Using a "railgun launcher" or a long-travel solenoid

[Alfaa123]

Has anyone thought about this? Knowing FIRST, there is probably a rule that prevents you from drawing large amounts of current from the battery to build a sort of "electronic pneumatic launcher" but I haven't seen much about it at all.

Pneumatics seems to be the best option to get a quick, powerful pushing force, but I always like to talk about alternatives.


And also because saying you have a railgun on your robot would be pretty awesome.

[Botwoon]

I don't think FIRST has any rules about current draw. Your 120 amp breaker might have something to say, however.

[DonRotolo]

The rule of physics prevents you from drawing excessive current through that 120A breaker.

Do you think pneumatics are faster than, say, a big rubber band?

[Alfaa123]

Do you think pneumatics are faster than, say, a big rubber band?

Oh yea, that was another option that I forgot to mention.

You don't think that you can make an electromagnet powerful enough to get that ball AT LEAST as far as pneumatics can? And I'm genuinely wondering. I haven't actually seen a solenoid other than those for pnumatics.


Also, are there rules preventing you from stepping up the voltage and using a big capacitor to store for a pulse?

[Whippet]

Electrical solenoid actuators, no greater than 1 in. stroke and rated electrical input power no greater than 10 watts (W) continuous duty at 12 volts (VDC)
(Emphasis mine)
I think that this would be your biggest problem for that strategy.

[Knufire]

For electric solenoids, R29 (the list of allowed motors and actuators) states:

Electrical solenoid actuators, no greater than 1 in. stroke and rated electrical input power no greater than 10 watts (W) continuous duty at 12 volts (VDC) - Unlimited

For custom circuits, R40 states:
Any active electrical item not explicitly listed in R29 or R67 is considered a CUSTOM CIRCUIT. CUSTOM CIRCUITS may not produce voltages exceeding 24V when referenced to the negative terminal of the battery.

[Alfaa123]

(Emphasis mine)
I think that this would be your biggest problem for that strategy.

Yep. Looks like that's not going to be viable.. :(