Tape measure anyone?

[Mike Betts]

Originally Posted by JamesBrown

We have strength tested a heavy duty tape measure and it was able to hold more than 175lbs. Just be careful as you decide how to connect to the tape, putting holes in the tape can severely weaken it.

-James

James,

I think Adam is proposing using the tape to deliver the hook (not to use as a winch) which sounds just fine to me.

Mike

[KC1AJT]

Originally Posted by Mike Betts

James,

I think Adam is proposing using the tape to deliver the hook (not to use as a winch) which sounds just fine to me.

Mike

even with that the tape will bend if raised at a certain angle (we have all seen this)

[Mike Betts]

Originally Posted by computerteen643

even with that the tape will bend if raised at a certain angle (we have all seen this)

Patrick,

It may or may not work but it breaks no rules and does not seem to pose a safety risk.

I personally think that they can make it work and that it's a nifty idea...

JMHO,

Mike

[Chris is me]

I wish I knew how teams got this to work without snapping. It seems so cool and would be just a touch lighter than the team's current hook delivery system.

[flameout]

We also considered this idea, and got a prototype built, but we decided it would not be reliable enough for the robot. The tape can snap and fall, which would require us to pull it in and start again. Also, we were thinking we could use it as a winch and an arm, but it doesn't seem strong enough (directly, it could life >500 lbs., but any bending/attachment methods weakened it.)

By all means, however, go for it -- it is a much simpler idea than most, and could turn out to be a winner.

Good luck.

[EricH]

851 did theirs inside a tube of some type (sorry, I don't remember all the details). It worked pretty well--they were the one team that got us off the bar that year! They ran the tube up with the tape measure, then pulled the tape down and used a winch to pull themselves up, IIRC. I don't remember if the tube came down or simply telescoped when the robot went up.