Construction Methods and Strategies
The construction face was initiated at the beginning of winter term. Due to the simplicity of the drivetrain system, there were only a total of six parts fabricated. All parts belonged to the motor housing, differential housing, Driveshaft, and Driveshaft support columns. The differential housing utilized a 3D printer while the motor housing required use of a band saw, drill press and dye to shape the aluminum into the housing geometry. The driveshaft fabrication required extensive use of the lathe and mill.
Figure 1: Drawing Tree
Construction Images
Driveshaft and Driveshaft Support Columns.
The Driveshaft was machined out of an 8mm aluminum shaft. The lathe and mill were used primarily for its fabrication. Both support columns utilized the MakerBots available in Hogue Hall.
Differential Housing
Both sections of the Differential Housing were 3D printed using the Makerbots available in Hogue Hall. The Spur Gear will sit inside of the housing while the bearing for the outdrive cups will sit in the slots on each side of the housing. This part will eventually be fastened to the base of the chassis.
Motor Mount
This portion of the motor housing was 3D printed utilizing the Makerbots available in Hogue Hall. The purpose of this component is to raise the motor to the correct height so that the pinion meshes correctly with the spur gear in the diff housing. The other purpose if to prevent horizontal movement in the "y" direction.
Motor Bracket
The "top" of the motor housing was machined out of a raw aluminum plate. The material was cut with a bandsaw, shaped using a dye and vise, and eventually had holes made for fasteners using the drill press. All of this was completed in the hogue hall machine lab. The purpose of this component is to prevent translation of the motor in the "z" and "x" direction.
The aluminum for the motor housing being cut from the raw plate.
This is one of the Makerbot 3D printers printing the base and rear of the motor housing.