Vex pneumatics to operate wrist.

VEX V5 General Discussion General Forum
1

Hello,
As listed in the thread title, i need to use pneumatics to rotate a wrist (otherwise known as my collector) into a better scoring position. I am only a grade 10 and dont even know where to start with pneumatics. if anyone can please re-direct me to an answered thread or a tutorial website, i would greatly appreciate it. i have read many websites on how to use pneumatics but still dont understand how pneumatic setups differ depending on the job you would like the pneumatics to assist with.

thanks

2

Pneumatics are meant for linear motion. You’re better off using a turntable or just a motor if you want rotational motion.

3

I will have to disagree. Look at an excavator for example, linear piston but rotational movement. Pneumatics are essentially the same but with only two positions and air rather than hydraulic fluid. My advice would be to just take a few pistons and some different metal pieces (different angles like 90 degrees and such) and just start seeing what kind of movement you can get with various pivot points.

4

Going to have to disagree with you there Andr0id. Pneumatics are a great way to save a motor if you only need two positions for a motion. A quick Google search did the trick:
http://content.vexrobotics.com/docs/inventors-guide/VEX_PneumaticsKit-INST-083111.pdf

5

hey mochi. thanks for your help. unfortunatly, i had previously used this link and it just confused me. im a driver and lead stratagist but when it comes to things like pneumatics, im hopeless :stuck_out_tongue: let me know if anyone finds a tutorial video on how to rotate things with pneumatics. thanks.

6

Have you seen a train? Look at how its wheels are powered. That’s how.

7

You can also use simulation software for this type of mechanism (linkage) design. Here is a free one that has worked for us quite well.

http://blog.rectorsquid.com/programming-projects/linkage-2-0/

8

Search for “converting linear to circular motion,” here is an interesting mechanism for doing just that:

9

Autodesk ForceEffect Motion for iPad/iPhone is also worth looking into.

10

Hey all, thanks for you help. vex5757’s video was extremely helpful however it would only rotate about 1 sack with the wieght of our intake included. we are currently trying to make improvements to the video. if anyone has any further answers, feel free to help!

11

You could connect the pneumatic to a rack gear and have it slide on a gear. When the pneumatic goes in and out, it will turn the gear giving it circular motion. By changing the gear size you can increase the tourque allowing you to lift more weight.