Latching Mechanism

The latching mechanism is one of the most complicated parts for the robot as it needs to quickly and repeatedly release a heavily loaded spring-mass system.

Functional Requirements:

• Strongly hold back a powerful spring loaded block

• Able to release the block quickly

• Made of material that has little friction

• Controlled from a distance

Component Option 1:    Eye hook with quick release pin

With this latching option, one eye hook will be secured to the deck of the skateboard and one will be secured to the bottom of the spring loaded mass. As the mass is pushed down to load it, the quick release pin will be put between the two eye hooks. This will keep the mass from rising until the pin is quickly pulled out by a high speed motor. With a string tied to the pin and wrapped around a pulley, it can easily pull the pin which will release the mass as desired.

Component Option 2:    Electro - Magnet

With this latching option, a magnetic surface will be secured to the bottom of the mass that is spring loaded and the electro-magnet will be secured to the deck of the skateboard. As power is supplied to the magnet, the mass will remain loaded and secure however once the power is shut off the mass with be released as desired.

Component Option 2:    Quick release clamp

With this latching option, a small protrusion will be mounted to the bottom of the spring loaded mass to be clamped and tightened by the quick release clamp shown above. This clamp lever can easily be extended to decrease the amount of force needed to release the latch and can be tripped by a simple geared motor.

Pros/Cons of all options:

References:

http://www.mcmaster.com/#general-purpose-eyebolts/=kzy1dt

http://www.mcmaster.com/#standard-quick-release-pins/=kzy3fh

http://www.mcmaster.com/#electromagnets/=kzy46a

http://www.modernbike.com/itemgroup.asp?IGPK=2126183382