Vacuum Motors

[Andy A.]

Conceivably, you could use any of the 2013 motors from a rules compliance standpoint. Vacuum devices are not considered pneumatic components, so they are only subject to the general robot rules regarding mechanisms. You could fabricate or purchase a vacuum pump and power it with whichever motor(s) you pleased.

As per my reading of the rules, venturi type vacuum generators, which are powered by compressed air, are not legal as they are not explicitly permitted in R78.

[karomata]

Last night a few teammates and I were trying a fan theory, in which we could play strong defense by blowing the frisbees off their flight paths using a large fan. We ended up having to use a leaf blower to get the effect we needed, and to create the strength of the motor in the leaf blower, we would need stronger motors than we are allowed to use. However, we did come up with the idea of using air cannons to deflect frisbees. This could be feasable, and we even started thinking about aiming it, and how hard it would be. So we thought we could use sensors, although it would be very complex and it goes against our teams motto for the year: Simplicity & Elegance. I would really like to see a team with like 2 air cannons that act like anti aircraft bases, and alternate fire and can even track frisbees flying nearby.

[nathan_hui]

I thought we were playing Frisbee, not a wargame... I must be in the wrong forum.

[DRH2o]

Originally Posted by Andy A.

Conceivably, you could use any of the 2013 motors from a rules compliance standpoint. Vacuum devices are not considered pneumatic components, so they are only subject to the general robot rules regarding mechanisms. You could fabricate or purchase a vacuum pump and power it with whichever motor(s) you pleased.

As per my reading of the rules, venturi type vacuum generators, which are powered by compressed air, are not legal as they are not explicitly permitted in R78.

Not true based on this Q&A Answer. I thought the same thing so I asked.
https://frc-qa.usfirst.org/Question/...eumatic-system

[DonRotolo]

We went to Lowes and bought a vacuum cleaner called a bucket vac. It cost us about $22. The vacuum impeller is exactly the right size to fit on a CIM shaft, we use custom made shaft collars to hold the impeller in place and keep it from spinning. The plastic housing is also perfect for mounting a mini CIM, and it comes with some vacuum hose which we are using also.

It is not very powerful but more than powerful enough to pick up a frisbee.

[Lightfoot26]

I honestly suggest no motor at all, implement a pneumatic system (If you are not currently implementing one...) and add an in line vacuum generator. Here's an explanation of how they work... http://store.workshopsupply.com/cata...or-p-2537.html

I suggest Piab, good brand! http://www.piab.com/en-US/Products/V...l-49-108-scfm/

Now, we've never used them on a robot, so I don't have any experience to share...but I've done plenty of research as well as having a father working at a shop that uses them, to know where to turn next time my team asks for a vacuum system.

just my 2 cents!