I wondering if people have an idea for a locking mechanism. I need one that would lock c channel so my lift can go bigger. Thanks for any suggestions.
It depends on what you are trying to lock. There are many ways to lock many types of mechanisms.
For gears, you can lock using a metal 12 tooth gear that moves, or a ratchet gear. There are many examples online.
For a bar you could use a one way hinge. Look up recycle rush FRC robots to see this implemented in tote stacking.
These are just a couple of examples. If you give a more detailed explanation of your mechanism or pictures we can tailor a better solution for you, or help you pick the right one.
Here are some relevant videos
Well thank you, I don’t have any photos on me but I have two c channels that are horizontal and parallel and 2 other c channels horizontal and parrallel again so I need them to connect with a lock but with the limit of 18 by 18 so I need it to folded to be able to fit in the required dimensions. If that make sense
And for the first video you showed would that have a way to replicate that but with no spring. Team is low on budget this year and I don’t think our team would be able to buy that
https://vexforum.com/t/team-5854-updates-reveals/24989/1 (scroll down)
http://www.vexmen.com/2015/03/vexmen-build-highlights-from-skyrise-part-1/ (scroll down to 80K)
Well thanks again but i don’t think this would work in my situation. Rather than that the video is helpful
That second one can actually be done passively by the changing gravity while hanging. However, that isn’t too useful this season (but I saw it used well last season).
What you think is a spring is actually just a hinge. You can replicate that using a second small piece of c channel to the side with screws acting as joints.
@Juster We have similar budgets issues and we found a really good lock, we have a arm that folds out and we only use rubber bands to unfold it, i can upload some photos in a few hours and the lock is just made using a shaft and some collars.
@Juster We have similar budgets issues and we found a really good lock, we have a arm that folds out and we only use rubber bands to unfold it, i can upload some photos in a few hours and the lock is just made using a shaft and some collars.
forgot to get the pics should do tomorrow after school sorry. correct me if im wrong but i take it your arm is folded at the start of the match and then unfolds during the match?
Yes that’s correct
Here they are @Juster sorry about the fact that nothing is connected but hopefully you can see how it works, i will attach a video of our auton from last comp to show u how it works in the comp. Had to upload to youtube because it didnt recognize video format. - YouTube
Thanks that works but our bars are way apart so maybe a different lock mechanism would work better
Getting pictures tomorrow and be posting it