Chief Delphi - Clutches

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yarudl

08-01-2013 22:15

Clutches

Are electro-mechanical clutches allowed? I've read the rules through and I've seen nothing that specifically prohibits them and I was wondering if they would be disallowed seeing as they involve an electro-magnet. If anyone has any insight into this I would be very grateful, thanks!!

MrTechCenter

08-01-2013 22:45

Re: Clutches

I don't believe electro-magnets are allowed, because any bot on the pyramid at the end of a match has to be turned off before it is lowered. If it is turned off, the electro-magnet loses power and the bot will fall.

dcarr

08-01-2013 22:53

Re: Clutches

Quote:

Originally Posted by yarudl (Post 1211102)

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrTechCenter (Post 1211126)

I don't think we are talking about the same thing here...

slijin

08-01-2013 23:12

Re: Clutches

Because the relevant rule's phrasing is not concrete, this is open to interpretation, but I expect the answer to be no, as in the past, if something does not clearly fall into one of the listed categories, it is illegal.

Quote:

R32 The only motors and actuators permitted on 2013 FRC ROBOTS include the following:

PAR_WIG1350

08-01-2013 23:17

Re: Clutches

This is a good question for Q&A when it opens. The following might be relevant:

R32 allows for the use of

Quote:

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)

in an unlimited quantity. if the GDC decides that electromagnetic clutches are allowed, they will likely need to fit this description.

Tristan Lall

08-01-2013 23:46

Re: Clutches

Quote:

Originally Posted by PAR_WIG1350 (Post 1211155)

if the GDC decides that electromagnetic clutches are allowed, they will likely need to fit this description.

It's also important to note that while some electromagnetic clutches contain solenoids, not all do. (Also, the definition of solenoid is itself open to some interpretation. I'd recommend also asking the GDC to define an electrical solenoid actuator, noting that the definition of a solenoid varies in different areas of engineering and scientific practice.)

Even though it's probably fair to say that a clutch is an actuator, electromagnets not used as actuators are not prohibited.

MrTechCenter

09-01-2013 00:22

Re: Clutches

Quote:

Originally Posted by dcarr (Post 1211135)

I don't think we are talking about the same thing here...

Oh whoops! I saw "electromagnet" and just went straight to that. Thanks for the clarification.

mlantry

25-01-2013 20:17

Re: Clutches

could someone maybe shed some light on clutches that would be legal for use in FRC that you know of and where to buy said clutch?

pmangels17

25-01-2013 23:45

Re: Clutches

Quote:

Originally Posted by mlantry (Post 1221915)

could someone maybe shed some light on clutches that would be legal for use in FRC that you know of and where to buy said clutch?

Dog gear clutches are legal. They are also relatively simple to use, and available on AM. Additionally, you can power them in a number of ways, including pancake cylinders, regular cylinders, servos, or window motors, all with properly designed (or purchased) linkages. The window motors are a bit abstract, but if you don't want pneumatics, they are more reliable than servos. Also, they look cool, and can shift multiple dogs at one time.

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