862 2012 Pneumatics Lightning Robotics FRC 862 862

862 2012 Pneumatics Lightning Robotics – FRC 862

862 Pneuma-what? Air! A pneumatic assembly is one that converts energy stored in compressed air to mechanical energy. Electrical Energy Compressor Compressed air Release of air Mechanical force

862 Myth – Pneumatics are Heavy False! Tiny investment, major returns Requires only some heavy components Pneumatics are usually very light in comparison to motors! › No heavy motors › No gearboxes › No sprockets, etc.

862 New Rules FIRST made the rules much nicer this past year. Unlimited air storage Much lighter compressor

862 Actuation Putting into motion Motors rotate, cylinders extend and retract Good in different situations Motors Pneumatics

862 What does that mean? Pneumatics – good for fixed distances of travel Motors – good for infinite travel Examples: › › › Raising and lowering arm: fixed Extending and retracting arm: fixed Driving – infinite Operating a belt – infinite Spinning a wheel – infinite Opening and closing a claw - fixed

862 Infinite motion

862 Fixed Motion

862 Recap of that Pneumatics are not heavy! If you need infinite motion, use motors. If you need a fixed distance of travel, use pneumatics. › Don’t try to use one for the other!

862 Now, for the fun part How to build them!

862 Compressors New (“Rookie”) Compressor Old Compressor

862 Air Tanks Simple Concept – stores air Unlimited quantity

862 Regulator FIRST requires that: › Max storage pressure: 120 psi › Max working pressure: 60 psi Regulator does that! In line between tanks and cylinders

862 Cylinder What actually does the moving!

862 Qualities of a Cylinder Bore Diameter: › The diameter of the bore (inside) of the cylinder. Increasing this increases force applied by the cylinder, but also increases air used. Stroke Length: › The distance the piston travels when extending or retracting. Increasing this increases air used.