I’m working with a group of first-time Vexers (again) and trying to lay out some general “good practices” (they’re not competing this year but may in the future). We’ve seen roller intakes that sweep the field, and others that at first glance look similar but struggle to slurp a single object. We’re looking for practices (large and small) that make the difference. I’ll start with what we’ve observed:
Tension. For top rollers, this often involves a hinge on the intake structure, allowing gravity to put pressure on the object. For side rollers, placing the rollers on a pivot, tensioned with rubber bands, so there’s a bit of “squeeze” as the object is rolled in
Friction. Often the difference between an effective intake and an ineffective one is simply the proper application of rubber bands or non-slip padding. Of course, tank tread flaps, properly positioned and trimmed get plenty of use.
Are there other hacks you’d like to share? Not necessarily for this game, but things that have worked in general. They can be “duh, everyone knows that” ideas – we will not be offended if you state the obvious, and could even get some benefit.
This way the point at which you actually gain control of the balls is when your bot’s perimeter touches the ball as opposed to having. This also lets you collect off the walls/corners.
The bad thing that this creates is the inability to collect entire stacks at a time although I do agree that it is easier to pick up balls on the wall your way
Definitely the biggest thing I’ve seen is a team will have a great launcher and a good intake but they stick it right in the middle of the robot where its basically useless and the balls can’t reach it. Its like making a launcher that has 100 percent accuracy and then pointing it at the ground. Pro tip: Don’t do that.