Lessons
...
Learned
- Tolerances in the manufactured joints and linkages add up
- When designing linkages, a trial-and-error approach can sometimes produce superior results to an analytical approach.
- Concentric cam shafts are easily misaligned under bending moment
- Vibrations cause nuts to unscrew. Thus, lock nuts should be used
- Hook design is critical for hooking and unhooking. The dynamics needs to be examined further.
- Joints built from screwing bolts through holes in linkages are sturdy and have little play in small scales.
Tips for Future Groups
- Don't assume that the motion of a system will perfectly match the simulated model.
- Make sure to check feasibility of design with quick prototypes
- Use laser cutters for quick and quality prototypes.
- Unless you can solve the issue of misalignment, do not build concentric cam shafts
- Use CAD or visualization strategy to make sure your parts are what you think they are before fabricating.
- Don't be afraid to try different designs.