How To Build A Robot In Vex

Transcription

1 Autodesk's VEX Robotics Curriculum Unit 17: Systems Integration 1

2 Overview The concept of systems integration has countless real-world applications, from the smallest nano levels of electronic devices to huge buildings and equipment and transportation designs. In this Unit, STEM Connections relates to system integration in a two-passenger research submarine. After completing the Think and Build phases, you see how system integration concepts come into play in the real world. In Unit 17, you learn about systems integration. You then develop, improve upon, and integrate subsystem designs to create a complete robot to compete in a given challenge. This unit expects students to fully use the design process and seamlessly apply knowledge from prior units. The emphasis is on documentation and presentation, as well as robot performance and evaluation. Unit Objectives After completing this unit, you will be able to: Describe systems integration and apply the concepts of good systems integration to VEX Robotics. Integrate various systems into one complete robot. Test and evaluate the interactions between various subsystems. Prerequisites Related resources for Unit 17: Systems Integration are: 2 Unit 1: Introduction to VEX and Robotics Unit 2: Introduction to Autodesk Inventor Unit 4: Microcontroller and Transmitter Overview Unit 5: Speed, Power, Torque, and DC Motors Unit 6: Gears, Chains, and Sprockets Unit 7: Advanced Gears Unit 8: Friction and Traction Unit 9: Drivetrain Design 1 Unit 10: Drivetrain Design 2 Unit 11: Creating a Tank Thread Drive Unit 12: Object Manipulation Unit 13: Rotating Joints Unit 14: Accumulator Design Unit 15: Linkages Unit 16: Bumper and Limit Switch Autodesk's VEX Robotics Unit 17: Systems Integration

3 Key Terms and Definitions The following key terms are used in Unit: 17 Systems Integration: Term Definition Subsystem A type of component or set of components that make up part of a whole. Systems Integration Refers to the act of combining several smaller subsystems into one overall system (a fully functioning robot) while ensuring all the component parts function effectively together. Required Supplies, and Software The following supplies and software are used in Unit 17: Systems Integration: Supplies Software VEX Classroom Lab Kit Autodesk Inventor Professional 2011 Robot built in Unit 17: Systems Integration > Build Phase Notebook and pen Work surface Twenty-two soda cans Two containers to act as a goal, approximately 8 wide x 8 long x 8 high 12 x 12 of open floor space Measuring tape One stopwatch Overview 3

4 Academic Standards The following national academic standards are supported in Unit 17: Systems Integration: Phase Standard Think Science (NSES) Unifying Concepts and Processes: Change, Constancy, and Measurement; Form and Function Physical Science: Motions and Forces Science and Technology: Abilities of Technological Design Technology (ITEA) 5.8: The Attributes of Design 6.11: Apply the Design Process Mathematics (NCTM) Algebra Standard: Understand patterns, relations, and functions. Measurement Standard: Understand measurable attributes of objects and the units, systems, and processes of measurement. Communication: Communicate mathematical thinking coherently and clearly to peers, teachers, and others. Connections: Recognize and apply mathematics in contexts outside of mathematics. 4 Autodesk's VEX Robotics Unit 17: Systems Integration

5 Phase Standard Build Science (NSES) Unifying Concepts and Processes: Change, Constancy, and Measurement; Form and Function Physical Science: Motions and Forces Science and Technology: Abilities of Technological Design Technology (ITEA) 5.8: The Attributes of Design 5.9: Engineering Design 6.11: Apply the Design Process Mathematics (NCTM) Algebra Standard: Understand patterns, relations, and functions. Geometry Standard: Use visualization, spatial reasoning, and geometric modeling to solve problems. Number and Operations: Compute fluently and make reasonable estimates. Measurement: Understand measurable attributes of objects and the units, systems, and processes of measurement. Measurement: Apply appropriate techniques, tools, and formulas to determine measurements. Connections: Recognize and apply mathematics in contexts outside of mathematics. Problem Solving: Solve problems that arise in mathematics and in other contexts. Problem Solving: Apply and adapt a variety of appropriate strategies to solve problems. Overview 5

6 Phase Standard Amaze Science (NSES) Unifying Concepts and Processes: Change, Constancy, and Measurement; Form and Function Physical Science: Motions and Forces Science and Technology: Abilities of Technological Design Technology (ITEA) 5.8: The Attributes of Design 5.9: Engineering Design 6.11: Apply the Design Process Mathematics (NCTM) Algebra Standard: Understand patterns, relations, and functions. Geometry Standard: Use visualization, spatial reasoning, and geometric modeling to solve problems. Numbers and Operations: Compute fluently and make reasonable estimates. Communication: Communicate mathematical thinking coherently and clearly to peers, teachers, and others. Connections: Recognize and apply mathematics in contexts outside of mathematics. Measurement: Understand measurable attributes of objects and the units, systems, and processes of measurement. Apply appropriate techniques, tools, and formulas to determine measurements. Problem Solving: Solve problems that arise in mathematics and in other contexts. Problem Solving: Apply and adapt a variety of appropriate strategies to solve problems. 6 Autodesk's VEX Robotics Unit 17: Systems Integration

7 Think Phase Overview This phase describes the concept of systems integration. It lists several principles to keep in mind during robot design. Phase Objectives After completing this phase, you will be able to: Describe what systems integration means. Apply the concepts of good systems integration to VEX Robotics. Prerequisites and Resources Related phase resources are: Unit 1: Introduction to VEX and Robotics Unit 2: Introduction to Autodesk Inventor Unit 4: Microcontroller and Transmitter Overview Unit 5: Speed, Power, Torque, and DC Motors Unit 6: Gears, Chains, and Sprockets Unit 7: Advanced Gears Unit 8: Friction and Traction Unit 9: Drivetrain Design 1 Unit 10: Drivetrain Design 2 Unit 11: Creating a Tank Thread Drive Unit 12: Object Manipulation Unit 13: Rotating Joints Unit 14: Accumulator Design Unit 15: Linkages Unit 16: Bumper and Limit Switch Required Supplies and Software The following supplies are used in this phase: Supplies Notebook and pen Work surface Think Phase 7

8 Research and Activity Systems integration refers to the act of combining several smaller subsystems into one overall system while ensuring all the component parts function effectively together. The interesting thing about systems integration is that it is easy to do poorly, but it is difficult to do well. Successful systems integration enables the overall system to be greater than the sum of its parts; the system is capable of doing things that are only possible because of interactions between the various subsystems. Subsystems Subsystems can refer to any number of things. The VEX Robotics Design System has subsystems such as Structure, Motion, and Power. So, systems integration can refer to the combination of the Motion components with the Structure components. A subsystem can also refer to a subdivision of the overall robot. For instance, a robot can have a gripper subsystem, an arm subsystem, and a drive subsystem. Systems integration in this case refers to the way these components mount on and interface with each other. Tips for Integration Whatever form of subsystems is being integrated, it is important to keep several things in mind. Following these basic principles helps create a better overall system: 1. Look for changes that can be made to individual subsystems that will improve the performance of the overall system. (For instance, a simple funnel design in the front of the chassis of the drivetrain subsystem can significantly improve the performance of an accumulator subsystem.) 2. Try to reduce components used wherever possible. If possible, share components between subsystems. 3. Try to use components that can provide multiple functions in the overall robot system. 4. Design the system to be easily assembled, disassembled, and maintained. 5. Design the system to require fewer actuators. Try to share actuators if possible. 6. Improve the speed of the overall system. Speed is often the measure of effectiveness. By remembering these tips, it is possible to create a well-functioning overall system. System integration is best performed not at the end of a design process, but throughout the entire process. Keep the concepts of systems integration in mind during every step of the robot design process. 8 Autodesk's VEX Robotics Unit 17: Systems Integration

9 Build Phase Overview In this phase, you integrate elements from past units to create a robot that places soda cans in a goal as quickly as possible. Phase Objectives After completing this phase, you will be able to: Choose design elements based on past performance reviews. Upgrade previous designs. Integrate various systems into one complete robot. Prerequisites and Resources Before starting this phase, you must have: Completed Unit 17: Systems Integration > Think Phase. Related phase resources are: Unit 1: Introduction to VEX and Robotics Unit 2: Introduction to Autodesk Inventor Unit 4: Microcontroller and Transmitter Overview Unit 5: Speed, Power, Torque, and DC Motors Unit 6: Gears, Chains, and Sprockets Unit 7: Advanced Gears Unit 8: Friction and Traction Unit 9: Drivetrain Design 1 Unit 10: Drivetrain Design 2 Unit 11: Creating a Tank Thread Drive Unit 12: Object Manipulation Unit 13: Rotating Joints Unit 14: Accumulator Design Unit 15: Linkages Unit 16: Bumper and Limit Switch Build Phase 9

10 Required Supplies and Software The following supplies are used in this phase: Supplies VEX Classroom Lab Kit Past subsystems built in previous Build Phases Notebook and pen Work surface Small storage container for loose parts One soda can A container to act as a goal, approximately 8 wide x 8 long x 8 high Measuring tape Optional: Autodesk Inventor Professional Autodesk's VEX Robotics Unit 17: Systems Integration

11 Activity Create a Robot In this activity, you use your past mechanism and subsystem designs to create a robot to score soda cans in a goal as quickly as possible. In the upcoming Amaze Phase, you will attempt to score as many soda cans as possible in a two-minute period. You have the option of using or improving on designs from past units or developing new designs To begin, take accurate measurements of your chosen goal. This goal can be anything from a recycling bin to a cardboard box. The higher the goal, the more challenging the next two phases will be. Using your knowledge and methodology from past units, in your notebook, brainstorm ideas for possible robot designs. Consider some of the following questions: What type of drivetrain should the robot have? Is a gripper or a manipulator more appropriate? Should the robot score cans one at a time or multiple cans at once? How will the robot raise the cans to the goal? For each individual subsystem, look back to the applicable Build Phase. Answer the questions that you had to consider when designing those original subsystems. Decide on designs for each subsystem. Sketch out how these subsystems will be integrated Work as professionals in the engineering and design fields by leveraging the power of Autodesk Inventor software to explore potential solutions through the creation and testing of digital prototypes. Note: Come to class prepared to build and test your best ideas! Team members can download a free version of Autodesk Inventor Professional software to use at home by joining the Autodesk Education Community today at Consider the possibility of adding limit switches to increase performance. Based on your criteria, choose a design and start building. Once your robot is complete, hook it up to a Microcontroller and begin testing. When you are satisfied with your robot s performance, move on to the Amaze Phase! Build Phase 11

12 Amaze Phase Overview In this phase, you use your robot from the previous Unit 17: Systems Integration > Build Phase to score as many soda cans as possible in your goal within a two-minute time period. Phase Objectives After completing this phase, you will be able to: Test and evaluate the interactions between various subsystems. Prerequisites and Resources Before starting this phase, you must have completed: Unit 17: Systems Integration > Think Phase. Unit 17: Systems Integration > Build Phase. Related phase resources are: Unit 1: Introduction to VEX and Robotics Unit 2: Introduction to Autodesk Inventor Unit 4: Microcontroller and Transmitter Overview Unit 5: Speed, Power, Torque, and DC Motors Unit 6: Gears, Chains, and Sprockets Unit 7: Advanced Gears Unit 8: Friction and Traction Unit 9: Drivetrain Design 1 Unit 10: Drivetrain Design 2 Unit 11: Creating a Tank Thread Drive Unit 12: Object Manipulation Unit 13: Rotating Joints Unit 14: Accumulator Design Unit 15: Linkages Unit 16: Bumper and Limit Switch 12 Autodesk's VEX Robotics Unit 17: Systems Integration

13 Required Supplies and Software The following supplies are used in this phase: Supplies VEX Classroom Lab Kit Robot built in Unit 17: Systems Integration > Build Phase Notebook and pen Work surface Twenty-two soda cans Two containers to act as a goal, approximately 8 wide x 8 long x 8 high 12 x 12 of open floor space Measuring tape One stopwatch Amaze Phase 13

14 Evaluation Soda Can Pyramid Challenge In this challenge, you use your robot from Unit 17: Systems Integration > Build Phase to score as many soda cans as possible in your goal within a two-minute time period. 1. In the center of your open space, create a large pyramid of 14 soda cans as shown in Figure 1. Figure Approximately four feet from either side of the large can pyramid, create two small pyramids of 5 soda cans as shown in Figure 2. Figure 2 Autodesk's VEX Robotics Unit 17: Systems Integration

15 3. Place your two containers on the floor as shown in Figure 3. Figure Place your robot on the floor as shown in Figure 3. Using your robot, see how many soda cans you can place in goals within a two-minute period. Repeat the challenge to see if you can top your high score. If your classroom has multiple robots and multiple crystals, you can make this a multiplayer game! With two robots, place the second robot in the opposite spot diagonal from the first robot. Each robot now has to score as many cans in the goal furthest from it in a two-minute period. With four robots, play a two-versus-two game, with robots teaming up to see who can score the most cans. For an added level of excitement, place one bonus can (a can clearly labelled, possibly with tape) on top of the large pyramid. This can is worth three normal cans. Engineering Notebooks In your engineering notebook, discuss how you can improve your robot s performance in this challenge. In Unit 17: Systems Integration, you were asked to integrate past designs. While doing so, you had to choose which old designs to use and which to improve on. Are you happy with the decisions you made? Describe one decision that you would change if you had the chance. Why would you make this change? Presentation Present your design to the class. Describe all the various features of your robot and why you chose them. Speak in detail to the methodology behind the choice of each feature. Discuss trade-offs made during the design process. Amaze Phase 15

16 STEM Connections Background In Unit 17, you are asked to consider questions related to systems integration in the design of a smallscale research submarine. Science Systems integration refers to the act of combining several smaller subsystems into one overall system while ensuring all the component parts function effectively together. Designers and engineers often derive inspiration for systems integration solutions by looking to nature. Can you describe two examples of systems integration found in nature? What subsystems are working together in order for the entire system to function? Can you think of two examples of systems integration found in the human body? Describe how they work. Technology Investigate how systems are integrated on a small research submarine to accomplish the following objectives: Descent and ascent through water. Propulsion forward and backward. Steering. Pumping of oxygen and expulsion of CO2 gases. 16 Autodesk's VEX Robotics Unit 17: Systems Integration

17 Engineering In order to facilitate underwater exploration, a small-scale research submarine needs to be designed with a robotic arm and gripper. The gripper needs to manipulate large and small objects that range from very fragile to heavy and rugged. Describe the mechanical subsystems that would be incorporated into the robotic arm and gripper. You want the robotic arm and gripper to be able to pick up any object that does not exceed 200 cubic inches and 10 pounds in mass. After picking up an object that falls into those parameters, you want the robotic arm to be able to open a storage compartment, deposit the object, and then seal up the storage compartment. Using your knowledge of robotics and switches, describe how this might be achieved. Math A two-person research submarine is located at a straight-line distance of 1.5 miles from its base ship. It is submerged at 520 feet. The submarine can travel horizontally under water at 10 knots with a full two-passenger crew and no additional cargo from collected specimens. The submarine can rise to the surface at a speed of.25 knots. Every additional pound added to the submarine results in a.01% reduction in horizontal and ascending speeds. The base ship is anchored and remains stationary. Twenty-five (25) pounds of specimens have been added to the weight of the submarine. While remaining submerged, the submarine travels horizontally in a straight-line distance 1.5 miles back to the base ship. When it reaches a position directly under the submarine-loading area of the ship, the submarine ascends 520 feet to the surface. How long does the entire trip take? In a second scenario, when the submarine starts its return trip, the base ship starts traveling towards the sub at 5 knots. How long will it take for the submarine to make it back to the ship (including the 520-foot ascent)? In a third scenario, the base ship begins moving in a straight-line direction away from the submarine at 5 knots. In this case, how long will it take for the submarine to return to the base ship (including the 520-foot ascent)? Note: One (1) international knot = 1 nautical mile per hour = kilometres per hour exactly, or (approximately) 1 international knot = miles per hour = meters per second. One (1) mile = 5,280 feet. STEM Connections 17

18 Congratulations Upon successful completion of Autodesk's VEX Robotics Curriculum, your students will have the foundation knowledge of engineering and design principles, business skills, and teamwork that supports success in their future academic and professional careers. Our hope is that the fun and inventiveness of robotics and engineering influences your students to pursue the study of science, technology, engineering, and math to become the engineers of tomorrow. Our goal is to continue to provide additional curriculum resources to support robotics and engineering. To keep up to date, please bookmark these online resources. RobotEvents.com: The Community Portal for Robotics and Technology in ----Education Co-sponsored by Autodesk, Inc. and Innovation First, Inc., RobotEvents.com connects students, mentors, and schools to a variety of successful and engaging technology-based programs. The site provides a community that connects to robot competitions, events, workshops, camps, and conferences that foster the technical and interpersonal skills necessary for students to succeed in the advanced technological climate of the 21st century. Teams can also register here for upcoming VEX Robotics Competition tournaments. For more information, visit RobotEvents at VexRobotics.com: VEX Robotics Design System VexRobotics.com is the place to go to keep up to date on the latest updates of Autodesk's VEX Robotics Curriculum, robotics equipment, games, challenges, and resources. Find more information about upcoming VEX Robotics Competitions, learn about the VEX Robotics Design System, and purchase VEX Robotics kits and accessories. The site also provides a forum, support information, and an image gallery for robotics enthusiasts. For more information, visit VexRobotics at Autodesk Education Community Teachers, join and invite your students to join the Autodesk Education Community to download free* Autodesk Inventor software, so they can continue their coursework at home. The Autodesk education online community provides a wealth of resources for educators and students at secondary schools. Add to your teaching expertise, join forums, and access valuable learning resources. Join the online education community today at 18 Autodesk's VEX Robotics Unit 17: Systems Integration

19 Autodesk Academic Certification Program The Autodesk Academic Certification Program enables students to earn a credential in recognition of their knowledge of specific Autodesk software applications. The program provides secondary schools with a solution for effectively measuring student competencies, and enables students to demonstrate their software skills, validate their knowledge, and get a competitive edge in their academic and professional careers. The program provides assessment exams, Autodesk Official Training Guides for reviewing the knowledge and skills covered on the certification exams, and certified associate, professional, and expert examinations for validating knowledge and skills. Autodesk academic certification exams support career pathways in architecture, construction, and STEM and are mapped to national academic standards. For more information, go to *Free Autodesk software is for personal use for education purposes and is subject to the terms and conditions of the end-user license agreement that accompanies download of the software. Congratulations 19