Inflating Robots

[=Martin=Taylor=]

I noticed this year that several (I’m tempted to say many) teams designed ball bins that had flaps that expanded to make it easier to shoot balls in.

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/img...1f04effd_m.jpg
(1388's excellent ball hopper)

This use of expanding flaps (not just to catch balls) is not just native to this year’s game, but has been used in many games over the years.

Making a small expanding flap does not look that difficult (just a simple hinge is needed) but what about a really BIG one!?

Wouldn't it be really cool to use some sort of inflatable flap, bin, or wall on next year's robot? This inflatable... thing... could be used for just about anything. Imagine creating a ball bin that could rapidly expand to create a massive chamber!

My questions for you is...
>Where could you get something like this made (I'm thinking pool-toy manufacturers)
>What other uses would there be for it?
>What are the cons?
>How would you inflate it?
>Is it legal?

I did some searches on this and as far as I can tell it hasn't been done (perhaps for good reasons?). As far as I can remember this isn't against the rules, but I could always be wrong.

Just another of my crazy ideas. I'm not actually making something with flaps.
Thoughts and opinions welcome....

[Pat Fairbank]

If I remember correctly, team 773 had a giant inflatable device on their 2004 robot. They would position themselves on the top platform and inflate this thing (which resembled a cucumber) in order to raise a hook attached to it up to the chin-up bar.

The main problem with such a device is inflating it - using the kit-provided pneumatics system to do so would be illegal, not to mention painfully slow. Another option would be to build a custom fan using a kit motor.

However, I guess any inflatable device would be illegal (by this year's rules, at least) if it's deemed to fall under the category of a custom pneumatic device.

[=Martin=Taylor=]

Could you post a picture? (there are none in CD-media)



A pneumatic device is one that uses the compressor, right?

So an object that is inflated by a fan would not be defined as a pneumatic?

[dlavery]

Originally Posted by Hachiban VIII

Could you post a picture? (there are none in CD-media)



A pneumatic device is one that uses the compressor, right?

So an object that is inflated by a fan would not be defined as a pneumatic?

Under Rule <R02>, compressed air may only be provided by the compressor provided in the kit, and not from any other source. Based on that rule, the use of fans to generate compressed air to fill an inflatable device would be illegal. If it creates, contains, stores, transports, utilizes, reduces, or releases compressed air, then it would be considered a pneumatic device. Under the Parts Use Flowchart (Rules Section 5.3.4.2), an inflatable device of the type described would be illegal (i.e. it is a pneumatic component, it is not an air cylinder from the order form, it is not a purchased fitting or valve rated for 125 psi, it is not a previous year's fitting, it is not a purchased cylinder identical to those on the order form, therefore it may not be used). Thus, an inflatable device like the one being described could not be used.

Note that these comments are based on the 2006 FRC game rules, and they may or may not apply to the 2007 game. Your milage may vary.

-dave

[Kevin Sevcik]

I'm not doubting that interpretation, but that would encompass a cooling fan blowing into any box with even slightly restricted exhaust. So as usual, a clarifying Q&A before attempting would be the best idea.

[=Martin=Taylor=]

compressed air
n.

Air under greater than atmospheric pressure, especially when used to power a mechanical device or to provide a portable supply of oxygen.

From the looks of it, you can't use any other device than the compressor to provide even mildly compressed air (4-8 psi). And it would be illegal to inflate something with the compressor, not to mention being painfully slow.

So I guess there is no chance of doing this with this year's rules.

[Matt H.]

I'm not sure I agree with that interpretation of the rules. Even moving your robot generates "mildly" compressed air. I believe it would be best to ask about it in a Q&A session.

To answer your other questions:

There are several ways to manufacture something like this. The simplest is to purchase mylar sheeting and iron the pieces together to make what resembles a giant mylar balloon. The con to this is that it would be quite fragile and probably not suited for impacts of any sorts. The second option would be to buy a small plastic welder and make one out of the same stuff they make inflatable pools. (Buying one custom made is always an option, but it could get very expensive)

Inflating it would have to be done not using the on board compressor so a large fan would be the best bet.