-Is this the lightest way you can build an elevator?
I have some thoughts about making everything lighter, first off would be getting smaller bearings. But the rack and pinion style cascaded does seem lighter than the others because I don't have chain or require a bunch of pulleys.
-Is this the least resource intensive way for your team to build an elevator?
I did keep resources in mind while designing, for example most of it has angle iron rather than water-jet plates. But all of these parts are possible to make with our resources. I want remove some parts that are only there for support or spacing, but we'll see.
-Why is a rack and pinion setup better then a string and drum?
The first reason I dis it this way was because of a meeting I had with my designing team (Mechanical Section). On of my members suggested a rack and pinion rather than using the strings or chain. It was really a "shot in the dark" but I like how it is.
The second reason would be simplicity. Though some people will argue how simple this is, i believe it ia a simplier set up than a string and drum. This way the only moving parts is the gear on the rack, and the carraige (moved with belts), rather then having string or chain all through it.
-Will the channel of the middle stage deform being pushed on from the inside and outside by the inner stage and the rack and pinion?
Something I never really thought about. I will be doing stress analysis soon on it to find out.
-Is putting the motors up high on the elevator really the right place?
There is no other logical place to put them. If i had them at the bottom the gear would run off the pinion almost emediatly, and if i were to put it on the inside rail it would make me have to put more wires and there would then be more moving wires, which can get annoying.
-Will your roller brackets deform over time or when the inner/middle stage takes an impact?
Another thing I never thought of. Again I will do stress analysis on it soon. However I don't believe it will be an issue. Because there is so much contact space between the bearing set up and the bracket it will be tought to deform. Unless you're talking about where it mounts on the rail, and in that case it may be able to deform, but i dint think by a lot.
-Is using the motor as the front top middle stage container really a very good idea? If so could the motor be moved higher to improve your lever arm in the front containing the middle stage?
I think it's fine, but i am thinking of putting some bearings on there also. Im not sure what you mean for the second part.
-How is this going to be attached to the actual robot?
I'm going to add brackets to the back to help stabalize it and mounts to the bottom to mount onto a chassis.
-Is the single round crosspiece on the middle stage enough to keep it torsionally stiff?
Wasn't thinking of torssion. That brace was for the pulley, but now i realize i needto add strength there.
-Do you have a plan to closely control the motor and pinion relative to the rack? (spacing wise?)
I have it slotted at this moment, but should I consider doing something more??
Thanks for the questions, it really got me thinking about it
