Past Seasons
Velocity Vortex
2016 - 17 The field was divided diagonally into a “red” and a “blue” side corresponding to the two alliances. In the center of the field were two goals on a rotatable stand called the Center Vortex. Two ramps, each with a goal, called the Corner Vortex, were placed in opposite sides of the field. The Center Vortex Goals and Corner Vortexes were alliance specific. There were also four alliance neutral Beacons, two placed on each front wall next to the Corner Vortex. There were floor markings as well as Vision Targets placed on the field walls as reference points for robot navigation. Alliance specific scoring elements for VELOCITY VORTEX℠ were five small balls called Particles and one large ball called a Cap Ball per alliance. At the start of a match, each alliance had three Particles available for pre-loading and scoring during the Autonomous period. Each alliance could earn up to two more Particles for use during the Driver-Controlled period by claiming Beacons during the Autonomous period. |
Game Strategy
From the beginning we felt that it would be much more difficult to handle the big balls in an attempt to cap the center vortexes. A design to serve this purpose would not be feasible with our lack of available resources and mentorship. We decided to focus on the corner vortices instead as we felt that we would be able to better design structures that would serve this purpose. A continuous scoring cycle was designed in hopes that we could position the robot in front of one of the corner vortices and continuously shoot balls up the ramp, retrieve them, and feed them back to the shooter. The conveyor belt arm was designed to redirect the balls back towards the robot after they fall out of the goal. The paddles on the arm are intended to bring the balls in towards the sweeper. The sweeping mechanism in meant to collect balls and feed them to the tube where they will then be shot out using the shooting mechanism designed using two wheels rotating in opposite directions. This is meant to function in a similar manner to tennis ball pitching shooters. A continuous scoring system will allow for efficient, optimal, and maximized point scoring during the teleop time period. The three wheel design allows for stability while offering plenty of room to fit the other mechanisms within the size constraints. The beam that connects to the front wheel can also be used to press the beacon buttons to score points. |
Season Highlights
- “Who Let the Bots Out?” competition at Canton High School, December 4, 2016
- Ranked 3rd (team record)
- Finished the competition as Finalist Alliance Captains
- Received an invitation to the State Championships
- (Silver Circuit had never advanced to Finals in any prior competitions, or ranked as high in a competition. Nor had we ever advanced beyond Qualification Competitions.)
- Received an invitation to the State Championships
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