Intake systems

[DampRobot]

Originally Posted by TheMadCADer

I'd say one of the most important parts of collector design is making it simple and easy for the driver. In Rebound Rumble, the ideal collector allows the driver to touch a ball with that part of the robot, and then next thing they know, the ball is in the robot ready to shoot.

Ideally, the collector opening should be large, so the driver has a nice big, easy target. Also, when designing the intake there should be some consideration for the range of angles the driver can take to pick up a ball. For example, a 973/177/1477/2415 intake (118 had one too that I got to see, but they had to scrap it for weight) has a large angle that balls can be picked up from, since it can intake from the sides. This way the driver doesn't have to drive head on to pick up a ball, just basically touch it with a roller on any side.

While area is important, it counts in some places more than others. Many teams recognized that it is important to have as much area available as possible for picking up balls, but for some reason didn't think up an over the bumper intake. Some of those teams (like mine) chose a two sided through-the bumper intake (see 256).

What we all found is that when it came time to play at regionals, some area is worth more than others. Big movements, like turning the robot 180 degrees to pick up a ball, are far less difficult than the fine positioning needed to get a ball into a through-the-bumper intake. Although teams like 256 had more perimeter dedicated to picking up compared to, say, 254, but not as much contiguous area. That's what count's for drivers.