Building
We are currently perfecting runs for the third version of our robot, Tank. To see our progress in all areas, as well as the most recent news, click here.
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As of now, we have gone through 3 versions of our robot:
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Our team utilizes many innovative building techniques into our robot and attachments.
Our most prominent and innovative ideas:
Our most prominent and innovative ideas:
- Battery Access: Our robot's NXT can be removed by simply pulling upwards. The denser bracing is necessary in regard to the motors, while we have minimal but sufficient affixation of the NXT allowing for quick battery access and overall stability.
- Functional Structure: Our robot is similar to a rectangular prism with level surfaces on the front and sides. Our coaches and mentors have described it as brick-like. This adds the convenience of squaring up on walls, which adds ease of use programming wise.
- Attachments: Our attachments are versatile. We often use the same attachment for whole runs to save time. Their simplicity is a result of last year’s failure with more complex attachments. Despite creating attachments with simplicity in mind, there is a level of bracing and complexity we need for stability.
- Attachment Method: This year, we ended up with a system where attachments slide onto a beam system on the attachment motor, and are secured on both ends by four axles going through the attachment, into the motor. To make sure the axles stay in, they are built with rubber bands constraining them.
- Dimensions: 15.2cm x 20.7cm x 7.5cm
- Attachment Motor: implemented into the main robot structure
- Sensors: two color sensors (on each side) ultrasonic sensor (back)
- Bracing Types: double shear protection (for wheels), central (motors and ultrasonic), cross bracing (underneath), squares/triangles
- Drive Train: two motor control with Lego motorcycle wheels
- Back Support: two skids
Version 1:
To get to this point, we went through prototypes/versions. The following is our description of Version 1, when it was still our official robot:
"We use our own new system to connect attachments to the attachment motor. This system works by using a beam rail system to hold the attachment in place on the attachment motor. The attachment is held by an axle that slides through the rails and the attachment to lock the attachment in place. This allows us to perform quicker change-outs and causes us to spend less time in base.
Our robot uses the double shear technique to help stabilize the two drive wheels. This increases the reliability of missions for our robot. We also use wheels that have solid tires. This causes the wheels to not squish the tires in greater measures. Our robot also use other methods of bracing such as central and cross bracing. Furthermore, we try to use as many right angles and triangle parts inside our robot and attachments. "
However, this version was much too wide, and could not fit through many spaces, so we had to scrap it.
Differences in Version 2:
Though a thinner robot was the main concern while building the second version, there were other changes that we decided to implement into the second version. It was decided to separate the color sensors that we originally had side by side. This was to accommodate the field in that the robot could then follow a long line all the way. Because the sensors are now separated, they now also have to be in front of the wheels, resulting in a longer robot. Lastly, the attachment motor was also decided to be fixed within the robot.
To get to this point, we went through prototypes/versions. The following is our description of Version 1, when it was still our official robot:
"We use our own new system to connect attachments to the attachment motor. This system works by using a beam rail system to hold the attachment in place on the attachment motor. The attachment is held by an axle that slides through the rails and the attachment to lock the attachment in place. This allows us to perform quicker change-outs and causes us to spend less time in base.
Our robot uses the double shear technique to help stabilize the two drive wheels. This increases the reliability of missions for our robot. We also use wheels that have solid tires. This causes the wheels to not squish the tires in greater measures. Our robot also use other methods of bracing such as central and cross bracing. Furthermore, we try to use as many right angles and triangle parts inside our robot and attachments. "
However, this version was much too wide, and could not fit through many spaces, so we had to scrap it.
Differences in Version 2:
Though a thinner robot was the main concern while building the second version, there were other changes that we decided to implement into the second version. It was decided to separate the color sensors that we originally had side by side. This was to accommodate the field in that the robot could then follow a long line all the way. Because the sensors are now separated, they now also have to be in front of the wheels, resulting in a longer robot. Lastly, the attachment motor was also decided to be fixed within the robot.