firstfare 2012 pneumatics for beginners
TRANSCRIPT
PNEUMATICS FOR BEGINNERS
Dale Yocum, Head Mentor, Team 1540The Flaming Chickens
Based on presentation fromTim Bennington-Davis, Team 1425
Error Code Zero
Why Use Pneumatics ?
Powerful, reliable, durable Applying constant force Linear motion
Typical Applications
Grabbers and Arms
Typical Applications
Appendages and brakes
Typical Applications
Shifting
What will it cost you?
Weight Battery power Space on the robot Logistics to get the right parts
Pneumatic SystemCompressor Air Tanks
Pressure Gauge, pressure switch, release valve
Regulators and gauges
Regulator
Solenoid
Actuators
Solenoid valves
Compressor New model in 2011 – lighter, less air
Earlier model also legal (probably) Mount with rubber mounts to solid
surface Power with Spike (replace fuse with 20A
circuit interrupter)
Safety Relief Valve Releases at 120 psi – prevents over-
pressure condition. Adjust it! Must be placed on high-pressure side
(prior to regulator) Must mount on compressor
Air Tanks Reservoir for pressurized air May use more than one Typically used on high-pressure side
Gauges and Regulators Norgren regulator mandatory, regulates
high pressure side down to 60 psi Must have gauge on high pressure side,
and on low-pressure side Look for the arrow on regulator!
Pressure switch Switch opens around 115 psi, closes at
95 in theory. You can’t adjust it. Must be connected to digital input on
digital sidecar – NOT in series with power
Release Valve
Releases air from the system Must be in an obvious place
Solenoid Valves Driven by pneumatic bumper on cRIO Available in single- and double-action Use 12v Valves
Tubing Must have clear pressure marking Typically 0.25” OD Always cut with tubing cutter, square end Freelin-Wade.com
Polyurethane
Polyethylene Coiled
Actuators Typical device is a linear ram Available in many sizes
Length (throw)Diameter (bore)Mounting configurations
3 cylinders are available at no cost but you must order them
Flow control Flow control valves
Mount at air inlet on actuators or in-lineControl speed of action, not force
Fittings
www.automationdirect.com
Helpful Hints
Tradeoffs Big cylinders use more air (stroke and
bore) Frequent use of air during match can
outrun your compressor If your air use is limited, you can
consider charging tanks in the pit, and not mounting compressorSave weight, cost and battery power
Pneumatics CommandmentsThou shalt… Not tolerate air leaks. Not cut pneumatic tubing with anything other than
a pneumatics tubing cutter. Not use a actuator bigger than you need. Tape metal fittings up to but not including the last
thread. Optimize air storage capacity.
Summary Well-suited for:
Fast movementTwo-position mechanismsCreating substantial forceSustained Holding
Not so good forPrecision position controlSustained movement
Great resources
FIRST websitePneumatics ManualRules from 2012
http://team358.org/files/pneumatic/