1726 arm prototype video

[KrazyCarl92]

Well then you would love to see this!

http://www.thebluealliance.net/tbatv/match/2007ct_qm52

[Grim Tuesday]

Why even bother gripping, when you can take elevator a bit more literaly...



Our gripper travels on an elevator similar to the one in the OP, but it has two sides, for extra support!

[MrForbes]

Chris, the idea is that we drive into the tube, scoot it along the floor, and drop the claw into it and pop it open and lift the arm. The pointed claw when it's "retracted" is a small triangle fitting into a big hole, so aim is not very critical at all.

[wilsonmw04]

Originally Posted by squirrel

Chris, the idea is that we drive into the tube, scoot it along the floor, and drop the claw into it and pop it open and lift the arm. The pointed claw when it's "retracted" is a small triangle fitting into a big hole, so aim is not very critical at all.

We are doing the same thing. We designed our inside gripper (prototype here) to move down to the "grip" position so that is was inside all three shapes. No slowing down is necessary. Drive up to it, Push it and pick up.

[TheOtherGuy]

Nice video

Originally Posted by KrazyCarl92

Of course you can also lower it into the center of the tube and then start driving away as you expand it and then its down to about a second.

Originally Posted by KrazyCarl92

http://www.thebluealliance.net/tbatv/match/2007ct_qm52

This is exactly how I was imagining the pick up going. If it works right, all you need to do is drop the arm down, then you can open the claw and raise the arm on the way to the goal, drastically lowering the amount of work required to take control of the tube. In fact, that just makes one motion necessary, which puts the inside grab on par with a normal pinch type claw.

[wilsonmw04]

A few things to keep in mind this year:

1. in 2007 you could shape your bumpers to help position the tubes.
2. The target holes are smaller than they were in 2007
3. In order for you to get the most out of your robot, you have to make sure your drivers have enough time to get proficient with the pick-up.practice, practice, practice!

[gorrilla]

Is your cylinder mounted between the two expanders?

[TheOtherGuy]

Originally Posted by gorrilla

Is your cylinder mounted between the two expanders?

Yes, on the side of the pivot opposite the tube pickup, so a closed piston opens the claw. There are also stoppers (screws) in the PVC that align the claw when closed.

[gorrilla]

What are the claws made of? I made mine out of PVC, but yours seem like flat pieces, how do they pivot?

[MrForbes]

The "fingers" in the video are 1/4" plywood taped with blue masking tape to prevent splinters. We're working on building new ones from Lexan and using top and bottom fingers on each side, separated by spacers..