842 Final Kicker Desgin

[kE7JLM]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiLiwS8p-QY

Let us know what you think, detail in the description

We can do consecutive shot with 5 seconds between shots without having to wait for air to reload, we will also have these mounted on all four sides.

[sportzkrazzy]

Pretty impressive

[billbo911]

Originally Posted by kE7JLM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiLiwS8p-QY

Let us know what you think, detail in the description

... we will also have these mounted on all four sides.

Is there a chance the kickers on different sides will work for different distances, like right next to the goal and from two zones away?

[dude__hi]

Originally Posted by billbo911

Is there a chance the kickers on different sides will work for different distances, like right next to the goal and from two zones away?

They will all shoot about the same maximum distance. We will use programming to vary the distance the kicks need to cover.

[Akash Rastogi]

I liked the fence latch idea enough to steal it.

Hope you don't mind, FIRSTers are constantly told to steal from the best.

[dude__hi]

Originally Posted by Akash Rastogi

I liked the fence latch idea enough to steal it.

Hope you don't mind, FIRSTers are constantly told to steal from the best.

Mimicry Is the Sincerest Form of Flattery

The angles and distances of the components mounted in relation to each other are critical though from what we've tested.

[Akash Rastogi]

Originally Posted by dude__hi

Mimicry Is the Sincerest Form of Flattery

The angles and distances of the components mounted in relation to each other are critical though from what we've tested.

Yup we had that all worked out. It was until I saw your other video that we were overcomplicating the release mechanism.

[Matt H.]

I hate to be a kill-joy, but I feel the fence latch release system is extremely unsafe. Those latches are not designed to be used under any significant loading and may jostle free at unexpected times.

[dude__hi]

we've used these before with larger volume cylinders and didn't have any problems and I don't believe there's any chance of them coming open especially since there's a pneumatic cylinder holding them closed.

[Akash Rastogi]

Originally Posted by Matt H.

I hate to be a kill-joy, but I feel the fence latch release system is extremely unsafe. Those latches are not designed to be used under any significant loading and may jostle free at unexpected times.

They can easily be spring loaded and held with small actuators.

[Matt H.]

In my mind an important safety practice is using parts as they were designed. I also believe safety should be a priority for FIRST teams.
As such I don't think it is unreasonable to encourage teams to purchase load rated release mechanisms such as McMaster-Carr #3899T54.

My other major concern is that fence latches aren't subject to quality control w.r.t. their load bearing ability (because that is not the intended purpose). Although the latches have worked in the past, they may fail later on.

[Mark Holschuh]

John,

Are you doing anything special to get the air out of the front of the cylinder faster when you kick the ball. A pressure relief valve?

[dude__hi]

We haven't added anything to increase the speed the air leaves the non-pressurized side of the cylinder.

[Ether]

Originally Posted by Mark Holschuh

John,

Are you doing anything special to get the air out of the front of the cylinder faster when you kick the ball. A pressure relief valve?

If they did add a pressure relief valve, it would have to be set so high that it wouldn't do much good, no? They are driving this cylinder in both directions. The relief valve would have to remain closed while they are pressurizing the "front" side of the cylinder to retract the shaft against the bungee cord load.


~

[Bill_B]

Originally Posted by Matt H.

In my mind an important safety practice is using parts as they were designed. I also believe safety should be a priority for FIRST teams.
As such I don't think it is unreasonable to encourage teams to purchase load rated release mechanisms such as McMaster-Carr #3899T54.

You weren't always in Arizona, right? That type device is in widespread use for holding and releasing nautical loads established by sails and rigging. While I appreciate the thought about load testing, this particular device would not close by itself, even though it might be possible to get it engaged on the retraction stroke of the piston. I will take a look through that massive online catalog to see if there is a better choice with a load specification.