Minibot Deployment
 

I've seen several teams use a sliding device on their minibot deployment systems. Does anybody know how this system works?

I am also seeing that their deployment device is swinging from a vertical position... not really sure what causes this to happen!

Re: Minibot Deployment
 

I suggest you look through your kit of parts. I'm sure you'll find more than a couple things that allow linear motion of a slide type.

Re: Minibot Deployment
 

Most teams I have seen doing this (and my own team) use actual drawer sliders to slide the minibot out on. Basically, mount a plate on one of these sliders and attach your minibot to this plate (in a way that it can climb itself off). Then you need to find a way to actuate the drawer sliders. As far as how to actuate this motion, there are various methods I can imagine.

sideways scissor lift
long pneumatic pistons
linear gear and motor
spring loaded, release a locking mechanism

Our team is using a block and tackle system with a 7in stroke cylinder, I don't know how well this will work.

Re: Minibot Deployment
 

Check out the Q&A to this post:

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...ad.php?t=92644

Brad

Re: Minibot Deployment
 

Very interesting! Per that robot, would a servo be the mechanism they are using to detach the deployer?

And wow, didn't know latex tubing could be used for that! Thanks for the help!

Re: Minibot Deployment
 

Adding "80/20" or "Bosch Rexroth" to your vocabulary might help, too...

Re: Minibot Deployment
 

My team is using drawer slides and we use pneumatic piston with a pulley on the end of it, and a cable around that pulley that attaches to the frame at one end and the back of the drawer slide at the other. It's really fast that way, fast enough in fact to crush the minibot when it hits the pole if we don't put control valves on the cylinder. Then, since we can't pull the minibot back in with the cable around a pulley we just have springs that pull it in.