So the design for the new pole climber based on the prototype we developed is finally about done. Inventor says it will weigh 28.55 pounds. which is pushing the 30 pound limit, but not breaking it, so I'm pretty happy. We are really hoping that Bowman Manufacturing, our material sponsor has 2 parts left in it. We are really hoping to have this design really work for us so turning our current 0 point robot into a 50 pointer.
We still have to work out the hook system which currently looks like it will involve spring mounted cutouts that will slip past the cross bars as the robot pulls itself up the pyramid's corner pole.
Here is an image of the metal drawer box. It has mounting holes for the polycarb slides we hope to mount along the bottom rail, and adjustable holes for mounting it in the robot at the competition. There is talk of mounting the drawer system on a bearing so that it can tilt. There are holes for that also. We are especially happy with the fact that making this out of aluminum means we get to "bring the sexy back". :-)
Personally I hope the spring based hook system will be flexible enough that the climber will be able to climb regardless.
Edoga