Trade Studies of Structural Designs

5 – most optimal; 1 – least optimal

We decided to use Solenoid design for min spec and then create EM Gun for optimization.

We decided to use Pentagon base platform design for min spec.

We decided to use Square or Pyramid tower design.

In our design, we formulated a Pentagon-shaped platform to account for the best overall agility and storage space. The ping pong ball launcher will use a Solenoid and a Waterslide. The Square-shaped tower provides the most amount of storage for electronics. The skid is replaced with a roller so that the robot navigates more smoothly. The robot is also equipped with ping sensors to detect objects and wall huggings.

In this design, we've chosen the Pentagon-shaped base platform to maximize storage space and agility along with a Square shaped tower to allow sufficient electronics storage capacity and a Solenoid ping pong ball launcher. Our design has landed on the free, off-the-shelf roller for the skid of the robot, as well as using bumper sensors to detect wall huggings and obstacles.

We've selected the Pentagon-shaped base platform as well. With a Pyramid-shaped tower, the robot will have excellent stability when navigating the field while maintaining a good amount of storage capacity to hold the electronics. The robot is also equipped with a creative Electromagnetic launcher mechanism, which is capable of delivering the ping pong ball with precision and power. Ping sensors are used to detect obstacles and wall huggings.