A sponsor of ours is interested in marketing this manifold for FRC use.
We were unable to find anything similar on the market, which is surprising because it is such a simple piece. If you know of someone who does make it, please, let us know; we’d love to just buy it.
More or less it is an aluminum block with enough ports to attach all the various pneumatic pieces in one place if you like. It saves a good chunk of weight, eliminates the need for Brass T’s, and really cleans up the install.
Who would be interested in buying such a product? How much would you pay?
I think it’s a great idea, but if previous years rules remain, it would need to be a COTS component with a pressure rating of 125psi or higher as stated in the old manuals.
“They must, however, be “off the shelf” pneumatic devices rated by their
manufacturers for pressure of at least 125psi.”
If it met those requirements, then yeah, I could see us using a few to save weight and reduce the number of fittings required.
Yes, I reviewed the rules with our sponsor and they feel they could easily meet them; they specialize in high pressure systems and would be able to test/certify them.
I’m not sure I’d pay $30 to save a couple of ounces, but this is a good concept for its simplicity. However, I’d recommend that rather than coming out the side, the pneumatic regulators (etc) run along the length of the compressor – this aides in compactness.
Also, I’m not sure I like the relieve valve right on the compressor since we tend to put the compressor itself in places that aren’t easily accessed without tools. I’ve seen other teams do the same.
None of the compressors from 2006-2009 had their output ports oriented like that, and iirc it was illegal to tinker with the compressor to turn the ports.
And one might rightfully ask “now why would they want to do that?”
Several reasons.
First, they can deduct the gift on their corporate taxes. This is not trivial.
Second, they get their name out there, to tens of thousands of practicing and future engineers. Engineers who buy stuff from companies for the people they work for.*
Third, they get a good opportunity to re-energize their engineering staff**
Fourth, they get to feel good about it, too.
I am sure that many mentors and past FIRSTers are in roles where they specify parts for production. People are much more likely to specify products they are familiar with, or at least products from companies they are familiar with. Having their name out there is a subtle form of advertising, one which could pay dividends far above the expenditure. Even at a manufacturing cost of $5 each (which would be excessive) the whole cost is under $10k, take in the tax deduction (about 30%) and it’s really no all that much.
** Engineers have a routine at work, and the routine gets, well, routine. This has a negative impact on innovation and creativity. Getting engineers - young and old - out into a different world like FRC really breaks up this routine, and mentors come back very energized after 6 short weeks. There is a measurable increase in productivity and innovation for a few months after the build season.
