Treadwell WED-15 droid build : Part 22

 

November 2023

Updates in this post:

• Articulated ‘arm 5 Claw’ - 3D printed.
• Painted up ‘arm 4’ - alternative version.
• Base lower angles cut........ (Jan 2024)
• Batteries......(TBC)
• Motors.........(TBC)
• Axle’s and bushes (Jan 2024)
• Electrical/electronics..........(TBC)
• Head box - transportation/storage (Dec 2023- Jan 2024)

Have been busy in the background and then delays, so a lot to get through.

Let's start WAAAAYYYYY back in November 2023, with the Arm 5 - Claw. I thought I had accurately drawn up the claw curvature and pivot point tab, but obviously I hadn't lol. After several attempts of 3D printing the internal piston push guide, with no luck on achieving the full movement of the claws, I re-looked at the pivot point tab. This was slightly further round than my original version, but had assumed that this wouldn't be such an issue...... well it was 😆😆😆

After some more editing of the files, I eventually achieved actuation:

YouTube video link to the CAD version.

Arm 4: alternative version.

Haven’t gotten around to painting yet.

Base lower angle:

January 2024

Have been trying to figure out the best way to cut the missing lower angles.

Eventually I decided to just have a go using my hand saw and cut free hand.

Marked ready to cut

The first cut, before moving the base up onto the bench to more easily cut the lower section off.

The finished cut. Just concentrate and let the saw blade do the work, don’t rush or force it. Both ends done. Next will be to fill in the openings.

Batteries:

Looked at getting four 6v ones, like how the original droid had, wired to give 24v. Cost was more than buying two 12v ones. Which would take up less space inside.

May still just go for a single 12v battery.

Motors:

Original idea was going to be either chain drive or belt, depending on which ones I can get. Looked at same motors used on R5, also at dual shaft motors, making the drives four wheel drive. (Two per side, for better drivability).

Leaning towards using universal joints to connect up the motors to the drive wheel axle’s.

Axle's and bushes:

Depending on the motors the axel numbers may vary. But I will need bushes for all. Looked at cost to buy, but will go with machining up my own to my specs.

Drive shaft axle’s will be dia 8 x 100 long steel.

Bushes will be Brass.

Machined up the first two drive axle bushes.

(January 2024: Working on another idea for locating the axles. Utilising the hex head bolts and 3D printed sockets)

Electrical/Electronics:

This is just a save up to buy the components process. Already have a receiver, sound board/speaker, just need a speed controller & battery.

December/January

Head box - transportation/storage

This was something needed, so I measured & sketched up a suitable size box, allowing for foam padding.

I’ve posted this as a separate project…….