SMC Solenoid Manifold Deem NOT LEGAL at SVR

[kellymc]

I wanted to relay this information to other teams who may be using this part on their robot. During our inspection this morning, our inspector questioned the use of a 4 port aluminum SMC solenoid manifold on our robot, and whether this part had a working pressure capability of 125PSI.

I wanted to bring this to other teams attention to let them know about this issue during inspection so that they can be aware of the potential problem that can be made during inspection through the inclusion of a part on your robot which can be purchased from a FIRST authorized vendor using KOP voucher funds.

The real kicker, was that many other teams were using the exact same part had readily passed through inspection without even a question as to this "offending" part. Instead, our inspector would not let the issue pass, he would not approve the robot without a specification sheet from the vendor or otherwise be proven that an aluminum manifold would be capable of operating at 125psi even though the part was located on the low pressure side of the pnuematics system.

I wanted to pass this along as a word of warning to other teams who utilize this part. We missed 3.5 hours of practice this morning due to this issue, don't let this happen to your team.

[jspatz1]

Having made this post, you have probably ensured that this will not happen to anyone again. Sorry for your trouble.

[kiettyyyy]

That's unfortunate.

At every event our team attends, we carry the data sheets for ALL pneumatic components in the case that someone draws attention to it.

Those manifolds that you're probably mentioning is totally legal. You just needed to prove it.

[milton1205]

I believe that this part ( or any part not rated for 125 PSI) becomes legal if used on regulated pressure with the addition of a pressure relief valve set to less than the part's rating. See R78 (D). The rule specifies solenoids, but I would think that the manifold would fall under the same rule.

[David Doerr]

We are using an SMC manifold and valves - not the same model sold by Vex, but the same series. We weren't questioned by the inspector at either of our events, but we did have the SMC documentation with us and we had a second pressure relief value mounted on the manifold set to 100 psi.

I'm sorry you had trouble with your inspection.

[kellymc]

The biggest problem I had with the "inspection" was that 12 other teams using the same part were passed through inspection without even a thought as to the part, however we were saddled with 3.5 hours of delay.

I'm more upset about the "selective" enforcement of inspection and the level of inspection, this was out 2nd regional event, had we known this part would be a problem we would have used another part or added a second pressure relief valve.

[EricH]

Originally Posted by kellymc

The biggest problem I had with the "inspection" was that 12 other teams using the same part were passed through inspection without even a thought as to the part, however we were saddled with 3.5 hours of delay.

I'm more upset about the "selective" enforcement of inspection and the level of inspection, this was out 2nd regional event, had we known this part would be a problem we would have used another part or added a second pressure relief valve.

Did you bring your concerns/issues up with the LRI?

[kevin.li.rit]

Originally Posted by EricH

Did you bring your concerns/issues up with the LRI?

I agree with Eric. The LRI or even another inspector maybe familiar with the part and know that it is legal or not. You're well within your right to ask for the Lead robot inspector.

[Owen Makin]

Did you try asking another team for a specification sheet on that part?
Our team was told the actuator on our robot was illegal due to it actually being a motor, but we were still allowed to play practice matches because all you needed was a prelim-inspection, did it stop your team from practicing?

[Jeff Pahl]

As others have stated, in any situation like this, you need to immediately ask, with the utmost Gracious Professionalism, for a ruling from the Lead Robot Inspector at the event.

And then please keep in mind that the ruling of the LRI is the "Last Word" on the subject at that event. I've had teams go off and try to get the Regional Director, Planning Committee members, etc, to try to overrule me on technical issues.

Originally Posted by milton1205

I believe that this part ( or any part not rated for 125 PSI) becomes legal if used on regulated pressure with the addition of a pressure relief valve set to less than the part's rating. See R78 (D). The rule specifies solenoids, but I would think that the manifold would fall under the same rule.

R78(D) only provides an exception for solenoid valves. ALL other parts MUST meet the 125 PSI requirement.

[Nemo]

Maybe Vex could put some spec sheets on their pneumatics product page. That would make it more likely that teams will have this documentation when an inspector asks for it. Teams should expect that whenever they use a non-KoP pneumatic item.

[Ricky Q.]

Originally Posted by Nemo

Maybe Vex could put some spec sheets on their pneumatics product page. That would make it more likely that teams will have this documentation when an inspector asks for it. Teams should expect that whenever they use a non-KoP pneumatic item.

We have updated our product page with more specifications to assist teams and inspectors.

http://www.vexrobotics.com/vexpro/al...manifolds.html

Ricky

[billbo911]

Originally Posted by Ricky Q.

We have updated our product page with more specifications to assist teams and inspectors.

http://www.vexrobotics.com/vexpro/al...manifolds.html

Ricky

Thanks for the QUICK update!!

Is it also possible to add a link to the SMC spec. sheet(s) for these items as well?

[kellymc]

We did talk with the LRI, however, since the part was "questioned" during inspection, he could not override the inspector. When it was mentioned that the part was used on robots already inspected and passed there was no response. The LRI even contacted the head inspector on the east coast for FIRST.

Overall the LRI and many other inspectors tried to help us in every way and were also a little perturbed that the one inspector would accept that the part was commonly used.

We did ask other teams if they had the documentation for the part, no other team using the part had the documentation, in fact, they became worried that they too would be flagged.

We were finally able to resolve the problem, thank you Vex for your help.

[Chris Fultz]

Is there a spec sheet for the base mount?
The data I find has size and other ratings, but not a pressure rating.