Quote:
Originally Posted by JesseK
You probably will not pass inspection if this is the case. If the inspector sees a system on your bot that has no way to slowly release the tension/energy or a way to physcially make it impossible for the system to discharge (even then you never know) then you probably will not pass inspections. For spring catapults, it's been suggested that you have a lock bar that physically disallows the mechanism to release. For pneumatics, you simply would discharge the whole system via the valve. If it's a combo system, well you'll have to figure out something. I'm sure the field reset crew will learn to ask teams to get the balls off/out of their own robots instead of doing it themselves.
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Currently we have several possible ways to prevent a release. The best would be to launch with ten seconds left in the match with or without a trackball (I know, be careful where we shoot if not making a hurdle). The second is the mechanical stop used for the release, it holds very well, however there is always a chance it could release, it does not require any energy to stay put. The third is a bar that we push through the launcher and other support structures, this must be physically placed by a team member. The fourth is a very slow backdrive on a worm gear, this one has to be deactivated in order for us to launch and may not be practical to use while on the field, again, in the last five seconds we could reactivate it. We have several ways to prevent, slowly or quickly release the energy. I guess we will find out at our first regional if we have done enough.