adjustable pressure regulator
 

We're planning to have maybe three kicking distances using pnuematic pistons and a level kicker. We would like to vary the kick power using a adjustable pressure regulator.

The plan would be to set the master regulator to 60psi and the downstream regulator would be for adjustment for the kicker. Has anyone done this before? I was thinking to get another regulator and attach it to one of those window motors with an encoder to monitor the position of the knob. However this seems way to complicated. I would like to find a simpler way.

Thanks for your time!

Re: adjustable pressure regulator
 

windell,
That is exactly how teams have adjusted downstream pressure in the past. It is not a great way to do it but it does work. You might want to investigate using multiple actuators that have different actions instead.

Re: adjustable pressure regulator
 

Or multiple regulators and solenoid valves

Re: adjustable pressure regulator
 

one option is to use a quick exhasut valve for fast release

calibrate the system to exhasut through the solenoid valve for a short kick, then have a second loop which can exhaust through a quck exhaust valve releasing air faster for a longer shot.

similar function could be achieved with flow controls on the exhaust side of the valves, have 2 loops set at different rates.

Re: adjustable pressure regulator
 

I was also thinking you could do this with 2 valves with differn't sized orifices. If you did it right you would be able to get 3 differn't air flows resulting in 3 kicking forces.

doing it this way would result in 2 differn't air flows. If you open both valves at the same time you could get a third air flow. The differn't air flows will result in differn't kicking speeds.

Re: adjustable pressure regulator
 

What about having 3 solenoids all tee'd into the cylinder? Open one for short, 2 for medium, and 3 for fast. Or, have one or more be on a regulator set lower than 60 PSI and open that one (or more) for the short-range shots.

Re: adjustable pressure regulator
 

Where is the link to the "free" pneumatic cyliders? I followed the link " Where to get more " on related documents
2 Bimba Manufacturing Bimba Cylinders - custom order
clicked www.bimba.com
and it took me to

ATTENTION FIRST TEAMS!
Due to the enthusiastic, yet overwhelming number of requests from FIRST teams, igus® has altered its policy regarding additional product donations. If you would like to use igus® products not included in the kit of parts, we cannot donate them free of charge. However, there are plenty of great igus® components in your FIRST tote - so check 'em out!

Am I lost?

Re: adjustable pressure regulator
 

This link looks like an order form:

http://www.bimba.com/FirstFree.aspx

Re: adjustable pressure regulator
 

Thank's , I looked all over for it but I must have missed one place.

Re: adjustable pressure regulator
 

http://www.omega.com/ppt/pptsc.asp?ref=ip610&Nav=prel01

Check out the IP610-60. I believe it should be relatively simple to integrate and very precise (especially compared to physically turning a pressure regulator!) if you have someone comfortable with programming and the control system.

I've not seen one of these in use before, but as far as I can tell in a quick rules check, they ARE legal pneumatic components AND legal electrical components for the 2010 FRC competition.

Hope this helps.

Good luck!

Re: adjustable pressure regulator
 

Note tha while a quick exhaust valve is a very useful pneumatic part, it's use is not specifically permitted by <R72> and therefore PROHIBITED by <R71>

Re: adjustable pressure regulator
 

We are using a 2 in cyinder, it has a larger fittng hole so we installed a "T" and connected two valves. Two will allow for faster release and using just one will slow it down. You could add a thrid in line with the second with the pressure further reduced for close shots.

Re: adjustable pressure regulator
 

I might recommend one of the Voltage to pressure models: http://www.omega.com/ppt/pptsc.asp?r...211&Nav=prel01

The one you linked to is controlled by current, which is ever so slightly more complicated (but still not hard to do).

I have NOT verified if these would be considered legal, but Q&A it if you are unsure.

Re: adjustable pressure regulator
 

I thought there was a $300 COS electronics part limit

edit: <R22> No individual item shall have a value of over $400.00. You could use the first valve linked I think

Re: adjustable pressure regulator
 

You're thinking of the rules from some years ago. There hasn't been a separate electronics limit for quite some time. $400 is the only limit other than the grand total.

Re: adjustable pressure regulator
 

Control system rules are not my area and I have not studied any changes for this year, but connecting outputs to a device such as an electronic regulator has always been prohibited in the past. We considered this exact same idea last year when looking for ways to vary our pneumatic catapult. The ruling was that the electronic regulator is an electromagnetic actuator just like a solenoid or prohibited servo or motor is, and therefore could not be used. Only kit motors, servos, and solenoid valves may recieve output signals, unless they have made a major change this year. I would study this carefully before proceeding.

Re: adjustable pressure regulator
 

Use one input solenoid and one exhaust solenoid, and adjust the kick by varying the on/off timing of the two in software. no pressure regulator necessary.

Re: adjustable pressure regulator
 

Was this a response from the Q&A? I would have to agree that it is a motor and therefore not a legal motor.

Re: adjustable pressure regulator
 

Al, it was a response ot the Q&A but with the way they worded the question they got a different rule outlawing it.

Quote from 2009 Q&A
Quote from 2009 Manual

Re: adjustable pressure regulator
 

Well then, three strikes and you're out! Illegal motor, illegal pneumatic part and illegal method of driving it.

Re: adjustable pressure regulator
 

Is this ilegal because of the modified pwm signal, or is it the regulator itself. <R72> g specifically states that pressure regulators may be used.

<R68> additionally states that outputs from sensors, custom circuits and additional electronics may connect to
B. additional COTS electronics

Also, could you just give it a signal from the cRIO?

Re: adjustable pressure regulator
 

The regulator has a motor inside that does the work=Illegal motor. Not a specified pneumatic part=illegal pneumatic. Not fed through a speed controller or spike=illegal electrical usage.

Re: adjustable pressure regulator
 

I submitted a question to the official Q&A asking if electronic regulators are allowed. Do all questions that are asked get answered? If so, what is the general turn around time?

Thanks!

Re: adjustable pressure regulator
 

DJ,
It is my understanding that all questions do get answered although they may be lumped together. As you can imagine many teams have similar questions that can be answered in a single response. As always, simple answers can be given in a short period of time and tougher ones will take longer as discussion among the members is required. I don't think there is any fixed time in which you can expect a response. Please be patient.

Re: adjustable pressure regulator
 

Thank you. I've never posted to the Q&A before, so I wasn't sure what the protocol was. I appreciate the information.

Deb

Re: adjustable pressure regulator
 

Note that it says outputs FROM sensors, not TO devices. Control outputs to devices other than kit motors, solenoids valves, or legal servos are not permitted. And as already stated, the e-regulator is really a servo, steppermotor, or electromagnet of some form, so it is not a legal actuator. An e-regulator is illegal in multiple ways.