pic: team 1029 shifter
 

Re: pic: team 1029 shifter
 

alright, I've been staring at that all day and I am still baffled. Care to explain how it works? Or at least show another angle?

Re: pic: team 1029 shifter
 

It looks to me as if the oval shape is a came that moves the small wheel changing gears in the drive train. I’m not sure how correct I am but that’s what it looks like to me.

Re: pic: team 1029 shifter
 

it's rather simple device.

1. globe motor is activated, which spins ellipse until next limit switch is pressed
2. the ellipse pushed on the bearing which is connected to a slide, which pushes on the shaft on which the gear cluster is.
3.there are two sets of springs on each side (they can't be seen because they are in between the CIMs.)
4. one spring puts pressure on the gear cluster to put it in high speed (as seen above)
5. when the ellipse spins it overcomes the force of that spring. the other spring now contracts (putting pressure) on to the gear cluster until it "catches" and slides in to low gear.
6. the ellipse is able to be horizontal (with respect to the robot; for low speed) and the gear cluster not engaged, but is being pressured to do so.

this system allows for mechanical shifting without fear of jamming anywhere. in the strange highly unlikely situation that something goes wrong, the shifter will default into high speed.

i hope that answers your question.

Re: pic: team 1029 shifter
 

That is truly a thing of beauty my friend.