We are moving into the building phase! We have started to build some of the mechanisms we discussed in the planning phase. The first thing we are making is the 6-bar mechanism, as shown in the pictures above. After we test it, we plan on building the new chassis. (9/29/23)

 Update: We decided not to use the six-bar and are going to develop a new climbing mechanism at a later date. (10/30/23)

Building The Frame

Building The Catapult

This is the design for the catapult we will attach to the robot. We will use rubber bands and a slip gear mechanism to store energy and release it quickly to launch the Tri-balls. We will then use the catapult to launch our preloads over the center of the field to score points. (12/5/23)

Attaching The Catapult

This is what the catapult looks like on the robot. Since its so long when we start each match the catapult is going to have to be in the up position. We just need to do a bit more work and it should be ready to fire. (1/4/24)

Redesigning The Launcher

So we tested the last catapult design and it didn't work as well as we hoped. So we immediately began designing and building a second launcher design that we had been talking about incase this one failed. It took us a while to complete it but this is what the very first iteration of that launcher looks like. We have done some testing with it and have some ideas on how to make it even better. (2/4/24) 

Launcher + Robot Adjustments

After multiple tests with the launcher's first iteration, we saw that one of the axles was bending due to how long it was. To combat this, we decided to move the two sides of the launcher tower inward, which shrunk the part of the axle that was hanging over nothing. Our new design works just as well, if not better, and is stronger. We also added a small piece of plexiglass on the front of the robot to help push the tribals over the center median of the field. This will come in handy during finals in two days. (2/13/24)