I noticed this year that several (I’m tempted to say many) teams designed ball bins that had flaps that expanded to make it easier to shoot balls in.
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/img...1f04effd_m.jpg
(1388's excellent ball hopper)
This use of expanding flaps (not just to catch balls) is not just native to this year’s game, but has been used in many games over the years.
Making a small expanding flap does not look that difficult (just a simple hinge is needed) but what about a really BIG one!?
Wouldn't it be really cool to use some sort of inflatable flap, bin, or wall on next year's robot? This inflatable... thing... could be used for just about anything. Imagine creating a ball bin that could rapidly expand to create a massive chamber!
My questions for you is...
>Where could you get something like this made (I'm thinking pool-toy manufacturers)
>What other uses would there be for it?
>What are the cons?
>How would you inflate it?
>Is it legal?
I did some searches on this and as far as I can tell it hasn't been done (perhaps for good reasons?). As far as I can remember this isn't against the rules, but I could always be wrong.
Just another of my crazy ideas. I'm not actually making something with flaps.
Thoughts and opinions welcome....