Clarification on R29

[alliancecommand]

I have a question regarding this rule:

"The only motors and actuators permitted on 2014 FIRST ROBOTS include the following... (list)

Our team is considering using an electromagnetic accelerator as a punching mechanism, and one of our mentors thinks that it would count as a motor. To clarify, it is basically a projectile-less railgun that punches the ball. Would this device be prohibited by this rule specifically?

[yash101]

I believe so, because you are passing a great current through something you build yourself. However, Al can probably give you a better answer than I can, because he is an inspector!

[EricH]

Originally Posted by alliancecommand

I have a question regarding this rule:

"The only motors and actuators permitted on 2014 FIRST ROBOTS include the following... (list)

Our team is considering using an electromagnetic accelerator as a punching mechanism, and one of our mentors thinks that it would count as a motor. To clarify, it is basically a projectile-less railgun that punches the ball. Would this device be prohibited by this rule specifically?

You'd have to ask Q&A... but in my opinion, illegal.

And here's why:
You're essentially building a solenoid. Solenoids are legal, mind you, if you look at that list, but only up to a certain power and throw; what you're building would almost certainly be more powerful with a longer throw. So, you can't base off of that.

Now, let's assume I'm wrong about the previous paragraph. You're going to have to follow ALL of the electrical rules, including the one about where you get the power from (the robot battery), wire gauge, insulation, etc. You'll have even more wire to worry about than the average team. I'm pretty sure that you'd end up with at least a few places to redo electrical stuff if you aren't VERY careful.


Yash, "I think" or "I believe", unsupported, have no place in a rules discussion. You've got to back that "think" and "believe" up with something from the Manual. And Al isn't an inspector... he's the CHIEF Inspector. (And an electrical guy to boot.)