Simple way to plug pressure lines?
 

Hi I have 4 places where I want to plug the default pressure-out port on a Festo solenoid.

I'm only using the solenoid to charge or vent one side or a cylinder, and in the normal (released) position of the festo, it's in the "vent" configuration (by design) , which means that I need to plug the #2 port to prevent losing all my air.

When I activate the solenoid, it applies pressure to the cylinder via port 4.

It seems silly, but I can't concoct an easy way to "plug" the #2 port.

The only thing I can think of (using KOP components) is to run the port to a T connector and then jumper the two other openning to themselves.

Is there a simple way I'm missing?

Re: Simple way to plug pressure lines?
 

I think you'd be hard-pressed to find an easier way to do that with stuff from the KoP. One thing worth trying is using one of the flow control elbows with the knob tightened down all the way, but I'm not certain that that will actually give you zero flow. In any case, if you want to kludge it together for now, and then make it a little more elegant at the competition, take a look at McMaster part number 51055K429.

Re: Simple way to plug pressure lines?
 

simply kink a short hose and tie it with a tie wrap and bingo.

Re: Simple way to plug pressure lines?
 

You could do it with one of the brass T-, two brass plugs and a hose fitting, all from the KOP.

Re: Simple way to plug pressure lines?
 

I would recommend the t-junction method over this one. It doesn't sound very reliable. It probably wouldn't impress inspectors either.

Re: Simple way to plug pressure lines?
 

We got some 1/8" pipe caps (brass) at the hardware store, and screwed the straight tube to threaded adapters into them to accomplish this. The caps don't cost much and are easy to find.

As far as I can tell this is allowed by the rules.

If we have any trouble at inspection, we'll go back to the looped Ts....

Re: Simple way to plug pressure lines?
 

Never had it fail or not pass inspection. I will admit the other method would be prettier.

Re: Simple way to plug pressure lines?
 

Thanks...

Yeah, we thought of the flow controls. It turns out that these won't actually go all the way closed....

Phil.

Re: Simple way to plug pressure lines?
 

My team has done the brass T fitting before , but if weight is a major major issue ( we cut 2 brass "t"s and a few plugs to drop a lil weight) you can use a plastic t fitting and use a tube from the KOP and run the tube from one end to the other end, make sure the tube is cut well when you do this.

just my $.02

Re: Simple way to plug pressure lines?
 

This works great, and it's a lot lighter than using the brass fittings if it is going to be on an inspected robot.

Re: Simple way to plug pressure lines?
 

The fastest, lightest, and easiest way is the kinked tube, as IndySam described. Once it's folded over, and the ziptie is tightened, you will never leak air through that port again - it works great. It's also definitely legal.

Re: Simple way to plug pressure lines?
 

McMaster Part # 51055K429

Moisture-Resistant Acetal Push-to-Connect Cap for 1/4" Tube OD, Gray

In stock at $1.41 Each


or search for "Push-to-Connect Tube Fitting Cap"

Re: Simple way to plug pressure lines?
 

Man, that sounds kinda familiar. ;)

Re: Simple way to plug pressure lines?
 

Sorry dude... It was kinda buried in your post. No one else really took note of that either. By far the simplest solution mentioned.

Re: Simple way to plug pressure lines?
 

you said you're using festo valves? If my memory is correct, they have built-in push to connect fittings?

We have some plastic plugs from SMC that are designed to go into a push to connect port and plug it. They're basically a special plastic version of pneumatic tube - specifically; without the hole in the middle.

SMC Push To Connect Port Plug

[ .02 $ ] Fewer push-to-connect[ions] on the robot means less air leakage - they don't leak much, but they all do slowly leak. Connecting a hose, and then a cap, is two connections, versus a plug, which is only one. [ / .02 $ ]