Pit/Robot Carts?

[ChocolateDragon]

Are there really any set dimensions for a cart? Like, what I'm going for is a basic robot carrier, since it's my first year and I don't wanna do anything too complicated. I was thinking the platform to be the max robot dimensions, but with ten inches on each side, so there would be an ideal 5 inches around it. But, looking at all of these carts, that seems way too small! :?

[EricH]

Originally Posted by ChocolateDragon

Are there really any set dimensions for a cart? Like, what I'm going for is a basic robot carrier, since it's my first year and I don't wanna do anything too complicated. I was thinking the platform to be the max robot dimensions, but with ten inches on each side, so there would be an ideal 5 inches around it. But, looking at all of these carts, that seems way too small! :?

If it can't fit through a standard doorway, it's as good as useless--you may need to get through that at a demo, or to leave the classroom/build area. Now, your standard 28x38 robot with a full set of 2.5" thick bumpers will go through that at 33" (with about 3" to spare, IIRC). So you may actually be too big if you go 5" on each side.

Your best bet would be a platform just about the size of the robot with bumpers on (note: include a lip to keep stuff from coming off, and rails to put the robot wheels off the platform, or chocks so the robot doesn't move) with a storage area below for batteries and quick-fix tools. Doesn't have to be terribly high, or terribly complicated.

[commonsense]

Our team has a cart with a main box base. On top of that is a 4 jack system. The jacks can slide left to right and forwards and backwards. This allows for any size frame in the normal frame requirements. The jacks have U-brackets on them that fit around our frame. They fit snug enough that when we lock down the jacks the cart can tip several degrees without any slip.

[MattC9]

About the robot cart, Here is a VERY good design example if you want to make a custom one like you said, and meets all the requirements you stated.

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/photos/35516

This cart has
-tool boxes underneath the robot
-storage near the handle in the back (most likely for battery's)
-a place for the driver station

Now remember you have only 5 days till kick off, I would not attempt to start this right now but wait until build dies down. But instead get you shop and resources ready for Jan. 7th.

[KevinGoneNuts]

Originally Posted by MattC9

About the robot cart, Here is a VERY good design example if you want to make a custom one like you said, and meets all the requirements you stated.

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/photos/35516

This cart has
-tool boxes underneath the robot
-storage near the handle in the back (most likely for battery's)
-a place for the driver station

Now remember you have only 5 days till kick off, I would not attempt to start this right now but wait until build dies down. But instead get you shop and resources ready for Jan. 7th.

Thank you! We're going to work on it after build season is over because then we have 3 weeks to build a Pit Cart.

[O'Sancheski]

Originally Posted by MattC9

About the robot cart, Here is a VERY good design example if you want to make a custom one like you said, and meets all the requirements you stated.

http://www.chiefdelphi.com/media/photos/35516

This cart has
-tool boxes underneath the robot
-storage near the handle in the back (most likely for battery's)
-a place for the driver station

Now remember you have only 5 days till kick off, I would not attempt to start this right now but wait until build dies down. But instead get you shop and resources ready for Jan. 7th.

This cart also has a lift for easy access to the bottom of the robot.

[MattC9]

Originally Posted by O'Sancheski

This cart also has a lift for easy access to the bottom of the robot.

Really!? could you give some details on this?

[O'Sancheski]

Originally Posted by MattC9

Really!? could you give some details on this?

I don't know exactly how it works. I could ask some of my friends over on 175 for the exact details on it.

Attached is a pic of the lift.

[Nicole175]

Originally Posted by O'Sancheski

I don't know exactly how it works. I could ask some of my friends over on 175 for the exact details on it.

Attached is a pic of the lift.

Just to note, our cart is EXTREMELY heavy. We also have a brake at the back end to keep us from moving. A switch can be turned on that activates a "horn/beep" to warn people that we are approaching....and there are lights that we are in the process of trying to fix.

[eStop Robotics]

eStop Robotics introduced the Competition Cart for the 2012 FRC season. The cart is intended to be a universal solution that will serve teams for a lifetime of competitions.

The Competition Cart was designed based on years of FRC competition experience. The cart is lightweight, yet extremely strong, and is easy to assemble and disassemble.

The Competition Cart is intended to be both a pit service and transport cart capable of carrying a full size FRC robot with bumpers along with two FRC KOP plastics crates below the robot. The cart offers 6" of ground clearance to easily navigate over electrical cableways and other obstacles often found at event venues.

Click here for an exploded diagram of the cart.

[Mr. Rogers]

This is the plan anyway.....

[V_Chip]

Originally Posted by Nicole175

Just to note, our cart is EXTREMELY heavy. We also have a brake at the back end to keep us from moving. A switch can be turned on that activates a "horn/beep" to warn people that we are approaching....and there are lights that we are in the process of trying to fix.

Remember, the cart is heavy to help keep members on their toes. We usually have a programmer push it along for some experience in "hardware".

The storage compartments in the cart allow for batteries, tools, and other maintenance utilities.

[ThaDeanesta]

How might that give me experience in "hardware" again?

haha.

Back on topic: The cart is heavy indeed. Pushing it around (even short distances) can prove to be quite strenuous.


Motorized Carts anybody?

[giantmidget31]

Originally Posted by O'Sancheski

I don't know exactly how it works. I could ask some of my friends over on 175 for the exact details on it.

Attached is a pic of the lift.

I'm confused, how does this provide access to the bottom of the robot?

[Nicole175]

Originally Posted by giantmidget31

I'm confused, how does this provide access to the bottom of the robot?

A scissor lift allows the robot to be lifted to a height where the bottom of the robot is easily accessible. The cart holds the robot up by its frame so wheels/chains can be changed easily.