Inflating Robots

[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.