pic: Madtown Marauders DT of DOOM-2

[Akash Rastogi]

Originally Posted by FourPenguins

Interesting idea. I'd love to see models of it (I can't make out some finer details in that render). I like the idea, but I'm seeing a few issues:
-See if you can figure out how to do this without motorizing the joint. This might be a case for pneumatics, but the ideal solution would be to design it in such a way that the natural action of the joint is to flex upward if you hit an obstacle. I'm not sure I can explain it better than that.
-Gear ratios. What's the ratio and, what kind of gears (material, pitch, etc).
-How long is this DT? Are you accounting for the scrub on the outer wheels? Seems like a good place for omnis.
-What's holding this thing together? Rivets? Screws? Welds?

I'll have more questions, but I'm afraid I'll start getting into minutia. Good Rev0. I can't wait to see Rev1.

Some things that we considered:

We wanted to keep weight down in case we actually decided to use this frame and considered the weight of the new control system (btw Ed, Mr. Marvin is not too happy about it). Pneumatics would have to include the compressor and tanks. Not knowing what restrictions in terms of size and weight will be placed this year, we wanted to stay conservative with the weight, thus the pneumatics were opted out for now. We figure that if we really want to add pneumatics then we can shave weight by lightening the frame and shaving off weight in other areas. As Craig helped us out in the design process, we learned to keep weight in mind as we designed and not at the end. In the end, the structural integrity won't be compromised for weight. Lightening and pneumatics can come later is what my main point is.

This frame is fully welded. Yes we need supports for the upper tier of the frame.

Btw one thing we're considering is hidden ball-casters. Not sure how to explain it right now but we'll have some more pics up later in the week.

For now...RC has finals, and I have NHS application =P Stupid school...