VEX Robotics Competition: Transformer Prototype

VEX Robotics Competition: Transformer Prototype  

Intro

The creative variability design of robots dealing with environments that need some unique mobility presents challenges that can be tackled by the application of transformation principles for innovative design that opens a larger menu of things that the robot can do.  

Goals

Our research goals for participating in the VEX competition are not limited to tackling the main objective tasks, but to invest in higher score opportunities that call for creative designs.

An additional 6 bonus points are awarded for the team that secures the center parking platform at the end of the competition. The center parking platform can be used by robots from either alliance, it centers the two alliance parking platforms that are used for alliance parking by robots of the same color alliance as the platform, and therefore, the center platform is exposed from both the left and ride side. See the platform figures below:    

 

Objective

We aim to build an add-on prototype transformer that secures the center parking scenario. The edge of creative design comes from the engineering challenge rule of limiting the use of motors. The other challenge is that the prototype's weight supports maintaining the robots high speed.   

Work in Progress

Before making our design, we experimented with making the transformer prototype figure similar in concept out of cardboard. The concept of a slide lock triangle shield was inspired by a previous battle robot created by one of our STEM members.  This design will create a trap for others robots attempting to knock our robot off the center platform by forcing it to slide up the transformer. The slide lifts up the attacking robot to a position creating a gap of weight between it's front and back wheels, making it easier to knock the robot off the platform.

Design Attempts  

  

Step 1 and 2: Studying the right curve design and best suitable material.

   

Current Design in Study 

Inspired by the idea of a Japanese folding fan with a twist of mimicking a bird wing robot. This design has the ability to meet our objective and eliminate the need for motors. It can be made out of light material, and not interfere with the rotors speed.    

Upcoming Steps 

Step 2: Build the design out of simple handy material such as plastic and wires.
Step 3: Test the design.
Step 4: Apply the design to Fusion 360. 

Step 4: Program the code.  

Step 5: Test the scenario on our own mimic built platform.   

Check back weekly for more updates!

References 

Click here for more details about the competition

Ramya El-Saleh