I’ve noticed that out of the 7 Mini-bot threads started so far, not a single one’s purpose is to discuss the actual ideas, designs, and prototypes for making and deploying Mini-bots. So, without further ado, please feel free to post your ideas, no matter how ludicrous.
http://solreka.com/blog/wp-content/kosol_ouch_antigravity_device.jpg
LOL JK
I think really strong magnets should do. Just launch it up from the base of the pole.
duke how do like that sounds pretty ludicrous
I have to say, the last one they showed, the one with two wheels that are pulled against the pole by a weight, would be good, but placed on the pole, not moved out there by it’s own power. A simple system of microswitches and latches should be sufficient.
One thing that really must be cleared before we begin designing our bots is wether we need to keep it up or just trigger the sensor at the top.
If I was given unlimited parts and access beyond the FTC parts I’d suggest a minibot propelled by small single burn rocket motors, replaced every game. That thing would fly.
You only need about 4 newtons to trigger the target, no need to destroy the sensor.
i think the plan with my team is to use the main robot to “Launch” the minibot, rather than have it move under its own power. it should work alright. i also think that our mini-bot wont have any electrics, entirely potential energy driven.
I may be wrong but I believe we need to just trigger the sensor, but dont quote me on that. But it seemed that in the rule book it said we just needed to trigger the sensor
well this is what my teams planning:
The paint got lost in the mail though
I really like the idea of a launched minibot, as opposed to one running under its own power. A section of PVC that could fit around the pole (1.75" internal diameter, 6 in long) is about 105g. Say, with some form of hinging and latching system to secure it around the pole (split in half, with hinges on one side and magnets on the other, maybe?), it could weigh in at 120g. That wouldn’t take much to produce the 4N or so at impact to trigger the target. Several thousandths of a joule or so.
Sorry, but I don’t believe the rules will allow that.
<G19> After DEPLOYMENT, MINIBOTS must remain completely autonomous. Violation: The TOWER on which the MINIBOT is DEPLOYED is disabled. If the MINIBOT is not deployed on a TOWER, then the ALLIANCE’s TOWER upon which the highest RACE SCORE was earned will be discounted.
The parts to allow you to make the Minibot must follow this rule:
<R92> The following items are the only permitted materials for use on the MINIBOTS:
A. TETRIX components,
B. no more than two motors (PN W739083),
C. exactly one 12V rechargeable NiMH battery pack identical to those supplied in the FTC kit of parts (PN W739057)
D. No more than one HiTechnic DC motor controllers,
E. No more than one NXT controller with the Bluetooth functionality disabled,
F. Polycarbonate,
G. Polycarbonate glue,
H. Aluminum sheet, 90° angle, u-channel, tube, bar,
I. rivets,
J. non-metallic rope or cord,
K. wire nuts,
L. cable ties,
M. limit switches,
N. no more than two common household light switches,
O. wire of appropriate gauge (see Rule <R40>),
P. non-slip pad,
Q. PVC or CPVC pipe,
R. PVC cement or cleaner,
S. Mechanical hardware (i.e. screws, bolts, etc) ,
T. Loctite or similar thread-locking product,
U. Rubber bands,
V. Surgical tubing,
W. Electrical tape and shrink tubing,
X. PWM extension cables,
Y. Universal security clips to hold the PWM connectors together,
Z. Hook and loop fastener (may not be used as tape), and
AA. Magnets.
Obviously we are very early in the build season, so I’m certain refinements to the rules will make it clearer if your idea will work or not.
In response to my previous post, I figured out the initial launch velocity needed.
Assuming:
-Kinetic minibots are allowed
-4N triggers the switch (as indicated in GM 2.2.5)
-A section of PVC around the tower with some hinging and latching weighs in at 120g
-The target switch takes 1 cm to trigger
-Friction turns off for the day
The initial launch velocity would need to be 7.5 m/s.
I rounded up gravity to 10 m/s^2 and rounded up most of my numbers to two sig. figures.
This is on the outside for that weight of PVC. I think +/- .5m/s would be fine, depending on friction.
I’m trying to convince my team to consider using Ytivarg to make the minibot climb the tower.
(Hint - Lleps ti sdrawkcab! 
)
Our team’s thinking of having a minibot with two plastic clips (like the bottom spring on an umbrella http://www.umbrellaman.co.uk/UserFiles/Image/Parts-of-an-Umbrella.jpg ) that would both have a curved side towards the pole, and then would maybe be attached to some PVC so the robot could lock on. However, having looked at the rules some more, I think it would be hard to make them/have them work without using springs. If anyone knows what I’m talking about, do you have any ideas?
Something our team learned is that the sensor that needs to be triggered is 3 limits switches wired in series positioned around the circle. So launching an item my trigger only one switch and no the other two in which case no score.
Actually, since they are in series, actuating just one switch would disrupt the entire circuit and would be registered as a score.
actually, per my understanding, these switches are held between two plates. The minibot hitting the bottom plate will activate all the switches
Are the switches normally open or normally closed?
We were considering ideas that would not require any electrical devices for the minibot. For example, the minibot could be constructed small, lightweight, and powered by a wind up spring mechanism. As the host bot pulls away from the minibot it could release a latch that then lets the minibot shoot up the pole with stored spring power driving wheels or such. Unfortunatly, per the materials list it looks like any team wanting to power the minibot with a spring must use either rubber bands or the surgical tubing.
Am I missing anything in the rules that would prevent us from powering a minibot by stored spring energy as long as it is deemed safe?
Thanks
MechJim
Team 3284
I am extremely interested to see if launched mini-bots will be allowed