pic: Magnetic Grappling Hook

[Chris Hapstack]

loading photo ...

[Chris Hapstack]

Latching: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G6oYBItYZrU

Firing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v3PiLsyRn10

[cbale2000]

I like the idea, definitely looks like it would help the claws engauge, though it does not appear to fix the problem of having to be basically perfectly lined up for it to catch. =/

[Chris Hapstack]

Oh yeah it's definitely more of an amusing prototype at this point rather than a finished product. I was hoping the magnets would have a more dramatic effect, so we might end up going with something entirely different.

[Boltman]

Originally Posted by Chris Hapstack

Oh yeah it's definitely more of an amusing prototype at this point rather than a finished product. I was hoping the magnets would have a more dramatic effect, so we might end up going with something entirely different.

Pretty sure the 20 second time factor would preclude that design

[Chris Hapstack]

Originally Posted by Boltman

Pretty sure the 20 second time factor would preclude that design

In what way? This (or a different grappling hook) would be entirely contained within our frame perimeter until the last 20 seconds of a match.

[Boltman]

Originally Posted by Chris Hapstack

In what way? This (or a different grappling hook) would be entirely contained within our frame perimeter until the last 20 seconds of a match.

The acceleration applied to get magnet to engage on bar is relatively slow. So to properly position (big one) , then engage, then collapse then winch seems like that would be troublesome to say the least in 20 seconds. Don't see how the magnet helps much.

[cbale2000]

Originally Posted by Boltman

The acceleration applied to get magnet to engage on bar is relatively slow. So to properly position (big one) , then engage, then collapse then winch seems like that would be troublesome to say the least in 20 seconds.

I'm pretty sure the cables used to engage the winch clamps would also be used for the lift so the whole thing, so the grasp and lift portion of the process would be done in one action. Sure, positioning would take time but could be done before the 20 second mark. Winding in the winch could be done quite rapidly depending on the motor and gearing used (a decent PTO could probably climb in less than 10 seconds).

IMO the biggest issue with these types of designs is accuracy, if you can get past that, you probably have the most effective type of climber out there.

[fiona.crush1011]

Do you have any close-up pictures of the real mechanism?

[Chris Hapstack]

Originally Posted by cbale2000

I'm pretty sure the cables used to engage the winch clamps would also be used for the lift so the whole thing, so the grasp and lift portion of the process would be done in one action. Sure, positioning would take time but could be done before the 20 second mark. Winding in the winch could be done quite rapidly depending on the motor and gearing used (a decent PTO could probably climb in less than 10 seconds).

IMO the biggest issue with these types of designs is accuracy, if you can get past that, you probably have the most effective type of climber out there.

Yes, the same cable both engages the clamps and lifts the robot. Our winch is designed to run at 12 inches/second under the load of the robot's weight, so we could ostensibly complete the climb within 4 or 5 seconds of firing the hook. Accuracy is definitely the biggest hurdle yet to go.

[Rivet Man]

Originally Posted by Boltman

The acceleration applied to get magnet to engage on bar is relatively slow. So to properly position (big one) , then engage, then collapse then winch seems like that would be troublesome to say the least in 20 seconds. Don't see how the magnet helps much.

Hi Chris Hapstack,

I'm going to agree with my friend Boltman on this one.

This design sure looks entertaining but it reminds me a lot of those arcade games where you try your best to win a stuffed bear but always end up dropping them even though it looked like you lined 'em up (Sorry Linda!).

I guess the positive here is that you could have your driver practice hanging by trying to win toys out of those machines. Just 20 dollars of practice and they'd be pros!

On another note, all that stuff still comes under 1 pound? Do you guys design these robots out of air or something? If I bought a clamp like that at Home Depot it'd weight at least 5 pounds!

Best Regards,
RM

[Chris Hapstack]

Originally Posted by Rivet Man

On another note, all that stuff still comes under 1 pound? Do you guys design these robots out of air or something? If I bought a clamp like that at Home Depot it'd weight at least 5 pounds!

Delrin, polycarb, and a little aluminum! I can't promise it'll lift much more than a robot, but it's looking like it will support ours.

[IronicDeadBird]

Oof I'd be careful with that I've seen a few magnets explode when they collide with something too hard. It is quite a spectacle unless said magnets are expensive rare earth magnets you just recently purchased.

[cbale2000]

Originally Posted by IronicDeadBird

Oof I'd be careful with that I've seen a few magnets explode when they collide with something too hard. It is quite a spectacle unless said magnets are expensive rare earth magnets you just recently purchased.

Any magnet with a metal coating would work as well I would think.

[IronicDeadBird]

Originally Posted by cbale2000

Any magnet with a metal coating would work as well I would think.

Then I guess my only real concern is if it accidentally went off and it happened to land in another robot.