Pneumatic ballon

[Mr Roboto]

Would it be legal to allow the exhaust from a pneumatic solenoid to blow up a typical toy balloon? Or due to the fact that it would be connected to the pneumatic system, cause it to be considered a pneumatic device and thus fall under the requirements of R76?

Intended use: The balloon would be slowly inflated as we climb the pyramid then used to push discs out of a hopper when we reach the top thereby eliminating the need for an additional mechanical device or movement.

[Kevin Sevcik]

Definitely a pneumatic device in that case. So it would have to be a pneumatic cylinder that's rated for 125 psi. Which it isn't.

[Mr Roboto]

Thanks Kevin,
I thought that would be the case, but wanted to get another opinion.

[Al Skierkiewicz]

I would agree with Kevin as well. The balloon has to fit the COTS part rated for pressure in R76.

[Retired Starman]

Interesting question.

I don't think a balloon would be legal, but another accumulator might be. It would have to have some sort of check valve on it to keep the air in the tank each time the actuator is moved the other way. Further, some sort of valve would be necessary to make sure 60 psi air didn't just bypass the actuator and move into the new accumulator. It might also require a relief valve to make sure you don't store more than 60 psi in the new accumulator.

Dr. Bob
Chairman's Award is not about building the robot. Every team builds a robot.