Designing a climbing mechanism for 2013... a humbling experience

[Pendulum^-1]

We think we have a solution. Of course, I thought that a few days ago, also.

The challenge is significant, the answers will probably be subtle adjustments to a solid concept. The biggest problems are initial docking (we want it to be simple, quick, robust, and tolerant of poor angles of approach), transitioning from level 1 to level 2 (once you have that, 2-3 is rinse and repeat), and getting all the way up to the top of level 3, so that you are totally above level 2.

Rolling off the post and flipping over backwards are certainly problems. CG will be critical in the climb.

And you must really double check all the geometries out.

Is it risky? Yes.
Is the risk worth the reward? We think so.