Air! A pneumatic assembly is one that converts energy stored in
compressed air to mechanical energy. Electrical Energy Compressed
air Mechanical force Compressor Release of air
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False! Tiny investment, major returns Requires only some heavy
components Pneumatics are usually very light in comparison to
motors! No heavy motors No gearboxes No sprockets, etc.
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FIRST made the rules much nicer this past year. Unlimited air
storage Much lighter compressor
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Putting into motion Motors rotate, cylinders extend and retract
Good in different situations Motors Pneumatics
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Pneumatics good for fixed distances of travel Motors good for
infinite travel Examples: Raising and lowering arm: fixed Extending
and retracting arm: fixed Driving infinite Operating a belt
infinite Spinning a wheel infinite Opening and closing a claw -
fixed
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Pneumatics are not heavy! If you need infinite motion, use
motors. If you need a fixed distance of travel, use pneumatics.
Dont try to use one for the other!
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How to build them!
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New (Rookie) Compressor Old Compressor
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Simple Concept stores air Unlimited quantity
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FIRST requires that: Max storage pressure: 120 psi Max working
pressure: 60 psi Regulator does that! In line between tanks and
cylinders
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What actually does the moving!
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Bore Diameter: The diameter of the bore (inside) of the
cylinder. Increasing this increases force applied by the cylinder,
but also increases air used. Stroke Length: The distance the piston
travels when extending or retracting. Increasing this increases air
used.
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The valve that controls air flow Electronically controlled 2
types Single-solenoid Double-solenoid