Manipulator(Arm) Help

[anotherforrokid]

i agree u should do a double jointed
we are going for the 12 inches and we are using the double jointed arm too much like the pic...
also try to set the arm less than the degree mesure u first tried...

[Liz Smith]

Agreed. There are other options (such as a telescoping, or scissor-type) which are also possible, but I think that a double jointed arm is the easiest to do. I've had experience working with all three of those types of designs, so if you have any additional questions about them, just ask!

[dtengineering]

Remember that you are not REQUIRED to reach the top row. Although this is a desirable trait, and there are many ways to achieve it, you do not NEED to be able to do this.

It may turn out that being able to score on the two lower racks, repeatedly and reliably... because you got the arm finished a week earlier and had time to tune and test... is more valuable than stressing over reaching the top row.

Of course this is a question only your team can answer, and I encourage you to push the limits of what your resources (mental, physical and financial) allow you to build... but a robot that gets 6 tubes in a row on the bottom rack will always beat a robot that only gets four on the top.

Jason

P.S. That said, we are going for all three levels... but I do wonder if we are making the best decision.

[Nate Laverdure]

Some of my unused arm ideas from earlier on in build season:





Both are simplified versions of a double-jointed idea, fit within 38" at start and within 72" when fully extended, and assume a 13" high chassis. I hope they give you a few ideas!

[lukevanoort]

I would look into drawer slides. You could easily add a stage of forklift style elevation with some drawer slides and angle or box aluminum to mount them on, sort of like the 229/217 arm from '05. (A video of this arm design can be found here if how I am describing it is confusing)