I strongly recommend that teams DO NOT follow that advice. This is not creativity, it is cheating.

See this thread.

-dave

I agree that this violates the rules. This would qualify as a custom pneumatic device and that is strictly prohibited. If you were joking, please don't abuse the forums and waste space. These forums are meant for technical discussion, not for misleading comments.

I agree however, that the tubing can be used as an accumulator, but I wouldn't recommend it because of the space it uses up.

Re: You dont need any tanks
 

Excellent, creative idea... but it's not legal. See rule M12 and the warning after this rule.

Andy B.

If you're that desperate for air storage use the extrra tube that came with the kit. Last year we figured out it had slightly more volume than one of the supplied reserviors and weighed slightly less. But we didn't have the volume in the robot to make it work.

Do it yourself pressure vessels (what Mr. Harbison was proposing) are a VERY BAD IDEA.

Engineering is the continual exercise of judgement. That includes judgement on when you are getting in over your head. I am a licensed mechanical engineer. In this state that means that I am legally qualified to design and build pressure vessels. BUT because that is not what I normally do, I would never attempt it.

I am just not familiar enough with the design methodology and safety standards to do a good enough job to ensure I don't kill somebody. If I'm over my head on something like this, chances are you are too.

Not only is it against the rules it is just plain STUPID. When you pull something like this you are playing with the eyes, limbs and maybe lives of everyone around the robot. You have created a potential bomb.

Pnuematic components are fabricatred to comply with strict codes to ensure they do not fail under designed use. If they should fail, something is likely to go flying at high velocity. Very few, if any teams have the expertise on board to design their own pnuematic elements in such a way as to conform to industry standards. That is why the use of self designed and constructed pnuematics is prohibited.

DON"T DO THIS

Have we made ourselves clear?

so two compressers are legal? If so that makes my life easier :)

NO. See in the kit of parts Pneumatic Section Compressor Qty 1 listed

thought it was a little too much to hope for....

Re: Number of cylinders
 

And in case anyone missed it, the answer from FIRST is:

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Posted By: first Posts: 168 / Registered: Dec, 2002

You must use the cylinder that was provided and you may get three more cylinders using the Custom Cylinder Order Form..
See the Part Use Flowchart.

36F

[Edited by: first on Jan 10, 2003 5:18 PM]

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Which is sorta strange. We MUST use the cylinder that was in the kit? What if we don't need that one?

Bruce C.

Re: Re: Number of cylinders
 

I agree it's sort of strange to REQUIRE using that cylinder, But you could always use it as an auxiliary accumulator. That is acceptable as long as the piston does not move and you do not modify it in any way. If it gives you enough extra volume that you don't have to recharge your system during a match then you could leave off the compressor and save weight too.

It would be acceptable as long as you only put 60psi in it. The pneumatics rules aren't very clear this year about what can be 120 and what has to be <60, but my guess is the only thing allowed upstream of the 60psi regulator is the compressor, pressure switch, gauges, tanks, and fittings.

The pneumatics manual states: "This regulator has a maximum output pressure of 60psi. This regulator must be
placed in-line right after the tanks to limit the pressure to all working circuits to 60psi."