Overview: 612's mechanical subteam develops interchangable payload, ensuring adaptability and reliability for optimal performance
CHANTILLY, VA, JANUARY 30TH, 2025. Chantilly Robotics continues developing the competition robot payload, preparing for the upcoming FIRST robotics competition (FRC) game, Reefscape. In order to ensure a strong performance, Team 612 created two interchangeable systems: the primary payload and the secondary payload.
One part of the Mechanical subteam focuses on developing the primary payload. “We designed the primary payload around an elevator system,” said Shalom, a mechanical member. This system allows the robot to intake the coral into a flywheel system that holds the coral in place while the robot moves to the reef. An elevator pushes the system upwards, aligning with the various heights of the reef’s branches. After the elevator is properly aligned, the flywheel system spins outwards to push the coal out onto the reef. This payload has three main benefits: an efficient intake, nearly-instant transfer to the outtake, and an accurate yet flexible outtake. A downside of this payload is that it requires that the robot constantly rotates to align itself with the coral station and then the reef. In addition, the team hasn’t obtained the parts necessary to build it yet, and more issues may arise during its creation.
Meanwhile, another part of the Mechanical subteam worked on the secondary payload. “We based our system around chutes,” said Thomas. Unlike the primary system, this payload combines a jackscrew cannon and a swingarm to push the coral through to the end of a downwards-facing chute, where flywheels hold the coral in place while the machine moves to the reef. The chute is pushed upwards by the jackscrew, and the flywheels push the coral out the chute onto the reef’s branches. This design removes the robot’s need to constantly orient itself between the coral station and the reef. Its model was approved and tested virtually to work, making the payload a strong backup in case the primary design doesn’t work out.
Team 612 implements two different payload systems to make sure that the robot always has a backup system to rely on. While the secondary payload was proven to work effectively inside the robot, its sole purpose is to act as a failsafe in case the primary payload doesn’t work. Furthermore, the team has not tested the time to cycle between the coral station and the reef. Both systems are competing to win the test of speed, and the faster system will be the system that is used in competitions. Despite their differences, 612 moves forward knowing that they have a payload that can reliably win points in the next competition.
About Chantilly Robotics
Chantilly Robotics (FRC team 612) brightens the future for leaders and student technologists within our team, school, and community through fun and engaging methods of learning and teaching while shining a light on the importance of STEM (science, technology, engineering, math).
Founded in 2001 with eight student members as an engineering class project, Chantilly Robotics is one of the largest extracurricular organizations at Chantilly High School with over 100 registered members each year. Team 612 competes at FIRST Robotics Competitions in the Chesapeake District. Outside of competition Team 612 supports multiple FIRST Lego League Teams and elementary school STEM activities in the Chantilly High School Pyramid, spreading love for STEM as well as FIRST values through community outreach.
For more information, visit https://www.frc612.org or email chantilly.612@gmail.com. The Chantilly Governor’s STEM Academy, located at Chantilly High School, sponsors Team 612. Chantilly Academy inspires and empowers a diverse body of learners to explore career pathways employing current industry trends taught by dedicated professionals.
Elvin Duong
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