The PhyzAI Super Lift Kit
The key to success with the Super Lift is the components and how they work with each other. It is imperative that every team receive exactly the same components and that those components perform as desired. Some components are designed to break if too much pressure is applied. This is not a mistake but a real world engineering consideration. Stronger is not always better.
A detailed kit component and construction guide is available on the PhyzAI.com website.
1 – 20×20 Challenge Base with area markings and 3 construction anchor points.
1 – One pound metal weight / Canon Ballet Weight type
3 – Sets of two water filled 12ml Syringes, with 18 inch of 1/4 inch tube, and wooden screw points.
1 – Set of Structure Arms including four each 16, 10, 7.5, 5.25, and 4 inch Arms (0.2 inch plywood)
1 – Piece of nylon utility string no longer than 50 feet.
4 – Metal Sewing Machine Bobbins
12 – 2.5 inch #8 inch screws, each with 2 metal washers and one standard nut
18 – 1 inch #8 inch screws, each with 2 metal washers and one standard nut
The base components of the kit are cut from .2 (1/5) inch plywood. This material can be purchased at most chain hardware stores under the name of “Hardwood Plywood Underlayment Specialty” and comes in various sizes. To make one kit a 2×4 foot section will provide more than enough lumber. If you are using a laser engraver a 4×8 foot piece will provide up to five kits.
Cutting plans for the components (Base, arms, connectors, and syringe adaptors) can be found here.
Simple wood glue (also available at all hardware stores) works best for connecting components such as actuator adaptors and base anchors. Yes, there are better options to use for wood or even plastic that would “last longer” but part of the challenge is to work within the means of the materials. if wooden components are being broken, the design should be looked at before the material.
Hydraulic Actuators: Each kit requires 3 sets. A set is two 12ml plastic syringes connected by 14-20 inches of ¼ inch plastic tube secured to the custom wood fixtures with zip ties. The syringe can be purchased online from many locations the “Syringe Only – Luer Lock Syringe Tip (No Needle)” work the best as the tube will lock in with a twist
The four pieces of the actuator connection should be glued and allowed to dry before zip tying them to the Syringe. Also remember that hose ends will pop out with too much pressure, that is a good thing, not a flaw. If you have to press that hard, the design needs to be retaught.
All screws and nuts: All hardware are Standard #8 size. Each kit requires
12 x 2.5 in #8 inch screws,
18 x 1 in in #8 inch screws
20 x #8 metal flat washers
30 x #8 standard metal nut
Pullies: Each kit requires four pullies, we use standard sewing machine bobbins. Metal Sewing Machine Bobbins are available online and at most sewing/craft stores.
String: 20 feet of standard nylon string.
Payload weight. Each kit requires a single 1 lb weight that has a flat bottom, is no more than 2 inches tall, and can have a single balanced tie point. While there are a lot of options the 1 lb fishing weight, cannon ball style is the best, though not the cheapest. Long bolts do not work as they are shaped wrong. We have had great success with LARGE industrial nuts from construction and salvage shops.
Things to remember about building your own kits. As long as all teams are using the exact same setup there is a good bit of flexibility.