telescoping arm

[rswsmay]

Originally Posted by Dick Linn

I was in the process of suggesting a couple of alternatives or variations to implementing the arm, then thought the better of it. Not for competitive reasons, but because you will feel so much better if you come up with it yourselves.

We've seen some sophisticated arms and lifting mechanisms in the past, but I'm convinced that there are some very simple and effective (read inexpensive) ways to at least reach the bar and lift off.

If you're stuck for ideas or just want to know what I'm rambling on about about, I'd be happy to discuss it.

Dick Linn
Mentor - Team 975

I'm interested in finding out your idea. We are currently toying with 3 concepts for extending arms. Using the forklift type, the folding pneumatic type, and the telescoping arms. We have not been able to come up with the "simple" method of telescoping an arm between 10-12'.

[Denman]

Maybe a totally inovative method is required , we have a secret method that might stun you at its simplicity
How about the parraleelagram method?

[JVN]

Originally Posted by Denman

Maybe a totally inovative method is required , we have a secret method that might stun you at its simplicity
How about the parraleelagram method?

Are you refferring to a 4-bar linkage?
This is a perfectly viable solution to a "tall arm".

For some prime examples of 4-bar linkage systems check out the robots from 1997, 1998.

4-bar linkages also made appearances last season as well
(25, 461, 233, others)

Check this one out:
http://www.firstrobotics.net/03galle...0513-1_jpg.htm

John

[KenWittlief]

I was just thinking about how to extend a telescoping arm, and it just came to me!

last year teams built arms that they wanted to extend in auton mode to hit the wall quickly

but this year, the arms would be for manipulating the 2X ball, or hooking the bar

but they dont need to extend by themselves

how do you extend the telescoping antenna on a portable radio or TV?

(you PULL it out, and it stays there)

all you need to do is design a telescoping arm that locks when extended

and to extend it, hook the end on the lip of the mobile goal, or on your alliace bot (or anywhere else you are allowed to grab something on the field)

and then backup your bot to pull the arm all the way out.

I dont think it could be any simplier than that! :c)

[Madison]

Originally Posted by KenWittlief

how do you extend the telescoping antenna on a portable radio or TV?

(you PULL it out, and it stays there)

all you need to do is design a telescoping arm that locks when extended

and to extend it, hook the end on the lip of the mobile goal, or on your alliace bot (or anywhere else you are allowed to grab something on the field)

and then backup your bot to pull the arm all the way out.

I dont think it could be any simplier than that! :c)

Though, for it to work by latching onto a mobile goal, there'd have to be less resistance in pulling out your telescoping arm than there is making the goal roll -- otherwise your telescoping arm will be nothing more than a fancy goal latch.

[D.Fahringer]

Originally Posted by CharlieWilken

I am wondering if anyone has ideas for actuating a telescoping arm made of say square tubing. I am assuming that filling it full of air pressure would be illegal. How could three or more pieces reach 10 foot to hang a hook on the horizontal bar?http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/ne...ewthread&f=22#
http://www.chiefdelphi.com/forums/ne...ewthread&f=22#

I don't know if this helps but this is the way we did it for three years 2000, 2001, and 2002 this is the 2002 one inch version, It drives whith chain or cable. and except for 2000 (cable) it is very reliable and compact.