- Tried to lift pneumatic unit using the latest clamping mechanism we designed (success!)
- Arduino coding to configure relay system
Having completed the custom 3d-printed and built clamping mechanism for the pneumatic unit, we proceeded to test the clamping ability by manually lifting the unit using the clamping system. Below are photos of our completed clamping mechanism from two angles. The main features include a mutual locking mechanism where two opposing clamps exert clamping forces in opposite directions for enhanced clamping. There is also a distribution of clamps across the whole unit.
This is the same clamping mechanism from a different angle.
Below is the video showing us successfully lifting the unit with our hands using the clamping mechanism.
Then, we proceeded to configure the relay control system for the actuators by incorporating arduino + coding.
- Arduino is advantageous as compared to the previous method of simply wiring the relay system to the DC motor controllers + actuators as Arduino is much more scalable.
- Along the way, if we wish to add sensors such as weight sensor, position/height/distance sensor, or battery/current/voltage sensors, the sensors can simply be wired up to the Arduino board and configured with a desired code.
- Not only that, Arduino allows us to code and possibly automate the whole lifting process by storing the positions/trajectories of the pneumatic unit (e.g. pressing button “1” on remote control = unit moves from ground position to a height of 3.3m without the need to manually control the extension/retraction of the 3 actuator systems).
This is a photo of our initial attempt at setting up the Arduino board with wiring. Currently there is not much to elaborate as we are still figuring out how to write the coding and how we should connect the actuators + DC motor controller to the Arduino board.
