pic: It's systems integration time!

[ToddF]

Originally Posted by apalrd

Not sure why we have to read so hard into this.

I'm concerned with whether spring loaded push button valves are legal because there are some really cool things that can be done with them. This year there is no rule that says pneumatic cylinders must be actuated by solenoid valves.

For example, a small pneumatic cylinder actuated by a legal solenoid valve could be used to push the button on a high flow spring loaded push button valve (McMaster 6859K31 for example) that fires a pneumatic catapult.

Another example would be a weight which is held up by a motor that has power as long as the robot is operating. In case of a dead robot, the weight drops on a push button valve, which ejects the ball from the robot.

edit: Never mind. Just found Q235.

[Sparky3D]

Originally Posted by ToddF

I'm concerned with whether spring loaded push button valves are legal because there are some really cool things that can be done with them. This year there is no rule that says pneumatic cylinders must be actuated by solenoid valves.

Actually, the Q&A already dealt with the alternate uses of manual valves (Q235). You are only allowed one, and it can only be used to vent pressure for the system.

[EricLeifermann]

Originally Posted by Sparky3D

Actually, the Q&A already dealt with the alternate uses of manual valves (Q235). You are only allowed one, and it can only be used to vent pressure for the system.

Answer of Q235

"No. Per R89 only one pressure vent plug valve may be used on the ROBOT which, when manually actuated, must vent to the atmosphere to relieve all stored pressure."

Bolded for my emphasis, doesn't state that the valve must be manually actuated to prevent air from being relieved. Though this question was asked about a different topic, its answer allows for spring actuated relief valves.

[ToddF]

We must have cross posted.

Full disclosure: We are going to install one and let the inspectors decide.

[ToddF]

Originally Posted by ToddF

Full disclosure: We are going to install one and let the inspectors decide.

Well, we finally got an authoritative answer. We installed a push button dump valve, and it passed inspection at both of our regionals. At the championship, the inspector flagged it. The question went to Al himself. Al said that part of the function of the valve was that the handle visually indicates whether the valve is open or closed. It's not immediately visually obvious with a push button valve if the system is vented. Looking at the pressure gauges doesn't count. (I heard this second hand, as I was on a plane when the robot was being inspected.)

We swapped valves and competed with a valve with a handle.

[Nate Laverdure]

Originally Posted by ToddF

Another example would be a weight which is held up by a motor that has power as long as the robot is operating. In case of a dead robot, the weight drops on a push button valve, which ejects the ball from the robot.

You can accomplish this with a single-acting solenoid. In the case of a dead robot, the coil is deenergized and the opposing spring throws the valve.