Hydraulics and Pneumatics

[Dark Sabre]

I took some pictures as I was doing it, so now you can see what I made on the Hydraulics Wiki.

[Flavorflav]

Why do risky things that could cost points?[/quote]

For fun? I can imagine a fairly simple system in which a motor turned a canister which holds a cartridge of compressed gas, forcing in onto a spike which is on the vented lid, around which fits the balloon. You can get the whole setup (minus motor and clamp) for a few bucks at a head shop - it's called a "cracker," and I won't tell you what the original purpose is to avoid giving anyone any ideas.

[cypressfalls Robert]

Simple example of a closed hydraulic/pneumatic system: two syringes attached tip to tip with fish tank tubing.

When you push down on one, the other extends. If the system is filled with fluid, then it is hydraulic. If it is filled with air, then it is pneumatic.

i found syringes hard to find until I stumbled upon meat flavor injectors which are syringes.

[cypressfalls Robert]

In the syrringe system , is it easier or harder for the syrringe to move with water inside it? (I'm just wondering because i have nothing inside my syrringes right now, other than air, and would probably wan't an opinion before I took apart the setup).

[binary010101]

I think water would respond faster.

Your syringes can't leak? That's a problem for us.

[cypressfalls Robert]

I think water would respond faster.

Your syringes can't leak? That's a problem for us.

I just tryed it and water actually slowed the syrringes down alot...they don't move with a 1KG weight on top , but with just air it moved perfectly
and yea they do leak a bit but only if they go on their side or someting, just keep them upright.

[Primate]

Hydraulics is technically more powerful, since water is non-compressible. With air, you'll get a little bit of play, due to the nature of gases. So in theory, you'd want to use hydraulics.

Of course, it's not that simple. Simply put, water is a mess. Unless you can invest in some decent syringes and tubing (with quality seals), it'll be leaking all over the place. Stick with pneumatics, and just design your device so the second syringe doesn't have to apply a whole lot of force. Popping a balloon is a good option, or you can have it push a switch to activate a circuit. Petco has cheap syringes and fishing tubing you can pick up for under $10.

[Paradox21]

I have 2 reasonable quality syringes and some very tight fitting aquarium tubing, and I have had them sitting in my Mission Possible for several weeks without any leaks.

[aubrey048]

I'm curious . . .
A) How can you use a syringe to help accomplish a MP task? Do you inject water out of it and propel the golf ball through a tube of PVC pipe? (Just an idea)
B) What kind of syringe is this? I used to have one of those that you inject glue into things with. Is that what you're talking about? (If so, I know you can purchase that kind online . . .)

[Dark Sabre]

A) Depends on what's pressurizing the syringe. If you have enough force, you can move objects. If you don't have much force, you can push switches. Or you can push switches even if you have a lot of force

If you have gone through the thread, you probably saw the link to my Hydraulics Wiki. That's what I did.