Picking Two other Robots off the ground

[MrFixIt2719]

Do you think it would be a good idea to design your robot to instead of relying on two robots to try and hang from you but to design a way to lift the other two up with you?

[Tom Line]

We discussed doing that same thing. However we decided it was not a trivial pursuit considering you have no idea what configuration the other robots on your team will be. The weights are not trivial either. We also weren't willing to give up other characteristics of our robot to do it, so in the end we decided that the risk vs. the reward (a couple extra points) wasn't worth it for us.

[MrFixIt2719]

well we have come up with a pretty good idea on how to do so if it pans out do you think it could be an important alliance partner

[jamie_1930]

Originally Posted by Tom Line

We discussed doing that same thing. However we decided it was not a trivial pursuit considering you have no idea what configuration the other robots on your team will be. The weights are not trivial either. We also weren't willing to give up other characteristics of our robot to do it, so in the end we decided that the risk vs. the reward (a couple extra points) wasn't worth it for us.

In my opinion it should be a simple task to accomplish, just have low hanging rigid bar similar to the field's bar, or as similar as you can make it. I think a lot of people are over complicating the problem, thinking that it will be hard to have something that other robot's will be able to grab, but you know what the need to grab originally so just copy that design as close as you can, you should be able to have robots hang from you if your hanging from the bar.

[Phoenix Spud]

I think that teams who can pick up two other robots will be in Atlanta this year.

.02

[Lil' Lavery]

Originally Posted by jamie_1930

In my opinion it should be a simple task to accomplish, just have low hanging rigid bar similar to the field's bar, or as similar as you can make it. I think a lot of people are over complicating the problem, thinking that it will be hard to have something that other robot's will be able to grab, but you know what the need to grab originally so just copy that design as close as you can, you should be able to have robots hang from you if your hanging from the bar.

That's assuming that the other robots are designed to hang from the bar. That's a pretty big assumption to be making if those 8 points are a major part of your strategy.

[jamie_1930]

Originally Posted by Lil' Lavery

That's assuming that the other robots are designed to hang from the bar. That's a pretty big assumption to be making if those 8 points are a major part of your strategy.

It is an assumption, but it being that big of an assumption is arguable. Yes there are designs being implemented to use the four supporting bars, and other means, to suspend the robot but the large majority will be hanging from the bar as originally intended, and unless your robot design prevents this it should be relatively simple to implement.

[Edoc'sil]

Just make a pair of bars to either side that can slide underneath a robots chassis. Most bots have at least an inch of clearance off the floor if not a bit more. Drop the bars have the other bots drive on top of them and then you can haul all three up, assuming the weight is reasonably distributed.

A crude pic

========= [...........] ==========
[ ... ------------[...........]------------ ...... ]
[......................[...........].........................]
[ ... ------------[...........]------------ ...... ]
.========= [...........] ==========

Bot 1 ........... Your Bot ........... Bot 2


I think that gets my point across? Idk if it is reasonable within the finale config but, hey.

Edit * that pic was a pain, should have done it in paint.

[Lil' Lavery]

Originally Posted by jamie_1930

It is an assumption, but it being that big of an assumption is arguable. Yes there are designs being implemented to use the four supporting bars, and other means, to suspend the robot but the large majority will be hanging from the bar as originally intended, and unless your robot design prevents this it should be relatively simple to implement.

What about robots who have no plans to hang at all?

[jamie_1930]

Originally Posted by Lil' Lavery

What about robots who have no plans to hang at all?

Then it doesn't matter for them at all, there job during competition will be to either run defense by blocking the path of the opposing alliance to their tower or to continue scoring during the finale. What I'm trying to get across is that for robots planning to hang from the bar during the finale they should try and include a way for other robots to hang from them as well, there are simple answers to the solution and if implemented effectively can help you obtain substantial points during the match.

[Chris is me]

There are a number of rules that make this difficult to implement. I seriously considered this design and made many non-CAD sketches and plans for it, but abandoned it due to it basically taking away resources from every other aspect of the game.

The main rule is the 84 inch cylinder. This gives you 28 inches or so on each side MAX. to fit, drive on platforms would be shorter in some sections than others. It's a tight fit.

The other thing to consider is the weight of two strong drive on platforms plus a hanging system that can pull 500 pounds in about 10 seconds, while still working if a robot is only on one side of the robot. Weight becomes a big deal, as most designs I had needed dual telescoping arms to get it done.

Plus then you have to be concerned about how many alliance partners can or will be able to climb onto your drive on platforms.

Basically... it's week 4. If you just thought of this today, throw it on the "eh, no one will do it" pile and move on.

[Tom Line]

Originally Posted by Edoc'sil

Just make a pair of bars to either side that can slide underneath a robots chassis. Most bots have at least an inch of clearance off the floor if not a bit more. Drop the bars have the other bots drive on top of them and then you can haul all three up, assuming the weight is reasonably distributed.

A crude pic

I think that gets my point across? Idk if it is reasonable within the finale config but, hey.

Edit * that pic was a pain, should have done it in paint.

It isn't that simple. How are you going to lift yourself and guarantee your bot can't tip forward or back? Now you need a rigid lift mechanism cantilevered out 3 feet from the tower. That is no easy task. Now you need to make sure you can cross a bump or go under the tunnel. Again, no easy task.

I would suggest that anyone who thinks this might be an easy or simple design challenge pay close attention to the number of teams that actually manage to pull it off and do it well.

Lifting 2 robots in '07 was a far more simple task, and yet you still had a very small percentage of robots that were capable of doing it reliably.

[sportzkrazzy]

Lets just say id have to see it work before letting my drivers attempt it. I think you would be hard pressed to find some one to try it first. After they see it work then you might get some people to do it but idk... It would certainly have to look stable.

[Edoc'sil]

Lets say it is a simple concept, and much harder in practice. We did a mock up using a hydraulic car lift in our shop so the COBs do work out , but only with inches to spare. There is a reason my team is not lifting ourselves, much less 2 robots, we don't think it is particular feasible for a team with our kind of experience. This concept is only for if I would attempt lifting, and yes I agree it is waaay to late to start this large of a project. It might however be a good off season challenge.

[MrFixIt2719]

Originally Posted by Lil' Lavery

What about robots who have no plans to hang at all?

Thats why like our design we will be liftingfrom the ground with lowering ramp system and the teams will be lifted with us as one piece