Optimizing Precharged Cylinders

[PerpetualMotion]

Originally Posted by Matt H.

the amount of air entering the cylinder during the kick is negligible.

This is only true if you are not using a reservoir of any sort, therefore the only way to charge this would be to have the compressor run until the pressure inside the cylinder is at 60 psi and then shut off. Not only is this a bad idea because the compressor would run for such short periods of time, but its a big waste of weight. If you're going to put a 5 lb compressor on your robot, why not add at least one 1 lb air tank which you can charge up to 120 psi.

Assuming you are using air tanks, the pressure will stay constant throughout the extension of the piston and as such, there would be no need to "pre-charge". This significantly decreases the size of the piston (by .368).

However, the math is absolutely correct, and very insightful. If you do not plan on using air tanks for whatever reason, pre-charge your piston 1/3 of the way.