Robot Design Process 2014-2015
As a rookie team, we had many opportunities to test the engineering design process--design, build, test, redesign, build, test. Making prototypes helped us develop our ideas.
Harvester ("Spinner")--We used a cardboard box and LEGO motor for one of our first prototypes.
Harvester ("Spinner")--Cutting zip ties to desired length.
Harvester ("Spinner")--One of our early tests to see if it would collect balls, and whether the LEGO Motor or Textrix Motor would be better.
Harvester ("Spinner")--One of our first designs (attached to a chassi we later changed), using a geared Textrix motor.
Harvester ("Spinner")--The finished design working well at the scrimmage.
Rolling Goal Actuator--We tested various types of "arms" to latch onto the rolling goals.
Hopper--We used cardboard and wire from a coat hanger for our prototype.
Hopper--Our hopper has a "gate" that opens and closes to release and guide balls into the rolling goal's tube.
Hopper--This is one of our test models, made from Lexan.
Hopper--Another model. A Tetrix tube was added to this one for added support to prevent and decrease sagging.
Hopper--The final model successfully dropping a ball into the rolling goal at the our scrimmage.
Lift--Assembling and testing ways to get our lift bars to slide smoothly, using various screws and washers.
Lift--Installing the winch for the lift.
Lift--Testing our lift to determine whether one motor will be sufficient to raise it.
Lift--Another lift test.