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2012 Pneumatics. Lightning Robotics – FRC 862. Pneuma -what?. Electrical Energy. Air! A pneumatic assembly is one that converts energy stored in compressed air to mechanical energy. Compressor. Compressed air. Release of air. Mechanical force. Myth – Pneumatics are Heavy. False!
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2012 Pneumatics Lightning Robotics – FRC 862
Pneuma-what? Electrical Energy • Air! A pneumatic assembly is one that converts energy stored in compressed air to mechanical energy. Compressor Compressed air Release of air Mechanical force
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.
New Rules • FIRST made the rules much nicer this past year. • Unlimited air storage • Much lighter compressor
Actuation • Putting into motion • Motors rotate, cylinders extend and retract • Good in different situations Motors Pneumatics
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
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!
Now, for the fun part • How to build them!
Compressors • New (“Rookie”) Compressor • Old Compressor
Air Tanks • Simple Concept – stores air • Unlimited quantity
Regulator • FIRST requires that: • Max storage pressure: 120 psi • Max working pressure: 60 psi • Regulator does that! • In line between tanks and cylinders
Cylinder • What actually does the moving!
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.
Solenoid Valve • The valve that controls air flow • Electronically controlled • 2 types • Single-solenoid • Double-solenoid
Miscellany • Tubing • Brass fittings • Safety pressure release valve • Tube connectors • Pressure sensor • Teflon tape