition deadline

  • Models can be done in any CAD software as long as a STEP or IGES files are also uploaded

  • Competition starts: 22rd of August, 2011

  • Competition ends: 4th of September, 2011

  • Competition winner will be announced in GrabCAD’s blog no later than 11th of September

About the jury?

Most creative design will be chosen by American Ramp Company with little help from GrabCAD

About American Ramp Company

American Ramp Company is the world's largest skatepark provider. They have built more than 1,400 parks worldwide and are the only skatepark company that offers every build option: precast and poured-in-place concrete, steel, wood, composite, and fiberglass. American Ramp Company is the result of one skateboarder’s dream to do what he loved. From humble beginnings as the son of a missionary living in Southeast Asia, ARC founder and president, Nathan Bemo was always looking for a place to skateboard, and if he could not find a place, he made a place.

53 comments

  • Cemal Uslu

    Cemal Uslu over 12 years ago

    whoaa do not slow down fellows :))

    Cemal Uslu has uploaded 44 CAD models & has left 321 comments.
  • Hardi Meybaum

    Hardi Meybaum over 12 years ago

    you don't let us

    Hardi Meybaum has uploaded 6 CAD models & has left 771 comments.
  • Robert Harvey BSc (Hons)

    Robert Harvey BSc (Hons) over 12 years ago

    OO interesting!

    Robert Harvey BSc (Hons) has uploaded 48 CAD models & has left 464 comments.
  • Cemal Uslu

    Cemal Uslu over 12 years ago

    Can you give metric norms/requirements too..

    Cemal Uslu has uploaded 44 CAD models & has left 321 comments.
  • Indrek Narusk

    Indrek Narusk over 12 years ago

    Please do use US dimensions as these are the actual profiles and hardware they are using today.

    Indrek Narusk has uploaded 76 CAD models & has left 138 comments.
  • ALI ALDUBAISI

    ALI ALDUBAISI over 12 years ago

    you mean English units?

    ALI ALDUBAISI has uploaded 47 CAD models & has left 692 comments.
  • Indrek Narusk

    Indrek Narusk over 12 years ago

    Yes, inches it is.

    Indrek Narusk has uploaded 76 CAD models & has left 138 comments.
  • D

    D over 12 years ago

    hahaha Im in!!

    D has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 162 comments.
  • Ryan LaPlante

    Ryan LaPlante over 12 years ago

    I am going to submit one a day, loving this!!

    Ryan LaPlante has uploaded 23 CAD models & has left 54 comments.
  • Indrek Narusk

    Indrek Narusk over 12 years ago

    Little update on the prizes. 5 top finalists will receive extra 100 USD.

    Indrek Narusk has uploaded 76 CAD models & has left 138 comments.
  • Joe Birner

    Joe Birner over 12 years ago

    Awesome entries so far. Amazing what
    shows up with an outside point of view.

    Joe Birner has uploaded 3 CAD models & has left 40 comments.
  • Doug Davey

    Doug Davey over 12 years ago

    Looking interesting ..... Please can the give us a picter of their halfpipe and a view of the underside so we can understand their construction.

    Doug Davey has uploaded 44 CAD models & has left 354 comments.
  • Manolis Theofilos

    Manolis Theofilos over 12 years ago

    Yes Doug is right. We need some info about the halfpipe and the area that needs to be installed.

    Manolis Theofilos has uploaded 85 CAD models & has left 528 comments.
  • Doug Davey

    Doug Davey over 12 years ago

    Please can we get info

    Doug Davey has uploaded 44 CAD models & has left 354 comments.
  • Doug Davey

    Doug Davey over 12 years ago

    Please please

    Doug Davey has uploaded 44 CAD models & has left 354 comments.
  • Joe Birner

    Joe Birner over 12 years ago

    sorry, guys, I diddnt check these comment. I will send them shortly

    Joe Birner has uploaded 3 CAD models & has left 40 comments.
  • Joe Birner

    Joe Birner over 12 years ago

    Joe Birner has uploaded 3 CAD models & has left 40 comments.
  • Indrek Narusk

    Indrek Narusk over 12 years ago

    We just added some images of the ramp.

    Indrek Narusk has uploaded 76 CAD models & has left 138 comments.
  • Doug Davey

    Doug Davey over 12 years ago

    Sorry what slope angle are they wanting or rang of angles?

    Doug Davey has uploaded 44 CAD models & has left 354 comments.
  • Joe Birner

    Joe Birner over 12 years ago

    There is a 1:1 dxf of the bottom available at the previously given link.

    Joe Birner has uploaded 3 CAD models & has left 40 comments.
  • Doug Davey

    Doug Davey over 12 years ago

    Sorry, Maybe I did not express myself correctly. The aim is to erect the halfpipe on a sloppy area. I just want to know what the max slope will be

    Doug Davey has uploaded 44 CAD models & has left 354 comments.
  • Joe Birner

    Joe Birner over 12 years ago

    I dont know, ithas just been a concept that we have talked about several times. Probably about a 10-15 degree slope. If it worked well then it probably would be done as another option to do more agressive slopes if needed.

    Joe Birner has uploaded 3 CAD models & has left 40 comments.
  • Joe Birner

    Joe Birner over 12 years ago

    STL file of the half pipe upleaded to the link above.

    Joe Birner has uploaded 3 CAD models & has left 40 comments.
  • Doug Davey

    Doug Davey over 12 years ago

    Hi Joe
    If we look at the halfpipe, it is a very long system and I can understand why a level ground area is needed. To erect in on a slope brings up a number of questions and problems not least of which is at 358 feet and 10 degrees slop you have a rise of 63 feet at the far end. So any solution would be a rather large construction. I know it can be modularized but things like assess would need to be look at and heaven forbid should a rider miss:- 63 feet is not just a …………. So over and above all the rest of the problems that would be involved, is it really a feasible idea? It might be more feasible to look at the present construction to allow for such a slope, plus railings, access and every thing else that would go with such a design.

    Doug Davey has uploaded 44 CAD models & has left 354 comments.
  • Doug Davey

    Doug Davey over 12 years ago

    Yes I understand that it may be placed side on to the slope but still it would have a 16 foot drop and still major construction. I don’t think this competition has allowed enough time or ……….

    Doug Davey has uploaded 44 CAD models & has left 354 comments.
  • Doug Davey

    Doug Davey over 12 years ago

    Please advise us, …. as to your view point

    Doug Davey has uploaded 44 CAD models & has left 354 comments.
  • Joe Birner

    Joe Birner over 12 years ago

    Well Doug I dont know how to say this but, INCHES not feet. The whole half pipe is only 30 Feet long from end to end. LOL.

    Joe Birner has uploaded 3 CAD models & has left 40 comments.
  • Doug Davey

    Doug Davey over 12 years ago

    Ok ........ where does one hide ones head in GrabCad ........he he

    Doug Davey has uploaded 44 CAD models & has left 354 comments.
  • Doug Davey

    Doug Davey over 12 years ago

    OK now .... That does change thing but still in length that’s a 5 foot drop at 10 degrees. You seem to have the centre reliant on the level floor. So do you believe that what you would like to see is a framework that could be erected that would give you a level area to then erect the halfpipe?

    Doug Davey has uploaded 44 CAD models & has left 354 comments.
  • Doug Davey

    Doug Davey over 12 years ago

    And in my defense …. It’s been a long time since I work with feet and inches.

    Doug Davey has uploaded 44 CAD models & has left 354 comments.
  • Joe Birner

    Joe Birner over 12 years ago

    thats, fine. It may not have to be a Solid platform to hold the half pipe, but maybe a adjustable Frame that the Platform bases would sit on.

    Alternate method would be a (post system) that would adjust a tube frame to a level height reguardless of the ground underneath.

    Joe Birner has uploaded 3 CAD models & has left 40 comments.
  • Joe Birner

    Joe Birner over 12 years ago

    I realy like how some of these incorporate multiple options into the same piece, or obstacle. Our customers are like everyone else. They Like more bank for their buck. More than one way of using the same thing.

    Joe Birner has uploaded 3 CAD models & has left 40 comments.
  • Joe Birner

    Joe Birner over 12 years ago

    I am hoping to see come concepts for the ramp leveling/ lifting system.

    Joe Birner has uploaded 3 CAD models & has left 40 comments.
  • Neil Reed

    Neil Reed over 12 years ago

    I noticed this after uploading my modles to my library as public and tagged "arc".

    Only models uploaded through this challenge page here will participate in the competition

    So am I ok or do they have to be re uploaded though this page? (they do show up in the entries page...but just want to be sure :-)

    thx and please respond I am off on vacation soon.....

    Neil Reed has uploaded 16 CAD models & has left 47 comments.
  • Indrek Narusk

    Indrek Narusk over 12 years ago

    You should upload through the challenge page. But don't worry, we'll make sure all your tagged files will participate in the challenge.

    Indrek Narusk has uploaded 76 CAD models & has left 138 comments.
  • Doug Davey

    Doug Davey over 12 years ago

    Hi Joe

    ? … when the halfpipe is set up … is it set up on a temporary basis or permanent?
    Boy I do not think there is enough time to get this one done ….. that’s if I am looking at it from the right angle or viewpoint.

    Doug Davey has uploaded 44 CAD models & has left 354 comments.
  • Joe Birner

    Joe Birner over 12 years ago

    Probably permanent. Like I had told someone else. I see this as having more concetual type entries due to the variance of products. I had told someone else that with all the variables, theres no way to cover ALL of them in this time frame. However Design intent counts for a lot i would think.

    Joe Birner has uploaded 3 CAD models & has left 40 comments.
  • Doug Davey

    Doug Davey over 12 years ago

    Sorry Joe ….. I have done a bit of work on the idea but am not every going to get even close in the time allowed …… so for now I am out.
    Catch your next one.
    Dislike having to give up …!!!

    Doug Davey has uploaded 44 CAD models & has left 354 comments.
  • Terry

    Terry over 12 years ago

    I cannot find anywhere to post my model through the contest page, I have uploaded and tagged it and am very sorry about that :(
    arc skate bench

    Terry has uploaded 1 CAD models & has left 2 comments.
  • Russell Donovan

    Russell Donovan over 12 years ago

    I also couldn't post my model through the contest page, so I have uploaded it and tagged it.

    Russell Donovan has uploaded 38 CAD models & has left 18 comments.
  • Joe Birner

    Joe Birner over 12 years ago

    ALL are very cool concepts and ideas. I had no idea we would have such the turnout. The talent that participated completly surprised me.

    Joe Birner has uploaded 3 CAD models & has left 40 comments.
  • Cemal Uslu

    Cemal Uslu over 12 years ago

    This is september 12th in İstanbul.. Hope the results will be announced when i wake up :))

    Cemal Uslu has uploaded 44 CAD models & has left 321 comments.
  • Shridharan

    Shridharan over 12 years ago

    When will be the results announced...............................................................................eagerly waiting fr it..!!

    Shridharan has uploaded 3 CAD models & has left 25 comments.
  • Robert Voogt

    Robert Voogt over 12 years ago

    Be patient my friends, I think that they underestimated the number of entries and need a little more time to pick the winners.

    Robert Voogt has uploaded 47 CAD models & has left 431 comments.
  • Alireza SKH

    Alireza SKH over 12 years ago

    wait wait wait wait ..............die die die die .................. no result no result no result

    Alireza SKH has uploaded 54 CAD models & has left 919 comments.
  • Shridharan

    Shridharan over 12 years ago

    Y t results r nt yet published....??? Any grabcad staffs pls answr fr tis.....

    Shridharan has uploaded 3 CAD models & has left 25 comments.
  • Buks

    Buks over 12 years ago

    Sept 13 ......... When can we expect the results to come out ?

    Buks has uploaded 9 CAD models & has left 10 comments.
  • Alfredo Gallozzi

    Alfredo Gallozzi over 12 years ago

    4th and 5th place???

    Alfredo Gallozzi has uploaded 17 CAD models & has left 56 comments.
  • Karco

    Karco over 12 years ago

    I agree with Aldolino:
    You said that there would be 5 awards in total...

    I thought understood another thing that I did not like much:
    You, GrabCad, do selection only a few?
    That is what happened with the "Saareyacths"? Because if so, I understand some things.

    Thanks for reading and I hope answers.
    A greeting.

    PD: In any case, congratulations to the winners ))

    Karco has uploaded 163 CAD models & has left 739 comments.
  • Kir Ari

    Kir Ari over 12 years ago

    Who do we congratulate for 4th and 5th???

    Kir Ari has uploaded 30 CAD models & has left 261 comments.
  • Adam Pohl (POHL3D)

    Adam Pohl (POHL3D) over 12 years ago

    Wait where are 1-3 announced?

    Adam Pohl (POHL3D) has uploaded 100 CAD models & has left 1220 comments.
  • Danny Tasmakis

    Danny Tasmakis over 12 years ago

    Adam, there is a 'Results' tab at the top of the page.

    Danny Tasmakis has uploaded 55 CAD models & has left 654 comments.
  • Adrian Molodet

    Adrian Molodet almost 12 years ago

    that ramp can kill people :) someone could get impaled in it..

    Adrian Molodet has uploaded 0 CAD models & has left 1 comments.
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