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Only small problem: if you get a big hit with springs loaded, it could happen the spring stays loaded once gas is released (due to deformation of the flipper or something).
And in that case, i'd be super careful to take the link out afterwards... so try to take that into account when thinking about where to place the link.
It will be very unlikely that the springs get stuck in the compressed position due to damage to the robot. The flipper arm is not coupled to the ram, so its free - only held down with bungee cord. The internals will also be very well protected ( there are two 10mm alu bulkheads and 6mm titanium armor to go through.
The only way the springs can stay compressed is if the solenoid valve somehow freezes and is stuck open, but if that happens it will release after a couple of minutes when it warms up again.
I designed it on purpose so that when there is no power the springs are in their extended position that way any potential danger is eliminated.
Attachment 6335
Great, just playing the "what could possibly go wrong"-card here...
Someone doing that always helps me greatly to find possible flaws and failures in a plan.
But since i can't think of any more by now... i'm really curious to see that happen.
And if it all works, who knows, maybe i get mine working, too, and we might see each other with them.
*memo to myself: increase shock-absorbers*
No worries Jan, I rather have someone noting what could go wrong, it could be something I didn't think of or dismissed, so it's a good double check exercise for me;)
What will happen when you vent the gas at the end of a fight though? Does the system not rely on the ram being pressurised? Or will you just have the make sure you have the arm in the 'up' position as such before you vent the system to avoid a misfire?
This is an area about which I'd like to have the opinions of EOs or tech checkers to see if I comply with the rules.
I have not included a dump/vent valve in the system. The reason behind this being that when solenoid valve has no power supply the flipper will fire, and I'm not keen on removing the power manualy from the robot (ie removing the link) before the gas system is vented.
So after a fight is over, I will fire the weapon - now the system is totally empty of gas and the flipper is open. I can now remove the link, with the link out, there is no way the weapon will fire again. Last step I will close the on/off valve.
Don't know if it's clearly explained, I will do a step by step guide with pictures of what is happening and where.
That weapon has a default stand. No gas or power, flipper open.
So, make sure you can cut all power remotely. Maybe just by shorting the main wires blowing the fuse.
Rather than pulling at the fuse or link to cut the power I was more of the idea of switching power off to the weapon sonenoid valve via the transmitter remotely. Then with the flipper open I can lock the flipper and remove the link or fuse. Also the on/off valve is under the flipper, I know it's been mentioned before that this is not ideal but the way this weapon works makes it different to conventional gas powered systems. Would it pass a tech check?
As a tech-checker I would be very reluctant to let it pass. Common sense dictates that the removable link is out of the weapons movement line.
And it is easy to have link, dump and on/off valve under the same hatch
I see, will need to rethink the location of some parts then.
Just to clarify, the removable link will be placed at the back of the robot away from the flipper so it can be removed away from any moving parts. The only thing I cannot move is the on off valve as it will be part of the solenoid valve and is mounted directly to the main tank under the flipper.