Not sure if this was directed towards me or just in general but:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz
1. Is there ever a chance that the locking cylinder could release the piston as system pressure is vented?
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This was a while ago so my memory might be a bit shaky, but I believe that the trigger was designed such that when the cylinder was pressurized it could only release by powering the lock in the other direction.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz
2. Is there a mechanical lock that prevents uncontrolled movement when the robot is powered down?
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We had a pin that we would install and remove on the field before and after the match
Quote:
Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz
3. Is the robot carried off the field with the cylinder under pressure and what happens if the robot is accidentally dropped or shocked?
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Regardless of the year/robot we always open the main release valve before taking the robot off the field.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz
4. When the cylinder moves, is the movement exposed to the outside of the robot?
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Ours was positioned towards the back of the robot and was always within the frame.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz
5. Knowing that the PVC storage tanks have failed in the past (from external forces), are they being used as intended with rigid fittings to a moving cylinder?
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We use and I'd also recommend that anyone doing this setup use metal storage tanks and brass fittings, along with making sure that it is securely mounted so that the robot is taking the recoil and not the pneumatic system.
This setup had potential to be pretty dangerous and extreme caution should be taken into it's design and execution. While it was able to be dry fired we never recommended it, hitting the ball acted as a dampener taking a lot of the stress of the shot. Another point in the safety of a device like this is to attach a rope from the robot to the end of what ever is on the piston.
Now in terms of safety, this years ball is half the size, and with our testing we were able to use a cylinder half the size which makes for a safer implementation
