2025:Cage

1/16/2025 -

Finished prototyping on all considered designs. We have decided to disregard the "Bicep Hang" design as it is difficult to implement due to the fact that it causes issues with balancing, and because it would be difficult to stop it from contacting the "Anchor" of the cage. We are moving forward, beginning with CAD designs of the "Double Lever Hang" design because it has the best center of gravity for the hang, and it is relatively simple to implement on the robot, not taking up much space.

• Selected potential gearbox and motors for hang designs

Rev MAXPlanetary Gearbox Reduction Chart

Vex VersaPlanetary Gearbox Reduction Chart

1/18/2025 - CAD:

• Came up with ideas for stop mechanism (Ratchet and Pawl mechanism.)
• Worked on an idea for outward moving riggers to keep the robot balanced during hang.
• Worked on a CAD model for the double lever hang, including custom made lifter arms.
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TO DO:

• Work with Drive Base and Game piece to finalize drive base dimensions
• Continue CAD design
• Work on the Ratchet Mechanism in CAD
• Figure out where the battery will be placed on the robot
• CAD design for the funnel/game piece guider

1/19/2025 - CAD:

• Worked on CAD model for the ratchet and pawl mechanism and attempted to integrate it into the double lever hang design
• Lengthened the hex shafts on the CAD model to add another lever on both sides of the lever hang
• Mounting pieces for the motor were created and attached
• Troubles with integrating the ratchet and pawl mechanism became apparent due to lack of space

TO DO:

• Figure out how to orient the ratchet in order to accomplish a working relationship between both the ratchet and pawl mechanism, and the double lever hang mechanism
• Continue refining CAD designs for the mechanisms
• Check in with Game piece sub-team
• Have a conversation with electrical about the placement of the battery
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1/21/2025 - CAD:

• Discussed with other Subteams about spacing, battery placement, and frame size.
• Moving to alternative designs due to battery placement.
• Targeting Shallow Cage instead of Deep Cage.
• Designing single, moving hook mechanism, mounted on elevator crossbar and driven with a winch.
• Possibly using existing designs:
  • • GreyT Telescope – WestCoast Products
    • Climber in a Box - AndyMark, Inc

To Do:

• Continue Shallow Cage climb design.
• Explore potential Deep Cage designs that work with rear battery placement.

1/23/2025 - CAD:

• Worked on creating a sliding hook mechanism to attach onto the (in progress) Shallow Hang Mechanism
• Worked on creating a new ratchet and pawl mechanism for the Shallow Hang Mechanism
• Worked on creating new motor mounts and orientation of the mechanism in CAD

TO DO:

• Continue to work on Shallow Cage climb design
• Create an assembly for the Shallow Cage Winch Hang
• Create a prototype off of the assembly
• Test the prototype
• Research and create new deep cage climbing mechanisms that will cooperate with the new found battery placement in the rear end of the robot.

1/25/2025 - CAD:

• Worked on assembling and configuring the new ratchet and pawl mechanism
• Worked on creating and assembling the hook for the the shallow hook hang mechanism
• Worked on assembling and integrating the two mechanisms into the final robot

TO DO:

• Finalize ratchet and pawl mechanism
• Finalize the mounting of the mechanisms to the robot
• Update the geometry of the hook to make it more realistic and working
• Approve parts for drawings and manufacturing

12/26/2025 - CAD:

• Worked on a re-location of the solenoid on the ratchet mechanism
• Insert the assembly in the final robot assembly

TO DO:

• Add fasteners and mounting to the solenoid assembly
• Create and add mounting brackets to connect the winch mount bar to the drive base
• Prepare the design for productions and start shop drawings