limits on pnuematics

[dlavery]

You dont need any tanks.
If you use the rectangular AL in the kit for your frame ......use it as a storage tank its a no brainer.Install bulkheads sealed with RTV attached with rivets and put ports where you need them ..........we screw the valve in the ports.

I strongly recommend that teams DO NOT follow that advice. This is not creativity, it is cheating.

See this thread.

-dave

[Bduggan04]

I agree that this violates the rules. This would qualify as a custom pneumatic device and that is strictly prohibited. If you were joking, please don't abuse the forums and waste space. These forums are meant for technical discussion, not for misleading comments.

I agree however, that the tubing can be used as an accumulator, but I wouldn't recommend it because of the space it uses up.

[Andy Baker]

Originally posted by Jim Harbison
If you use the rectangular AL in the kit for your frame ......use it as a storage tank its a no brainer.

Lets keep thinking creativly ........thats what robotics is all about.

Jim H

Excellent, creative idea... but it's not legal. See rule M12 and the warning after this rule.

Andy B.

[ChrisH]

If you're that desperate for air storage use the extrra tube that came with the kit. Last year we figured out it had slightly more volume than one of the supplied reserviors and weighed slightly less. But we didn't have the volume in the robot to make it work.

Do it yourself pressure vessels (what Mr. Harbison was proposing) are a VERY BAD IDEA.

Engineering is the continual exercise of judgement. That includes judgement on when you are getting in over your head. I am a licensed mechanical engineer. In this state that means that I am legally qualified to design and build pressure vessels. BUT because that is not what I normally do, I would never attempt it.

I am just not familiar enough with the design methodology and safety standards to do a good enough job to ensure I don't kill somebody. If I'm over my head on something like this, chances are you are too.

Not only is it against the rules it is just plain STUPID. When you pull something like this you are playing with the eyes, limbs and maybe lives of everyone around the robot. You have created a potential bomb.

Pnuematic components are fabricatred to comply with strict codes to ensure they do not fail under designed use. If they should fail, something is likely to go flying at high velocity. Very few, if any teams have the expertise on board to design their own pnuematic elements in such a way as to conform to industry standards. That is why the use of self designed and constructed pnuematics is prohibited.

DON"T DO THIS

Have we made ourselves clear?

[Ed Crammond]

We have a pnuematics test bot hooked up with 4 2" resevoirs, which are filled by two compressors running together

so two compressers are legal? If so that makes my life easier

[Matt Reiland]

Originally posted by Ed Crammond
so two compressers are legal? If so that makes my life easier

NO. See in the kit of parts Pneumatic Section Compressor Qty 1 listed

[Ed Crammond]

thought it was a little too much to hope for....

[Bruce C.]

Originally posted by Scott358
The question is a good one, and has been asked on the offical FIRST question site, and is awaiting an answer.

And in case anyone missed it, the answer from FIRST is:

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Posted By: first Posts: 168 / Registered: Dec, 2002

You must use the cylinder that was provided and you may get three more cylinders using the Custom Cylinder Order Form..
See the Part Use Flowchart.

36F

[Edited by: first on Jan 10, 2003 5:18 PM]

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Which is sorta strange. We MUST use the cylinder that was in the kit? What if we don't need that one?

Bruce C.

[ChrisH]

Originally posted by Bruce C.
And in case anyone missed it, the answer from FIRST is:

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Posted By: first Posts: 168 / Registered: Dec, 2002

You must use the cylinder that was provided and you may get three more cylinders using the Custom Cylinder Order Form..
See the Part Use Flowchart.

36F

[Edited by: first on Jan 10, 2003 5:18 PM]

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Which is sorta strange. We MUST use the cylinder that was in the kit? What if we don't need that one?

Bruce C.

I agree it's sort of strange to REQUIRE using that cylinder, But you could always use it as an auxiliary accumulator. That is acceptable as long as the piston does not move and you do not modify it in any way. If it gives you enough extra volume that you don't have to recharge your system during a match then you could leave off the compressor and save weight too.

[rbayer]

It would be acceptable as long as you only put 60psi in it. The pneumatics rules aren't very clear this year about what can be 120 and what has to be <60, but my guess is the only thing allowed upstream of the 60psi regulator is the compressor, pressure switch, gauges, tanks, and fittings.

The pneumatics manual states: "This regulator has a maximum output pressure of 60psi. This regulator must be
placed in-line right after the tanks to limit the pressure to all working circuits to 60psi."