[EmileH]

Originally Posted by Sperkowsky

Assuming a pneumatic spring and a gas shock are the same thing, it was considered although it was a bit to late when it was. If I were to do a similar thing again I'd use a powerful normally open gas shock and a winch.

4564 used a normally opened gas shock as well as a winch for their defense manipulator/intake arm this year. One drawback was that the arm would fall when crossing defenses like the Cheval De Frise or other rough defenses as the shocks would compress. This required them to lift the arm as they crossed the CDF and others slowing down crossing times. However overall this is a better solution than a motor at the hinge point as it puts significantly less strain on the system.

In this situation a linear actuator is also an option, allowing for very precise control with little backdrive. A good example of this is 1690, as their arm had very little flex and allowed for extremely high accuracy shooting.