Is motor cooling spray or compressed air allowed in VEX IQ World?

VEX IQ General Discussion IQ Technical Discussion
1

Hi everyone,

Is there a definitive answer if cooling the motors using the following methods are allowed in Vex IQ World? I searched online but only find very sparse and dated info.

  • cold spray based on Aerosol
  • compressed air

Thanks.

2

There is no rule in the Next Level rules about using any cooling spray on the motors.

If your robot is well constructed, the motors should not be getting warm at all during a 1 minute match.

3 Likes
3

I don’t think it’s a good idea to have kids spraying down their robots… sounds like a good way for a kid to get burned…if the coaches are doing it that would be against the rules.

1 Like
4

It’s compressed air, so there isn’t a burn factor. It’s almost impossible to get the motors too hot to touch.

5

Cold air based on aerosols are dangerous.

Canned air is different from the air we breathe. The products are made of a gas that is compressed into a liquid and canned. The types of gases used vary, and some are dangerous when used improperly. Some of the more common dangers include:

  • Flammable ingredients. When canned gas is tilted, the liquefied and highly flammable gas can be released into the air and onto surfaces it contacts. This can be especially dangerous in poorly ventilated areas. When a flammable atmosphere is created, flames, sparks and electrical switches can ignite the concentrated gas, causing a flash fire.

  • Frostbite. The liquid inside canned air can cause frostbite when the skin is exposed to a steady stream. This can vary from an intense burning sensation to serious physical injuries such as skin cracking, and damage to muscles, blood vessels and nerves.

2 Likes
6

Thanks for all the thoughtful answers!

I shared all the info here to the kids.

1 Like
7

We don’t thinks it’s a good idea about kids spraying robots. But we feel compressed air is allowed in VEX IQ World.

8

So what did they do? Did it make a difference?

10

Hey Jamessalvant. It actually wouldn’t be against the rules for an adult/coach to spray the robot for the students if they deem that it is for the student’s personal safety. The rules are that the program is a student-centered program. That does not mean that mentors are not expected to step in when the students need their assistance.

1 Like