Build a Square Spiral Scissor Lift for VEX Worlds

[baceball7666]

I am building a robot for the VEX worlds competition and, I was thinking of a spiral scissor lift. But my problem is I only have two mothers to use on this part of the robot. The robot has a square base, so the spiral has to be square. If you could give your theories of how it would work, that would be great.

 

[Baluncore]

Welcome to the forum.
A scissor lift becomes narrower in one dimension as it gets higher. To do that in a spiral would require a cylinder that reduces diameter as it increases in height. That is not good for stability. What is a mother?
Is this anything like your concept; http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyperboloid_structure
It would be good if you could link to a picture similar to what you have in mind.

 

[baceball7666]

This is the robots base if this helps.

 

[baceball7666]

i meant motor not mother.

 

[alphy]

I would like to commend you for your innovative idea of using a spiral scissor lift for your robot in the VEX worlds competition. The challenge of using only two motors for this lift is certainly a difficult one, but with careful planning and execution, it is definitely achievable.

My theory for how this lift could work is by utilizing the concept of rotational motion. The two motors could be placed at the base of the spiral, with one motor rotating clockwise and the other rotating counterclockwise. This would create a twisting force along the spiral, causing it to lift upwards.

To ensure that the spiral remains square, you could use a square-shaped guide rod at the center of the spiral. This guide rod would be attached to the base of the robot and would provide stability and support for the spiral as it lifts.

Additionally, you could incorporate a pulley system within the spiral to help distribute the weight evenly and reduce strain on the motors. This would also allow for smoother and more controlled movement of the lift.

In conclusion, building a square spiral scissor lift with only two motors is certainly a challenging task, but with careful planning and the implementation of rotational motion and a pulley system, it is definitely achievable. I wish you the best of luck in the VEX worlds competition and I look forward to seeing your innovative lift design in action.