Project Outline

1. Make a hydraulic powered arm which can turn 90 degrees, as well as pick up and drop 3 film canisters.

2. Materials used were corrugated plastic, wooden dowels, 6 plastic syringes and 5 feet of plastic tubes.

Research

The device’s task is to safely deposit two barrels and a lid in a flask, as quick as possible. The power source for the device is based on hydraulics, gaining knowledge on how this source works will allow for maximum efficiency.

The device arm must be able to lift and extend, requiring the use of two separate hydraulic systems. When force is applied to one point it is transmitted to another point using a fluid. This will allow for the simultaneous operation of both arm movements.

In order to complete the given task, the device will have to rotate a full 90°. To do so, we will require another hydraulic system, placed at a strategic angle to the base.

To maximize the extension of the arm, and the rotation of the base, the hydraulic system should use oil as its fluid because it compresses less than other liquids. Compression occurs when the space between molecules in a gas, liquid or even solid is reduced. For our hydraulic system, oil is a better liquid, since it is almost incompressible. This will allow most of the force applied on the first syringe to enter the second one.

Warning: When oil was used, it was found to decay the rubber material in the syringe. It is recommended that you test the oil prior to use, or just use water.

Tip: Take your time filling the hydraulics with water (if you choose to use water), make sure no visible air bubbles remain.

The base for the hydraulic arm will be ingeniously and simply designed. To allow one hydraulic to move the entire 90°, the base will consist of the large device base and a smaller shaft of rectangular pieces. Similar to principles used in the mousetrap car, the large device base will act as the wheel, and the smaller shaft will be the axel, the larger the axel to wheel ratio, the more distance it will travel.

Tip: syringes break (or don't function properly after excessive use) and there are no more provided, you can purchase some at any PharmaPlus, Rexall or similar drugstores in your area.