This document provides an overview of pneumatic power systems and their components. It discusses why pneumatics are useful for robotics in terms of weight, durability, speed and simplicity. Key components of pneumatic systems include pistons, solenoids, compressors, tanks, tubing and pressure switches/regulators. Pistons are the moving parts, solenoids control piston movement, compressors provide air pressure, and other components ensure proper air flow and pressure levels.

1. Pneumatic Power Created by Hyperdrive Presented by the FEMBOTS (team 692)

2. Why Use Pneumatics? Weight Durability Speed Power Simplicity

3. Weight and Speed The piston (actual piece that moves, see figure 1) and pneumatic tubing (see figure 2) , also weighs less than a motor, belts, chain, or other such mechanical devices (depending on size of piston) Pneumatics are much faster than motors, having only two settings, in and out. Figure 1 Figure 2

4. Teflon Tape Staying Air Tight!!! In order to keep your tubing sealed (air tight) so that you can have pressure, you use Teflon tape (see figure 1) You put Teflon tape on every connector that is metal (see figure 2) Place tape running in opposite direction of thread. Leave 2-3 threads at bottom of screw Wind around 2-3 times, cut when finished YES NO Figure 1 Figure 2

5. Solenoids Double Solenoid Single Solenoid Solenoids control the pistons: A double solenoid will hold position until you tell it to go in the other direction A single solenoid will just go once and come back to its original position The small orange buttons on top of the Double solenoid are manual overrides, press them and the piston will go either in or out The double solenoid must be assembled: Take the two pieces, put the small rubber piece with screw holes between them, screw together

6. Pistons Are the actual moving part of the pneumatics Pneumatics come in three ‘bores’ or diameters; ¾”, 1-1/2”, and 2” The stroke, or length of the out coming needle can also be ordered in whatever you need. These are connected directly to the solinoids www.bimba.com has the order forms

7. Compressor and Tanks! Tanks are a great addition to any robot; you can use your tanks with the compressor (so that you always have some air ready to be used), or without a compressor, filling the tanks with sir before each match, and being limited to whatever is in them. You are allowed to have at MOST four tanks on your robot. A compressor compresses air and pumps it into your pneumatic system, providing an inexhaustible source of air The compressor has a release valve. Make sure it is in the right spot, or your robot will EXPLODE Release Valve TANK

8. Pressure Switch and Gauges (regulators) Do not put the pressure switch in series with the power supply to the compressor. The pressure switch turns the compressor on and off as is needed It is attached to the robot with a pwm (power with modulation) wire It connects to a digital input/output on the computer The kit comes with 2 full gauges. The black one (picture unavailable) must be used. The yellow one, figure 2, is used if you need less than the 60psi pressure in an object (to prevent damage, reduce speed, etc…) The regulator must be placed in-line right after the tanks to limit the pressure to all working circuits to 60psi maximum.

9. Pneumatics are simple: To understand how pneumatics work, you just need to connect these pieces in the following order; Insert a split to any other solenoids and pistons here The release valve lets the air out, and keeps it in when closed