pneumatic rules ?

[mcktim]

I need some clarification..

Can you build a launcher with an air chamber and a piston that opens that chamber and still be within the rules? I'm thinking a 4"pvc chamber.

R99> There is no limit to the number of solenoid valves, air cylinders, pressure regulators, and connecting
fittings you may use on your robot. They must, however, be “off the shelf” pneumatic devices rated by their
manufacturers for pressure of at least 125psi. Besides the “free” pneumatic components listed on the
Pneumatic Components Order form, you may purchase additional air cylinders or rotary actuators, however,
they must be identical to those listed on the Pneumatic Components Order form (i.e. same part numbers), and
obtained from a Bimba or Parker Hannifan distributor.

[KenWittlief]

generally speaking FIRST has never allowed air pressure to be applied to anything other than the Bimba pneumatic cylinders. You could not, for example, make an air storage tank out of PVC or metal to use instead of the small tanks supplied in the KOP.

The reason should be obvious: anything that is pressurized will explode violently at some pressure, or if the robot is slammed hard enough.

If you are thinking of making an air-cannon (like a potato gun) you have another problem, I dont think you can get enough air pressure out of the compressor to launch more than one or two balls in two minutes this way.

You could use a pneumatic cylinder to push the balls out of your robot - almost the same idea, except the containment and release of air is controlled by the official Bimba cylinders. A 1" diameter cylinder with a 6 or 12" throw will take much less air volume per shot than a 4" diameter "potato-gun" that is 12 or 24" long. There is a bit of a trick you need to make this work - there are threads on this "pneumatic launchers", like this thread: http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/sh...ight=pneumatic

Disclaimer: I dont speak for FIRST, but if I understand your intention correctly the answer is most likely no. Sorry I cant quote chapter and verse to back this up.

[dlavery]

See this question in the FIRST Q&A system. It directly answers your question.

-dave