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5. VEXIQ Hydraulics - Rotary Vane Pump

The goal of this project was to create a part that could create a linear motion, while providing a large amount of stability and force.  I decided to choose this issue because in the past, my team and I have found that creating a lift that requires a linear motion is very challenging. We tried a chain lift, we tried rack and pinion designs, but none seemed to work reliably. I decided that one way to solve this problem might be to use a hydraulics system that used a rotary vane pump.   This part could be used in a variety of robot applications, such as creating a lift, high torque applications (sort of like an excavator’s joints), or even lifting the entire robot. For example, last year I attempted to build a scissor-lift using vex IQ. I soon found that no matter how much gearing I used, it was simply impossible to create enough force to drive this mechanism.     For the design process, I used Fusion 360 (2.0.6670). To start for the main body, I created a sketch of a circle, then extruded that circle to make a cylinder. I selected the top face, and used the “shell” tool to hollow it out. I used the hole tool to create the necessary 10 millimeter holes. For the rotor, I created a sketch of a circle, extruded it, then cut it in half with the merge tool by selecting “action: cut.” I then joined a small cylinder that fit through the hole in the body to the top of this split cylinder. I then measured a vex iq axle with calipers, replicated that size and shape in fusion using a sketch and extrusion, then attached that to the top. For the fins attached to the rotor, I created a sketch of a rectangle, then extruded it 3mm up.  For the piston’s outer part, I used the shell tool again to hollow out a cylinder. I used the hole tool to create the two holes. For the inner piston part, I extruded a circle, then a smaller diameter one on top of it. For the top of the piston, I used a thin cylinder/ disk and used the hole tool once again to create a hole in the middle.     The last step to completing this design was to print and assemble it. The small rectangular fins fit nicely into the slot in the rotor, and I wedged a small spring in between them to press them against the walls of the casing. An acrylic top was then hot glued on. For the piston assembly, I slotted the plunger into its case, and slid the ring over the top and glued it to the case. The assembly of the 3d printed parts was now complete.   From this project, I significantly increased my proficiency in using this software, as it was relatively new to me, and I will definitely be using this software for future projects. It also taught me about the design process, as I went through 11 versions, and 5 failed prints. In the future, I plan to use this software for robotics, prototyping, and other miscellaneous projects. This software will help me and my robotics team because we can print or repair broken parts, or even make more of a part we already have if we are running low on them. We could also use custom parts such as different length standoffs, or axles. This software will help me with career goals as well, as I plan to be an engineer, or inventor. It allows me to quickly and easily throw together designs with precision, and make my ideas come to life. In conclusion, this software will help me with projects, and this design project/ challenge has taught me many useful concepts that I can see benefiting me a lot in the future.