I've searched for awhile for a thread discussing simply mechanical reliability, and I can't really seem to find one. If there is one, please feel free to correct me.
What are some of the major guidelines in designing super reliable FIRST mech. systems? Our team has been plauged with what seems like a traditional breakdown in mechanical devices(gearboxes, arms, lifts) every year at the first regional, and we've never really been able to solve it. The answer would be to run everything during build season till it breaks, then fix the problem, but we never really have time to do this.
What are team's experiences in reliability? I know many teams have the same problems. Is there a whitepaper? I'm wondering about general tips: go light on dimensions, beef up everything, beef down everything? Tight tolerances, loose tolerances, etc.
-Thanks
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