| Earth-Moving Robots -- Design and Construction, Part 3 |
From "Robot Rivals"
episode DROB-111 |
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Work proceeds on building the robotic earth-mover. Activity Log: Virginia Tech (Hours 5 - 6) - The team adds a scooping bucket made from sheet metal on the washer and dryer.
- Chris notices some tortional bending in the lifting mechanism, as the powerful motors pull the sprocket assembly backwards. He adds extruded aluminum strengthening members between them so that they can withstand the added weight of mulch.
Activity Log: Purdue (Hours 5 - 6) - Joe finishes the chain and sprocket attachment, using a 40-tooth sprocket on the paddle wheel and a 10-tooth sprocket on the right-angle motor. He will be able to modify this 4:1 gear ration, depending on the RPM of the paddle wheel.
- Ross continues to build the frame for the hopper, while Joe incorporates sheet metal from the washer and dryer into the paddle wheel.
- Ross and Chris mount the electronics onto a sheet of metal that Brian has cut from the washer and dryer using a pneumatic nibbler.
- Chris fills in Ross's hopper frame with more sheet metal from the washer and dryer.
- A test of the paddle wheel is successful, but mismeasurements slow the complicated building process. They move the wheels further back on the frame and shift the speed controllers and electronics. This modification makes room for the hopper to pivot but also causes instability.
Expert Corner: Brian Nave explains that whether it's in a refrigerator or a robot, an electrical circuit must have a switch. The switch used in robotics is the same kind as used in a home: a single-pole, single-throw switch (figure A). It works by breaking or completing the circuit based upon which way the lever is toggled. The size of the switch reflects the size of the current. A fuse box, which directs a substantial current, uses a large knife switch. A microswitch (figure B), which operates with minimal current, has a tiny switch. It is also a single-pole, double-throw switch. This means that its one switch controls two separate circuits at the same time.
RESOURCES :
Robot Builder's Bonanza
Model: 0071362967
Author: Gordon McComb
Build Your Own Robot!
Model: 1568811020
Author: Karl Lunt
Robots, Androids and Animatrons : 12 Incredible Projects You Can Build
Model: 0070328048
Author: John Iovine
Personal Robotics : Real Robots to Construct, Program, and Explore the World
Model: 156881089X
Author: Richard Raucci
Mobile Robots : Inspiration to Implementation
Model: 1568810970
Author: Joseph L. Jones, et al
Sensors for Mobile Robots : Theory and Application
Model: 1568810482
Author: H.R. Everett
Special Thanks for Robot Rivals 100 series
The Robot Store
provided various robotic components for Robot Rivals.
www.robotstore.com
IFI Robotics
makers of the "Isaac 32" control system.
www.ifirobotics.com
NPC Robotics
provided wheels and motors for Robot Rivals.
www.npcrobotics.com
Robotic Power Solutions
provided battery packs.
www.battlepack.com
Parallax Inc.
Provided microprocessors, on-board robotic cameras, autonoumous programming.
www.parallaxinc.com
Hobbico
provided Futaba control system.
www.hobbico.com
Alloy Frame Systems
provided extruded-aluminum frame materials.
www.alloyframesystems.com
SMC Corporation of America
provided pneumatic systems.
www.smcusa.com
Team Delta
provided wiring kits and electrical wiring.
www.teamdelta.com
Radio Shack
provided component cabinets.
www.radioshack.com
Campbell Hausfeld Tools
provided pneumatic tools and compressor used on Robot Rivals.
www.campbellhausfeld.com
Delta Machinery
provided tools used on Robot Rivals.
www.deltawoodworking.com
Porter Cable
provided tools used on Robot Rivals.
www.porter-cable.com
Waterloo Industries
provided tool chests used on Robot Rivals.
www.waterlooindustries.com
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