Questions about elevator and R18
 

Hey guys,
Our team is looking into an elevator that only has to lift the totes 1 foot into the air, but must be strong enough to lift five totes at once (the totes will be stacked on top of the elevator via another non-elevator apparatus). We thought we might use a linear actuator (motor) but that might not work as they are expensive and do not often come in 12" lengths and still be DC 12 volts. So does anyone know of a good linear actuator (motor).

Secondly, if we were to use a chain and motor for a pulley, how would we connect the chain to the vertically sliding forklift? I'm sorry if this a simple rookie question, but we came in during Arial Assist and have no experience with elevators. So I am looking for the name of the part used to connect a chain to a metal channel.

My last question has to do with rule R18. What does it mean by a 1" stroke size for the solenoid actuator? Also do the mini-CIMs count towards the CIM limit? Thanks a ton for al of your help!

Re: Questions about elevator and R18
 

Stroke refers to the distance the solenoid moves. In other words, when actuated, it can only move up to 1".

Does the Mini CIM in your kit have one of the part numbers in the CIM section, or one of the part numbers in another section?

Re: Questions about elevator and R18
 

On the subject of linear actuators that can extend 12 inches, check this out:

http://dartactuators.com/

Re: Questions about elevator and R18
 

When is that set to be released?

Thanks for that clarification.

But I would really like to know how to connect a chain to an aluminum channel. Or is using fishing line connected to a sand paper pulley better?

Re: Questions about elevator and R18
 

http://www.andymark.com/SearchResults.asp?Search=dart

This makes it look like they released it but everything is out of stock. I'm not sure when that will change.

Re: Questions about elevator and R18
 

Why cant you use a pneumatic cylinder???

Do you need more than 2 positions? The linear actuators is a much more complicated item than a piston.

Re: Questions about elevator and R18
 

Mini-CIMs are counted separately in the rules. Review the list of motors in R18, only CIM motors have a capped quantity.

Re: Questions about elevator and R18
 

iR3 tweeted that they were packed and on their way to andymark

Re: Questions about elevator and R18
 

These are handy to use for #35 roller chain (ANSI roller chain attachment links )http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-roller-chain/=vdwo1x

Other teams have placed bolts through the chain links as well and attached them to brackets mounted to the elevator carriage.

Here is an excellent post that should give you an idea of what I think you are looking for:
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...84&postcount=8

Good luck with your elevator!

Re: Questions about elevator and R18
 

Thanks for all of your help.

Sorry saw that this morning, I am truly blind. Thanks for that save.

Sounds good, I came up with the idea of cutting a belt (like the one's used in the chassis drive train) and securing it to a hole in a sliding carriage which is in turn attached to a forklift. The idea came from a 3D printer and look something like this:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=-DBmbtBd6bg

Anyway, thanks for all of your help!