Week 1
Jan 8 2022:
We gathered today to watch the kickoff video. The team broke up into 3 groups to breakdown the 2022 Game Manual. Subteams focused on creating a scoring matrix, summarizing the robot rules, & summarizing the human rules. We later focused on field rules and setup. We mocked up the field layout in the gym. Students took on roles of robots, drivers, or human player. We used various game pieces from prior years games to simulate the game environment. Our key takeaways from the simulation was common robot operations were collecting balls from the floor, shooting further away from the goal was easier, and the color of game pieces will affect cycle time.
Jan 10 2022:
The team broke down the game requirements, then identified robot features to address each challenge. They created a design table to see which features were to be prioritized for the robots success. Upon generating a list of robot features we categorized them into levels of needs, wants, and wishes.
We then broke up into sub groups to brainstorm robot design concepts. Everyone contributed and shared their designs. We then grouped up into subassembly groups focused on climb, intake, and shooting features. Within the groups we used the dimensions provided by the game manual to create scale drawings and models.
Jan 11 2022:
We worked in our sub groups to create 3D CAD models, creating 2D drawings, & constructing prototypes.
Our Base CAD model had finalized dimensions along with swerve modules that we plan to implement for our drivetrain.
Our Shooter group created a prototype using aluminum t-slot extrusion and lasered brackets. We were unable to test due to some minor manufacturing errors that will be revisited our next work session.
We calculated the forces that would be required to lift our robot using pneumatic cylinders. We also found a published prototype of a climbing mechanism that had valid merit, and sparked our curiosity to explore its potential further.
Programming team updated their software & firmware. They also set up the CAN IDs on the speed controllers.
Jan 13 2022:
Our team worked late tonight due to a schedule change. We worked through prototypes and full robot concepts.
We struggled to laser brackets due to file format issues from CAD to the laser software. After a troubleshooting for a couple hours, our lead team member needed to leave due to personal obligations outside of the team. The frame of the shooting prototype then could no longer continue to be constructed.
We tested various grip materials available in the lab including compliant wheels, and adhesive grips that could be applied to an otherwise slick surface such as PVC. We needed to run to the store to get 1in OD PVC pipe to be applied to our 3D printed ProtoPipe models.
The climb team has gravitated to a design inspired by the Ri3D groups. They would like to use a revolving arm design that allows for potentially quicker climbing method. There is also consideration to add a wheel on the hook to move along the bar to make room for the other alliance robots on the last traversal rung and create a potential opportunity for our alliance members to also reach the Traversal rung.
We also prepared raw stock material to be powder coated for our sponsor Powder Coating Specialty. We are nearly ready to send the material out.
Programming team learned how to use the "Decorate" feature of Labview to help organize our code. We converted previously developed swerve code to work with NEO motors. We also used the "Formula" VI within Labview to save space within our code, and make it run more efficiently.
