So far as I can see the current FRA build rules do not include the requirement for a hydraulic pressure test point. Are there any plans to make this a requirement?
I ask because Im looking to acquire some equipment which uses an internal self-contained hydraulic system, and Im wondering if Ill have to take it apart to fit an extra connector.
The FRA build rules basically predate the Robot Wars rules for hydraulics. Robot wars requires a test point to eliminate the possibility of a team cheating.(new for series seven)
The FRA have assumed that roboteers are above such things and therefore no need to check pressures. Most robots have gear pumps fitted which are usually rated at 210 bar max, this point has been missed by the Robot Wars rule makers.
We do insist on a recognisable system relief valve for the open circuit which Robot Wars does not.It is our belief that Robot Wars are not concerned enough with what roboteers do in their garages, testing safely etc.
Should you wish to compete on both tv and the open circuit you will need both the relief valve and a test/gauge system.
We have a proposal to raise pump pressures up from 3000psi to 5000psi in line with America.
This Item will be up for discussion at our next meeting.
This proposal may if ratified will effectively offer disqualification for these uprated machines.
My own view is that a figure of 4000psi should be used, as it is the absolute maximum of an aluminium gear pumps pressure range. Someone has then to persuade the Robot Wars rule makers to allow for this increase to enable hydraulic robots some future development potential
FRA Hydraulics technical
I say Andy!!!!!
Keep those proposals going, I like them already.
Good news Andy,
The system I had in mind claims to run up to 300 bar (~4500psi) but can be modified to shut off at 200 bar. I will need to check that there is a relief valve.
Having just seen the FRA meeting minutes I would like to ask a similar question again.
I am looking into using a bottle jack as part of a weapon. These are entirely self contained, but use hydraulics internally. I have no idea what pressures these jacks use but since types with lifting capacities up to 20 tonnes are commonly available I expect they can be very high. The better types appear to have safety features so they cannot exceed their rated capacity.
Are these subject to the FRA rules on pressure limits and test points? I think pressure could be determined, but adding a test point would be prohibitively difficult.
As they are sold as a complete unit, the chances are that they already have been tested and verified.
It doesnt seem very legal to sell a jack that might explode if you lift something heavy!
the pressure is easy to calculate.
Whats the load on the box?
thats the cylinder piston face area?
pressure x area = force.
max rated pressure x PiRsquared = 20 tonnes or whatever the box says.
I dont know the cylinder radius - I havent found any technical drawings of a jack yet. You could make a guess given the diameter of the cylinder casing, but I dont even know that yet.
Pop into halfords, they always have jacks on display. get a diameter and away you go.
http://www.hyjacks.com/anjack.htmhttp://www.hyjacks.com/anjack.htm
http://www.hyjacks.com/H312.HTMhttp://www.hyjacks.com/H312.HTM
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