Retrieval Design

How It Works

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The retrieval system is responsible for getting the cooled can from the fridge,  transporting it to the top of the fridge and dropping it into the scoop of the catapult. The 8020 is mounted vertically along the sides of the fridge. At the top and bottom of the 8020 pieces, mounted bearings are installed for the steel drive shafts . This enables the rotation of the steel drive shafts while keeping them in the same horizontal position. Both the drive shafts have mounted sprockets which guide the two chains. On the lower drive shaft, a motor which rotates the drive shafts and powers the chains and sprockets is mounted. 

One of the links on each of the chains have been connected to the can carrier, allowing it to move vertically by controlling the motor. The screws that protrude from two sides of the can carrier ride in the groove of the 8020, ensuring that the movement of the can carrier is in only one plane. As the can carrier is pulled down, it pushes down on the protruding tabs of the fridge cover. The fridge cover rests on springs that were also placed within the 8020, ensuring that the springs could not bend and would only result in vertical motion of the can carrier. Not only does the fridge cover ensure that only one can is withdrawn from the fridge at a time, but it also keeps the fridge relatively insulated and the cans cooled. When the springs are fully compressed by the downward motion of the can carrier, the opening in the fridge is completely exposed. This allows the can that is resting on an incline inside the fridge to roll into the can carrier. The motor then pulls the can and can carrier to the top of the fridge and above the Delron spacer plates, as the springs uncompress and the fridge cover rises to cover the opening. The Delron plates which are mounted on top of the 8020 prevent the can from rolling out of the carrier before it gets to a height that is higher than the resting point of the cocked-back catapult scoop.