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Unread 15-03-2011, 17:27
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Karthik Karthik is offline
VEX Robotics GDC Chairman
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Join Date: Apr 2002
Rookie Year: 1998
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Re: Team 1114 Presents Simbot Steve

Quote:
Originally Posted by rsisk View Post
Hi Karthik,

Was reading the description of your robot on 1114's web site. Could you describe how the counterbalance works on the lift?

Thanks!
  • Counterbalanced by a 5kg constant force spring
We mounted the spool of the 5 kg constant force spring to a shaft which is attached to the first stage of the elevator, which is fixed to the base of our robot. The other end of the spring is attached to the second stage of the elevator. When the elevator is in the down position, the spring is extended. The spring pulls up on the elevator, thus counter balancing its weight. The stages of the of lift are linked together directly, as opposed to a continuous cascading drive, thus it takes twice as much force on the second stage to lift the 3rd stage (the roller claw), making a 5 kg spring necessary.


Quote:
Originally Posted by Duncan Macdonald View Post
Is there any video of this past weekend floating around yet? I have a hunch a still picture doesn't do this robot justice.
None that I've seen yet, but I'm sure the Pittsburgh Regional folks will be archiving their webcast somewhere.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Brandon Holley View Post
I'm digging the fishing rod Karthik.

Clever solution to the hardstop for the roller claw. Definitely easier, cleaner, lighter than our aluminum piece.
Plus, the last time we used a fishing rod on our robot things worked out pretty well. http://www.simbotics.org/media/galle...mpionship/2137

Quote:
Originally Posted by Akash Rastogi View Post
Why so many claws? All the better to eat tubes with?

http://www.simbotics.org/media/galle...ld-season/2956
Our philosophy is that you can never have enough spares. You never know when someone will snap your arm off.
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:: Karthik Kanagasabapathy ::
"Enthusiasm is one of the most powerful engines of success. When you do a thing, do it with all your might. Put your whole soul into it. Stamp it with your own personality. Be active, be energetic, be enthusiastic and faithful and you will accomplish your object. Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm" -- R.W. Emerson
My TEDx Talk - The Subtle Secrets of Success
Full disclosure: I work for IFI and VEX Robotics, and am the Chairman of the VEX Robotics and VEX IQ Game Design Committees
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