The main idea is to have a 2 part arm that can be extended by a motor mounted in the rack and pinion holder. Thus, one part of the arm will be constrained to the axle and thus able to rotate, while the other part is extendable to reach into the depth of the arena.
To manufacture the arm, these were the steps that we took:
1. Used the band saw to cut two surfaces of the 1” hollow aluminum stock off. A 1” part of the bar was left on top to allow the axle to fit through it. Then, using a 3/8” 2 flute in mill, we milled the slot along the side of the bar.
2. Used the ½” by ½” square aluminum stock to manufacture extendable arm. Using a mill, we milled the end of the rod to resemble a sharp pointed end (covered with tape so as not to damage the arena) so that it can get behind the balls with ease. Also, we drilled two holes that are 5” apart along the side of the bar. Using Epoxy glue, we glued the rack onto this arm.
3. Inserted screws through the slot on the constrained arm and the holes along the extendable arm. This will constrain the arm to move only along the direction of the slot.
4. Mounted an aluminum bracket to the side of the rod so that the arm and the rack and pinion holder and the arm can be attached tightly together. This is to ensure that the rack on the arm mesh with the pinion on the motor in the rack and pinion motor holder.
This is the arm assembly with the axle through it. Note the screw in the center connecting the arm to the axle. This is to allow the axle and the arm to rotate together, and it also holds the arm in position during the operation of the machine.
Future Objectives:
Now that we have completed out MCM and this arm, what's left if the assembling of the machine.
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