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Unread 24-04-2012, 21:35
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FRC #2073 (Eagle Force)
Team Role: Engineer
 
Join Date: Apr 2012
Rookie Year: 2010
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Re: Who Has a Bridge-Balancing Mechanism?

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nathan Streeter View Post
When I say a "Bridge-Balancing Mechanism," I mean one that could be used by a robot on a bridge to help an alliance balance. Essentially, I'm thinking of mechanisms similar to 33's "Stinger," 67's Multi-Function Arm, or 148's within-the-frame-perimeter leg.

These bridge-balancing mechanisms help teams balance the bridge, particularly with the difficult triple balances. I was hoping this thread could compile a list of all the teams that have one.... I'll start it off with the ones that I've seen videos of or heard of:

- 33's "Stinger," a four-bar linkage appendage
- 67's innovative and highly-versatile arm
- 148's "Peg Leg," which linearly pushes down within the frame perimeter
- 469's "Peg Leg," which I've only heard about
- 1986's "Teeter-Totter Talons"
...


Also relevant are special features designed to make balancing (particularly triples) easier by methods other than actuating the bridge into a balanced position. How successful have these each been?

- 179's innovative under-the-bridge hanger (Has this been used in competition? Was it ruled illegal with 118's side-hanger?)
- 701's Roof Platform, which allows a team to park on top of their robot (from video, this seemed difficult to execute)
- 1501's Ramp/Lap Platform, enabling a team to drive onto their robot, creating a bit more space on the bridge (has completed a triple)
- 2054's similar Ramp/Lap Platform (hasn't completed a triple, I believe)
...
There was a robot that used a long piston to balance on the bridge. on triple balances, the last robot seems like it is about to fall off the bridge when it is about to balance. What if you use a long piston that touches the ground while the robot is on the bridge? that will prevent the last robot from tipping over, if it extends the piston while the bridge is balancing. after being balanced, it can retract the piston.