Welcome!

Hello, fellow Technic fans. The following images are from my Lego Summer Contest Entry (I think it was in 1995 or so).

This page sprouted from my Tri-Star Wheel Configuration entry, which I've gotten a request for diagrams. And I thought, this would be a great project for Technic fans on the 'net to tackle. Here was my entry, unfortunately the wheels aren't too clear:

About my contest entry


The Idea...

The following is are the pages from a Robotics book where I got the idea from. The book is called Robot Builder's Extravaganza, 99 Inexpensive Robotics Projects by Gordon McComb, ISBN 0-8306-2800-2, pages 149-152. If any pages are unreadable, let me know and I'll rescan them:

first page
second page
third page
fourth page

The following are my diagrams to create the Tri_Star Wheels with Lego Technic pieces. A few problems arose in the design, so any design modifications would be greatly appreciated!

diagram 1
diagram 2
diagram 3
diagram 4 - I feel like DaVinci..

Problems with design:
The main problem with the design is that the axle that interfaces with the drive shaft needs to be able to "slip" You can test this by rolling the unit over an obstruction. Notice how the axle stops turning, or slips backwards or frowards. Since the drive shaft gear is meshed into the bevel gear on the axle, it dosen't give any allowances for this slip. Now use your fingers to turn the axle and guide the unit over the obstruction. Unless the motor reverses directions, the unit will keep getting stuck in that same place.

One possible solution I thought of was instead of using a bevel gear on the axle, to use a differential. Unfortunately, I don't have the parts so I can't test my theory.


Technic Engineers meet the Challenge!

If you have a design or idea let me know what you come up with and I'll post it here. I used to frequent the Newsgroup, but haven't as of late, but that is also a good place to post your ideas.

khrome@eccentricus.net

The following are ideas sent to me on improving the Tri-Star design:


[ Home ]