Chief Delphi - Using other pneumatic tubing

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Using other pneumatic tubing

I cannot find anywhere in the robot rules, pneumatics manual, or the hints documents, a line that says we MUST use the tubing provided. They do make a point of specifying other items, but not the tubing. I'm not even sure if it's implied.

From an engineering standpoint, I understand the safety aspects of why they want the specific air tanks, safety valve, gauges, regulators, and cylinders. Having a higher diameter tubing to decrease air delivery time (not for more storage) would make sense from a system control standpoint.

I was wondering what the forum thought of using 3/8 OD pneumatic tubing instead of the 1/8 tubing supplied. I have a spool of the stuff available, it is COTS, and has a higher air handling capacity than the 1/8" provided.

I suppose my specific question is: Can we use 3/8" OD pneumatic tubing (COTS) along with associated 3/8" fittings from the McMaster Carr catalog so long as they interface properly with the Clippard air tanks, the FIRST supplied compressors, regulators, and the Bimba cylinders?

Looking forward to some opinions or enlightenment.

Regards,
Steve Rugoletti
srugoletti@timberlanehs.com
Timberlane High School, Team 350 Plaistow, NH

Re: Using other pneumatic tubing

Quote:

Originally Posted by FRC Manual 2007

<R106> The following pneumatics items may be added to the ROBOT:

Prior year FIRST Kit Of Parts pneumatic cylinders, solenoid valves, and pneumatic tubing may be used in addition to those items in the 2007 Kit Of Parts. Their costs must be accounted for explained in Section 8.3.4.3 Additional Parts - Cost Limits and Accounting.
A pressure transducer may be used as long as it is rated to the operating air pressure at its mounting point in the pneumatic system.
For the purposes of the FIRST competition, a device that creates a vacuum is not considered to be a pneumatic device and is allowed. This includes, but is not limited to, Venturi-type vacuum generators and off-the-shelf vacuum devices (as long as they are powered by one of the Kit-of-Parts motors).
For the purposes of the FIRST competition, closed-loop pneumatic (gas) shocks are not considered pneumatic devices, and are permitted additions to the ROBOT.
Additional pressure relief valves, as needed, as long as they are identical to those supplied in the Kit Of Parts (Parker Part Number PV609-2).
Additional 1/8 inch diameter pneumatic tubing functionally equivalent to that provided in the Kit Of Parts, with the pressure rating clearly factory-printed on the exterior of the tubing (note: alternate tubing colors are acceptable).

This rule lists all the acceptable pneumatics that may be added to the robot besides those in the kit. Note the last bullet - 1/8 inch diameter pneumatic tubing functionally equivalent to that provided in the Kit of Parts. Larger diameter tube is not allowed because it is not on this list.

Re: Using other pneumatic tubing

Thank you for the reply. I had read that and was hung up on the meaning of "functionally equivalent." I was wondering if the "functionally equivalent" applied to the "function of the part - as tubing" or as "function of the part - regarding performance." 3/8 will deliver more than twice the flow volume of 1/8, which would have been a real advantage in speed of cylinder deployment.

Thanks for the help in interpreting the rule!

Steve Rugoletti
co-advisor
Team 350
Timberlane High School, Plaistow, NH

Re: Using other pneumatic tubing

Im not sure, about the pneumatic tubing your talking about i will have to look into it.