Two intermediate states of a component from a mechanism to be featured in Team 383’s 2012 robot, Brazilian Buddy XIII. Any guesses?
Kinda looks like a variable inertia flywheel… starts out ‘closed’ (on left) for quick acceleration, and expands to provide more momentum when the shooter is spinning.
But whatever it really is, I’ll be sure to check it out in person at AZ this year. 
centrifugal weights?
Is it for mining oil? jk i think the variable flywheel idea is the best.
Yup, variable flywheel - nice catch!