My team is trying to decide on a lift to build for In The Zone. We are looking at elevator lifts, particularly continuous or cascade lifts. If anyone could let us know about the pros and cons of these two lift designs, it would be very helpful. Thanks!
Take a look at 929U. I don’t know the difference between cascade and continuous, but these guys were able to make a very successful elevator and add a chainbar to it.
I would definitely recommend looking at 1103. That was an older robot, but it used a continuous lift. I myself have been seriously considering using a cascade lift for this year’s game. Cascade lifts are faster, but they also greatly increase the risk of breaking the chain if your lift is too heavy. Continuous is more reliable. Either way. I’d say either use a TON of lubricant on the VEX linear slides, or design your own (that’s what I’m doing). There was a thread on this at some point (I don’t remember where), but I believe it was determined that cascade lifts are twice as fast for every stage added. I believe cascade also requires more motors. Continuous you could easily get away with 2 motors. Here is the 929 U robot @briancole mentioned:
and here is the 1103 robot from 2011:
BTW 1103 won first in world in robot skills, and was a semifinalist in the regular competition that year
Okay, thanks so much for your help!! @briancole @Easton
No problem 