Filling Robot Pneumatic Systems

[Racer26]

Originally Posted by Al Skierkiewicz

Everyone,
The basis of all this discussion comes down to one very simple rule...
R34
Non-electrical sources of energy used by the ROBOT, (i.e., stored at the start of a MATCH), shall come only from the following sources:
A. compressed air stored in the pneumatic system that is legal per R79 and R80,
B. a change in the altitude of the ROBOT center of gravity, and
C. storage achieved by deformation of ROBOT parts.

Referenced in the preamble...
"In addition, another intent of these rules is to have all energy sources and active actuation systems on the ROBOT (e.g. batteries, compressors, motors, servos, cylinders, and their controllers) drawn from a well-defined set of options. This is to ensure that all Teams have access to the same actuation resources,and to ensure that the Inspectors are able to accurately assess the legality of a given part."

Every team believes and expects that the inspectors are insuring that this rule is met. To assist us with that task the remaining pneumatic rules are in place.
If you think that teams would never bypass the rules or do something unsafe (intentional or unintentional), I suggest you spend a weekend as an inspector. Every bad scenario that you can think of, we have seen. Including the team who had a student holding the power cord for the shop compressor and would pull the power when he thought the system was sufficiently charged.

Al,

I know you and I have hashed this out in the past.

R79 states I must use one and only one compressor, with flow rate not exceeding 1.05cfm. While I would argue that since I can change my battery after precharging and before a MATCH, the compressor used to pre-charge my tanks is irrelevant in terms of competitive advantage, I could see an argument that using some high-flow compressor gives me an unfair advantage because I don't need to wait around while my compressor charges, even in the pits. I don't really take issue with R79. So I have to use a Viair C90 or old KOP Thomas compressor, or something very similar, no big deal.

R80 is the one that I am taking issue with. I disagree that its restriction that I must use my ROBOT's control system to control my compressor has any competitive or safety based reason for existence -- provided that I'm still proving that the reliefs and system-full shutoff are working properly. If the safeties are the same, this restriction is completely arbitrary and unnecessarily stifles creativity. Competitively, its the 120psi air that gives me a competitive advantage. Its source, and how its source is controlled are irrelevant. Safety wise, I'm recommending the checks be kept, so its still safe.