Gas Shock Legality?

[Al Skierkiewicz]

I think that Daniel has the true answer here. Although gas shocks can be used on the robot, they are not specifically called out as allowed stored energy at the beginning of the match. This is a job for the GDC.

[Aren_Hill]

for "deformation of robot parts" can the gas in the shock not be deemed a part?
that is being deformed from one state to the other storing energy.

Works the same as any mechanical spring i know of

[Wayne Doenges]

FWIW, Our Rack n Roll robot used two gas struts, in compression, and two pneumatic cylinders at the start of the match. They weren't released until just before the final buzzer went off. It was called the buzzer lift. We were able to lift 500 pounds

[martin417]

I know that I am going to open a can of worms here, but I like worms.

Most of the discussion here so far has concerned stored energy. From a stored energy perspective, a gas strut is no different than a spring. They differ only in the manner of energy storage. So if a spring is legal, then, from, a stored energy perspective, a gas strut is legal. There could be arguments about where the initial energy to deform the spring/strut comes from in either case.

The real question about legality is brought up by this Q& response.

While I will stop short of saying they don't exist, I have yet to see or hear of a gas strut that is not, at least partially, filled with oil. The familiar gas strut, is simply an oil filled damper (or shock absorber), pre-charged with nitrogen at about 1500 PSI.

While not a formal authority, a description from McMaster Carr might help:

Note: All gas springs contain pressurized nitrogen gas as well as hydraulic fluid that lubricates the seal and provides slam-resistant damping at the end of the stroke. To avoid loss of force, you should store and install gas springs rod-end down.

[Mike Betts]

Originally Posted by Bill Taylor

In the manual, <R72-I>, seems to allow for the use of gas shocks so long as they are safe. This implies that they are legal for this game. But, <R01> restricts the methods of stored energy and does not mention gas shocks specifically. Our strategy depends on compressing gas shocks prior to match start; holding that energy throughout gameplay and releasing that energy by a motorized latch system to lift a considerable section of our robot during the Finale. Is it legal to store energy as a compressed gas shock (or multiple shocks) for use later in in the end-game?

Bill,

The GDC has posted multiple threads that verify that gas shocks can be used. Just be aware that lifting a "considerable section" of your robot implies a considerable stored energy and will attract considerable attention from the inspectors in regards to safety.

In particular, please insure that you have solid engineering data that the shocks are being used within their specifications and that you have an absolutely fail safe method of insuring the safety of all in the pits, at inspection and going onto and off of the field.

Regards,

Mike